Kentucky Derby 2017: New York’s Contenders IV (The Gotham)

The old adage, “pace makes the race”, could not have been more evident than in the Gotham (G3) on Saturday at Aqueduct. El Areeb, who had won the two previous New York stops on the 2017 Kentucky Derby Trail, used questionable strategy and got stuck in a speed duel with True Timber. The improving Dale Romans runner, J Boys Echo was the big benefactor of the battle on the front end, when he swept to the lead after sitting in fourth position in the early going. The race earned a big Beyer Speed Figure of 102, which in part was due to the speedy early fractions.

I certainl did not expect El Areeb to gun to the lead, especially after his success in his last two races when he relaxed in a stalking position and made a strong move to easily win those races. J Boys Echo looked great in victory, but I am not willing to dismiss El Areeb as a horse with a future.

With the first Saturday in March passed, it is only two months until the Run for the Roses and the Derby picture is not getting any clearer. The early headliners in McCraken and Classic Empire have had recent problems pop up, and the horses, that had an impact on the track like Irish War Cry and El Areeb, have come up short.

The Latest New York Top 10 + 2

At this point on the Road to the Derby, at least five horses have enough points to make the field of the Run for the Roses and they are all represented on the latest Top 10 of New York Contenders.

1) *Gunnevera

2) *J Boys Echo

3) *Classic Empire

4) One Liner

5) *Practical Joke

6) Tapwrit

7) Battalion Runner

8) Always Dreaming

9) *El Areeb

10) Cloud Computing

11) Third Day

12) Malagacy

* = Enough Derby points to get in the field of 20

The New York Contenders list has been trimmed significantly. All horses that have earned Derby points are still there, although it has been noted when they are no longer being aimed for the Kentucky Derby. The most recent Future Wager odds are also included.

Derby Point Winners

Gunnevera (Uncle Mo) KY

KEESEP15 $16,000

8: 4-2-0 $1,075,200 

Owner: Peacock Racing Stables

Trainer: Antonio Sano

Jockey: Javier Castellano

1^st Fountain of Youth (G2) – BSF 97

2^nd Holy Bull (G2) – BSF 91

1^st Delta Jackpot (G3) – BSF 87

5^th Breeders’ Futurity (G1) – BSF 76

1^st Saratoga Special (G2) – BSF 84

1^st MSW Gulfstream – BSF 56

4^th Birdonthewire – BSF 59

2^nd MSW Gulfstream Park – BSF 65  

64 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#1)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: 22-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: 24-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: 22-1

NEXT: Florida Derby – April 1

J Boys Echo (Mineshaft) KY

KEESEP15 $485,000

5: 2-1-1 $299,600

Trainer: Dale Romans

Jockey: Robby Albarado

1^st Gotham (G3) – BSF 102

3^rd Withers (G3) – BSF 84

4^th Delta Jackpot (G3) – BSF 70

1^st MSW – Keeneland – BSF 75

2^nd MSW – Churchill Downs – BSF 61

53 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#2)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

Practical Joke (Into Mischief) KY

KEESEP15 $240,000

5: 3-1-1 $815,800 

Owner: Klaravich Stables and William Lawrence

Trainer: Chad Brown

Jockey: Jose Ortiz

2^nd Fountain of Youth (G2) – BSF 88

3^rd Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) – BSF 90

1^st Champagne (G1) – BSF 88

1^st Hopeful (G1) – BSF 85

1^st MSW Saratoga – BSF 83

34 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#4)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: 26-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: 20-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: 19-1

Classic Empire (Pioneerof the Nile) KY

KEESEP15 $475,000

6: 4-0-1 $1,520,220 

Owner: John Oxley

Trainer: Mark Casse

Jockey: Julien Leparoux

3^rd Holy Bull (G2) – BSF 83

1^st Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – BSF 102

1^st Breeders’ Futurity (G1) – BSF 88

DNF Hopeful (G1) - DNF

1^st Bashford Manor (G3) – BSF 87

1^st MSW Churchill Downs – BSF 55

32 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#5)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: 6-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: 5-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: 11-1

NEXT: Blue Grass - April 4

El Areeb (Exchange Rate) KY

OBSAPR16 $340,000

7: 4-1-1 $364,200 

Owner: M G M Stables

Trainer: Cathal Lynch

Jockey: Trevor McCarthy

3^rd Gotham (G3) – BSF 84

1^st Withers (G3) – BSF 92

1^st Jerome (G3) – BSF 91

1^st JF Lewis – BSF 94

1^st MSW – Laurel – BSF 82

2^nd MSW – Laurel – BSF 49

4^th MSW – Parx – BSF 43

30 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#6)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: 32-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: 20-1

Cloud Computing (Maclean’s Music) KY

KEESEP15 $200,000

2: 1-1-0 $96,000

Owner: Klaravich Stables and William H. Lawrence

Trainer: Chad Brown

Jockey: Manny Franco

2^nd Gotham (G3) – BSF 96

1^st MSW Aqueduct  – BSF 82

20 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#10)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

One Liner (Into Mischief) KY

KEEJAN15 $150,000

3: 3-0-0 $373,800

Owner: Win Star, China Horse Club, SF Racing

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: John Velazquez

1^st Southwest (G3) – BSF 102

1^st Allowance Gulfstream – BSF 87

1^st MSW Saratoga – BSF 72

10 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#14)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: 22-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: 12-1

Mo Town (Uncle Mo) KY

KEESEP15 $200,000

3: 2-1-0 $243,600 

Owner: Team D and Magnier, Tabor, Smith

Trainer: Anthony Dutrow

Jockey: John Velazquez

5^th Risen Star (G2) – BSF 77

1^st Remsen (G2) – BSF 86

1^st MSW Belmont Park – BSF 84                                                            

2^nd MSW Saratoga – BSF 76

10 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#17)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: 12-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: 15-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: 27-1

True Timber (Mineshaft) KY

KEENOV14 $170,000

5: 1-1-1 $111,800

Owner: Calumet Farm

Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin

Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche

5^th Gotham (G3) – BSF 81

2^nd Withers (G3) – BSF 85

3^rd Jerome (G3) – BSF 72

1^st MSW Aqueduct – BSF 70                              

5^th MSW Aqueduct – BSF 61

6 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#24)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

No Dozing (Union Rags) KY

5: 2-1-0 $133,340 

Owner: Lael Stables

Trainer: Arnaud Delacour

Jockey: Daniel Centeno

6^th Sam F. Davis (G3) – BSF 79

2^nd Remsen (G2) – BSF 82

4^th Breeders’ Futurity (G1) – BSF 81

1^st AlwOC50 Laurel – BSF 69

1^st MSW Delaware Park – BSF 72

5 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#26)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: 40-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: 38-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

NEXT: Tampa Bay Derby (G2) - March 11

Bonus Points (Majestic Warrior) MD

EASOCT15 $35,000

7: 1-2-2 $129,150 

Owner: Three Diamonds

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Manny Franco

4^th Withers (G3) – BSF 80

2^nd Jerome (G3) – BSF 73

2^nd Maryland Juvenile Futurity (MD) – BSF 71

3^rd Awad Belmont – BSF 62

1^st MSW Belmont – BSF 73

4^th MSW Saratoga TURF – BSF 58

5 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#27)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

Action Everyday (The Factor) KY

EASMAY16 $400,000

2: 2-0-0 $23,400

Owner: St. Elias Stable

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Jesus Castanon

4^th Gotham (G3) – BSF 83

1^st Allowance – Tampa Bay (1 mile 40) – BSF 76

1^st MSW Tampa Bay (7F) – BSF 82

5 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#28)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

Syndergaard (Majesticperfection) KY

OBSAPR16 $450,000

4: 2-1-0 $323,800 

Owner: Eric Fein and others

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: John Velazquez

5^th Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) – BSF 81

2^nd Champagne (G1) – BSF 88

1^st Funny Cide (NY) – BSF 90

1^st MSW (NY) Saratoga – BSF 86

4 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (NA)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: 43-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

NOT ON THE DERBY TRAIL

Tapwrit (Tapit)

FTSAUG15 $1,200,000

4: 2-1-0 $103,902 

Owner: Bridlewood, Eclipse Thoroughbreds, Robert LaPenta

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Jose Ortiz

2^nd Sam F. Davis (G3) – BSF 93

1^st Pulpit Gulfstream Park – BSF 80

1^st MSW Gulfstream Park West – BSF 70

10^th MSW Saratoga – BSF 36

4 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#31)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: 22-1

NEXT: Tampa Bay Derby - March 11

Favorable Outcome (Flatter) KY

OBSAPR16 $300,000

4: 2-0-1 $222,560 

Owner: Klaravich Stables and William H. Lawrence

Trainer: Chad Brown

Jockey: Irad Ortiz

1^st Swale (G2) – BSF 94

13^th Breeders’ Cup Juvenile TURF – BSF 74

3^rd Champagne (G1) – BSF 78

1^st MSW Saratoga – BSF 88

2 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (NA)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

NOT ON DERBY TRAIL

Takaful (Bernardini) KY

4: 1-0-1 $80,500 

Owner: Shadwell Stable

Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin

Jockey: Jose Ortiz

8^th Fountain of Youth – BSF 55

7^th Jerome (G3) – BSF 29

3^rd Remsen (G2) – BSF 77

1^st MSW Aqueduct – BSF 92

2 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#36)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: 37-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

Win With Pride (Distorted Humor)

KEESEP15 $450,000

4: 1-0-1 $60,000

Owner: Repole and St. Elias

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Irad Ortiz

4^th Jerome (G3) – BSF 70

4^th Remsen (G2) – BSF 77

1^st MSW Parx – BSF 61

3^rd MSW Belmont – BSF 54

2 Road to Kentucky Derby Points (#37)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

Stakes Winners with No Derby Points

Third Day (Bernardini) KY

KEESEP15 $150,000

OBSMAR16 $575,000

2: 2-0-0 $62,850

Owner: Spendthrift, Town and Country

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: John Velazquez

1^st Just One More – 1 mile - Gulfstream – BSF 88

1^st MSW Monmouth Park – BSF 71

0 Road to Kentucky Derby Points

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

NEXT: Florida Derby (G1) – April 1

Non-Stakes Winners

Battalion Runner (Unbridled’s Song) KY

KEESEP15 $700,000

3: 2-1-0 $60,600

Owner: St. Elias Stable

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: John Velazquez

1^st Allowance Gulfstream – BSF 91

1^st MSW Gulfstream Park – BSF 96

2^nd MSW Belmont Park – BSF 76

0 Road to Kentucky Derby Points

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: 22-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: 34-1

NEXT: Florida Derby (G1) - April 1

Always Dreaming (Bodemeister) KY

KEESEP15 $350,000

4: 2-1-1 $59,900

Owner: St. Elias Stable, Viola Racing, MeB Racing

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: John Velazquez

1^st Allowance Gulfstream (1 1/8) – BSF 71

1^st MSW Tampa Bay (1 mi. 40) by 11 lengths – BSF 85

2^nd MSW Saratoga – BSF 88

3^rd MSW Belmont Park – BSF 59

0 Road to Kentucky Derby Points

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1

Malagacy (Shackleford) KY

KEENOV14 $45,000

OBSAUG15 $130,000

EASMay16 $190,000

2: 2-0-0 $46,800

Owner: Sumaya US Stable

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Javier Castellano

1^st Allowance Gulfstream (by 7 lengths) – BSF 103

1^st MSW Gulfstream (by 15 lengths) – BSF 89

0 Road to Kentucky Derby Points

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: Mutuel Field 5-2

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: 53-1

Faja (Bodemeister) KY

1: 1-0-0 $21,600

Owner: Harrell Ventures LLC

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Javier Castellano

1^st MSW Gulfstream (1 mile) – BSF 80

0 Road to Kentucky Derby Points

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1: Mutuel Field 6/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2: 56-1

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3: Mutuel Field 5-1