Kentucky Derby 2018 Daily: An early look at final prep fields

Welcome to Horse Racing Nation’s Kentucky Derby Daily, which will each day leading up to the May 5 race at Churchill Downs detail all the news and notes related to contenders in one convenient space.

And then there were two.

Only a pair of 2018 Kentucky Derby preps remain before we set the 20 contenders qualified to run May 5 at Churchill Downs.

As of Sunday, Oaklawn’s publicity department lists a compact but talented bunch for the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.

The group is led by Magnum Moon, who’s already Derby qualified by way of his Rebel Stakes (G2) victory. Solomini was second in that race and just needs to hit the board again. Combatant has also run competitively three times on the Derby trail, while Title Ready and Tenfold, should they go, are both interesting up-and-comers from the Steve Asmussen barn.

The Arkansas Derby pays out qualifying points on a 100-40-20-10 scale to the Top 4. Here's a look at probables:

For once, Keeneland’s Grade 3 Lexington Stakes could have a major impact on the Derby trail, and that’s because trainer Keith Desormeaux has selected it as a final — and, essentially extra — prep for My Boy Jack.

The Southwest Stakes (G3) winner came back to finish a close third in the Louisiana Derby (G2). Most years on the trail, his 32 points would be enough to qualify. But it’s possible not even 40 guarantees a spot at Churchill Downs in 2018.

The Lexington awards points on a 20-8-4-2 scale to the Top 4. Here's a look at probables:

Justify ‘looks good’ after smashing win

The early reviews for Justify’s Santa Anita Derby victory over Bolt d’Oro were overwhelmingly positive, with his 114 Brisnet Speed Rating not just the year’s fastest Kentucky Derby prep, but the fastest since the points era began for the 2013 running.

He was faster than California Chrome. And American Pharoah. And connections think Justify can get better with just three career starts so far.

“He’s still learning how to run, still a little green,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “He was out there (on the lead) by himself, looking at everything, taking it all in, but I like the way he responded when Bolt made that run at him.”

Mick Ruis, owner and trainer of Bolt d’Oro, said the multiple Grade 1 winner suffered a minor cut but otherwise came out of his race fine.

“There was a little blood by his front quarter on the right side,” Ruis said. “We washed it off and checked it out. It was like getting a splinter. No flesh came off, nothing like that. It just opened up a bit and in three days you won’t even know it’s there.”

So for both, it’s on to Churchill Downs.

As for Saturday’s other winners, the updates:

• Brown sets Good Magic on familiar course

• Pletcher still forming plans for Vino Rosso

Derby links

• Enticed, recipient of some late-race bumps in the Wood Memorial, will go on to the Kentucky Derby no worse for the wear. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin explained shipping and training plans for his prospect.

• Flameaway is headed to Churchill Downs — that’s what trainer Mark Casse means when he says “home” — off a runner-up to Good Magic in the Blue Grass Stakes. Said Casse of the gritty colt: “You’ve got to love him.”

• As Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager wound down, we found quite a bit of value in one horse that hasn’t run in his major final prep. Get the argument in favor of Solomini, especially at 29-1 odds.

In case you missed it…

Get the scoop with recent editions of the Derby Daily Report!

Saturday | Friday | Thursday | Wednesday | Tuesday