So here we go! The first Power Rankings for the 2013 Derby season are upon us. This weeks lists will be five horses each with honorable mentions (there will be two HM's per week, expanding to four in March). In March, the Derby list will go to eight and the Oaks list to seven. Finally in April, both lists will expand to 10. Also there are no trainers listed for this week, but that will also change next week. These lists may seem to be a little out there, but honestly this is just how I feel. Next weeks should be better. Without further adieu, here are this weeks lists.
1. Princess of Sylmar (Majestic Warrior): Although New York winters have not been very strong for either boys or girls lately, she could change it all. Her owner did say to the DRF that her main goal for the year is the Alabama and she might not go in the Oaks. However with Kauai Kate and Excutivepriviledge having distance limitations, and Beholder possibly following in that same the Oaks trail is wide open. Her trainer has a big chance to sweep the Oaks and Derby, but only if she goes.
2. Pure Fun (Pure Prize): There are two reasons why she is not my #1, the first is I haven't had the time to see her races (which will change after I put up her post) and the second is I have no clue where she is heading. What I do know is that she has a win at Churchill which is big and she defeated Excutivepriviledge in the Hollywood Starlet.
3. Sister Ginger (Student Council): Handed Rose to Gold a loss in yesterday's Martha Washington. As strong as the Oaklawn preps have been for the boys, they might be even stronger for the girls despite the Fantasy getting a downgrade in grading for 2013. 2008-2010 the winners of that race has won the Oaks, Preakness, finished second in the Derby, Woodward, Haskell, Alabama and 2 Three Year Old filly championships (Eight Belles, Rachel Alexandra and Blind Luck). Her trainer knows the Oaklawn preps well, so I assume that's where she will remain.
4. Fiftyshadesofhay (Pulpit): Winner of the Santa Ysabel in her last. Connections no strangers to the big dance. Her sire has one of the hottest sires around in Tapit, plus her dam is by one of the most popular Derby winners of the 90's. Granted her race was lacking, but the next race should have better quality company.
Honorable Mention
Flashy Gray (Flashy Bull): Formally owned by breeder of Rachel Alexandra, she won today for her new connections West Point. No stakes experience yet, but this new format might put her at an advantage then a disadvantage.
Dawn's Charm (Hard Spun): Even though she finished third in the Santa Ynez, she almost held off Beholder. From a personal standpoint, I'm hoping that she can suprise people and do well on the trail.
1. Itsmyluckyday (Lawyer Ron): Broke the track record when defeating Shanghai Bobby in the Holy Bull. The FL Derby could be a barn burner. Will be interesting how much he progresses.
2. Revolutionary (War Pass): It wasn't how he won the Withers, it was the way he did it. In theory he ran possibly the best prep race imaginable. The biggest question is, can he keep up the pressure. His trainer has been loaded before and not done well, I'm hoping this is not the case again.
3. Flashback (Tapit): His full sister Zazu was the runner up in the 2011 Oaks. One of the biggest problems with Tapit foals though is that they have a problem staying sound. The Robert Lewis which he won in his last however produced last year's Derby champ. Will be interesting where he goes.
4. Violence (Medagalia d' Oro): Name aside, this horse hasn't done anything wrong in his three starts. My biggest concern is that his sire's best foals have been fillies. This colt might be the one to change it all.
5. Oxbow (Awesome Again): Even though the Louisiana route has been ice cold lately, the resurgence of his trainer is a big help. Winner of the Lacomte, he hails from the female family of last years Belmont runner up (Paynter's dam and his dam are full sisters). We know that horse has just as much heart off the track as he does on it.
Honorable Mention
Verrazano (More Than Ready): Last year Bodemeister almost became the first horse to win the Derby without racing at 2 since Apollo. Guess who didn't race at two, this guy! While he is 2 for 2 in his career, I just hope he doesn't sour on the Derby trail.
Will Take Charge (Unbridled's Song): I tried everything in my best interest to avoid putting him on this list due to UBS not being the soundest in the world. However, he's been running at the right track and hopefully is heading in the right direction.
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