Kentucky Derby 2016 Prep Season Awards
There are less than three weeks until Kentucky Derby 2016! Where did the time go? From questioning the talent of Nyquist in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile to questioning the ability of Nyquist to get the Kentucky Derby distance, we certainly have come a long way. At the start of 2016, I predicted a chaotic road to Louisville. While chaos did not reign supreme, we certainly had our share of surprises and bumps along the way. In fact, three weeks out and I still have not zeroed in on “my Derby horse.”
We’ve seen the rise (and fall) of horses like Danzing Candy, Airoforce, and Shagaf. Plus we’ve been surprised by big price winners like Oscar Nominated and Creator. Unlike 2015, no single horse truly dominated all three preps at a single track. Oaklawn saw three different winners as did Santa Anita. It has been an entertaining ride and we are in the home stretch, so let’s hand out some awards.
Most Impressive Win: Exaggerator in Santa Anita Derby
Was it the off track? Was it the early fractions? Was it a weak field? Who cares, his mid-race move was impressive! It literally looked like Exaggerator was flying, setting him up to gallop home with ease. He earned a Beyer figure of 103 and a lot of respect in that effort. Sure, I may be exaggerating his effort, but I really liked what I saw from this son of Curlin!
Best Supporting Actor: Steve Asmussen
Who would have thought that Steve Asmussen would have two legitimate contenders heading to Louisville? Gun Runner and Creator flew under the radar at the beginning of the season, but both made strong statements in their most recent starts. Winning the Louisiana Derby and Arkansas Derby in the same year is no easy task. Asmussen has yet to win the big race, but has a powerful duo in his arsenal this go around. Now he just needs to get a haircut!
Biggest Surprise: Nyquist
I’ll come right and say it, I was one of the doubters. Each time the distance increased, my confidence in him decreased, which always left me looking like a fool. His effort in the Florida Derby surprised me, in a good way. I am now a believer! Nyquist has all the makings of a superstar and is getting better with each start. The sky is the limit for this guy, never would have said that six months ago!
Biggest Letdown: Greenpointcrusader
What happened to Greenpointcrusader? This son of Bernardini entered the trail with high expectations. He was my pick in the Juvenile last fall, but finished seventh. He finished second in the Holy Bull and seemed to be headed in the right direction; however he followed it up with another poor showing the Louisiana Derby. His schedule was just funky this year and I think that two month gap really hurt him. Now they say he has an ankle chip. I’ll be interested to see what he does on his return, perhaps he is better suited for the sprinting distance.
Best Race: Tampa Bay Derby
This was one of the most exciting finishes of the entire season with Destin and Outwork battling right much of the stretch. Usually the Kentucky Derby is the only race to feature the winner of the Wood Memorial, Tampa Bay Derby, and Blue Grass Stakes, but not this year. I can’t wait to see a rematch between Destin, Outwork and a rapidly improving Brody’s Cause in just three short weeks!