Kentucky Derby Picks 2006 - Top 15 Kentucky Derby Contenders as of April 2, 2006
by Ultimatecapper.com Horse Handicapper Kenneth Strong
1. Lawyer Ron - Showed he could come from off the pace when he powered away from his field in the Rebel Stakes.
2. Brother Derek - Currently best in California but who has he been beating up on. Next race will tell.
3. Barbaro - Perfect 5-for-5 lifetime after very game win over Sharp Humor in the Florida Derby.
4. Discreet Cat - Impressive win over some top European runners in the U.A.E. Derby may put him back on the Derby trail.
5. A.P Warrior - New trainer John Shirreffs appears to have found the key with big free running San Felipe win.
6. Point Determined - Solid try in San Felipe was only good enough for second money.
7. Bluegrass Cat - Second best in Tampa Bay Derby against suspect competition but did have a wide trip.
8. Deputy Glitters - Gotham win from just off the pace gives him a chance. Trainer Tom Albertrani helps too.
9. Keyed Entry - Gave his best in Gotham to finish second but did not appear to like coming from off the pace.
10. Cause To Believe - Impressive beating nothing in California Derby. Running style would suit a speed-laden Derby.
11. Bob and John - Hung in the stretch as the favorite in the San Felipe and needs to improve in next.
12. Private Vow - Came up short in Rebel Stakes, his first start of the year. Needs a big move forward in next.
13. First Samurai - Always tries but doesn't appear to want the Kentucky Derby distance of a mile and quarter.
14. Sharp Humor - Extremely game in Florida Derby loss, but running style could hurt him in Kentucky Derby. Can you say Preakness?
15. With A City - Lane's End winner deserves a mention, even if he will be 70-1 or higher.
Upcoming 2006 Kentucky Derby Prep Races
April 8 - Santa Anita - Santa Anita Derby-G1 - 1 1/8m
April 8 - Hawthorne Racecourse - Illinois Derby-G2 - 1 1/8m
April 8 - Aqueduct - Wood Memorial-G1 - 1 1/8m
April 15 - Oaklawn Park - Arkansas Derby-G2 - 1 1/8m
April 15 - Keeneland - Blue Grass Stakes-G1 - 1 1/8m
April 22 - Keeneland - Lexington Stakes-G2 - 1 1/16m
April 29 - Aqueduct - Withers Stakes-G3 - 1m
April 29 - Churchill Downs - Derby Trial-G3 - 1m
May 6 - Churchill Downs - Kentucky Derby-G1 - 1 1/4m