McLean: Validation in my 2019 Kentucky Derby rankings

There was some mixing and matching of the top horses in The Pressbox’s 2019 Kentucky Derby rankings this week. The biggest reason for the tussle for the top came before, during and after the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2).

For the past several weeks, we have touted the emergence of Bourbon War, a Tapit colt trained by the affable and credible Mark Hennig.

We noted his victory on debut last year. We called attention to his fourth-place finish in the Remsen Stakes (G2) to end the 2018 campaign, remarking that it was much better than it looked. And we blared about Bourbon War’s impressive win in an allowance event at Gulfstream Park to start his 3-year-old season.

In short, we have gone long on Bourbon War. Just think that he is a horse getting better and better and that he should be considered a real contender on this year’s Kentucky Derby road.

On Saturday, Bourbon War ran second to W. S. Farish’s Code of Honor, another very talented runner who has had his share of setbacks and stumbles over the past few months. But truth be known?

For my money, the most impressive runner was none other than Bourbon War. He fell off a rather strong pace and found himself wide throughout much of the race. In fact, at one time, he was six wide as he started to make his run in and out of the final turn. At the wire, though, he was beaten less than a length, and a few strides after the real running was over, the son of Tapit had swooped past them all.

He was impressive.

As in, very impressive.

And, as a result, he vaults to No. 6 in our Kentucky Derby Rankings. Some will say that lofty position is too exaggerated and too optimistic.

I will say exactly what I have written the past three editions: of all the horses that are making a splash and a run into consideration, this Bourbon War may be the best.

I stay bullish.

As for Code of Honor, I liked this horse going into the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. But due to a fever, he was scratched the day of the race. And that was just the beginning.

Code of Honor schooled to run next in the Remsen Stakes. Once again, he didn't go.

Then, there was some speculation where this son of Noble Mission would appear after a dull fourth in the Jan. 5 Mucho Macho Man Stakes.

He showed up Saturday. And, he really showed up.

Code of Honor got a perfect trip courtesy of Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez, and the horse did the rest — running down the speedsters and running away from everyone else other than Bourbon War.

As a result, Code of Honor jumped from the list of the unranked to No. 11. A hefty jump. A spirited lift. We shall see if he warrants such a move in the weeks to come as he moves on to a  final prep race.

My questions are still many for Code of Honor, though. The biggest just may be the horse’s sire, Noble Mission.

Noble Mission certainly has the pedigree. He is he son of the great Galileo. His mom, Kind, is by the great stallion Danehill. That makes him a full brother to a horse that you may have heard of — Frankel.

Noble Mission certainly could run, too. He was a three-time Group 1 winner in Europe, and finished his brilliant racing career with a win in the Champion Stakes (G2).

And, Noble Mission could certainly get the distance. After all, he won at 1 1/2 miles on more than one occasion.

But, isn’t this supposed to be a pedigree built for the grass. Just like our No. 2 pick — War of Will — isn’t Code of Honor supposed to be better suited for sod?

Well, we shall see as we see more.

The biggest “droppers” this week:

Start with Signalman, who was a non-impactful seventh in the Fountain of Youth. He fell behind his stablemate Harvey Wallbanger after that performance on Saturday. Signalman goes to No. 18 on the rankings, just a slot behind the over-hyped and over-bet Hidden Scroll. Hidden Scroll ran fourth after setting spirited fractions in the early going, but the real questions still are unsolved. Does this speedster have the endurance to last? Does he have the experience to rate? Can he catch up enough to learn before the Big Day?

You may say that Justify did it a year ago.

I would say that it took 135 years to break the “Apollo Curse.” And, it may take another 135 to do it again.

We have another big week on tap even with the Game Winner vs. Improbable matchup in the San Felipe (G2) apparently off, at least for now. West Coast flair will still exist in Aqueduct's Gotham Stakes (G3) with trainer Jerry Hollendorfer having announced that he would be sending his outstanding and undefeated 3-year-old Instagrand to New York for this event.

Since the first day he stopped hoof on the dirt in California, Instagrand has been proclaimed as the “Next Coming.” Well, we know now where the next time to view the “Next Coming.” And, we all will get to see if the anointed one will take a giant step forward, or suddenly become the “Next Going.”

In addition, the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) will award enough points for a Derby entrant to lock himself in, and Turfway Park will host its’ lone major race of the Winter Meet — the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3). Yes, it is spelled right. The naming rights were sold to a restauranteur who specializes in the meaty treat.

It will be interesting to see who turns up for this two-turn event, which will be contested over the Polytrack. It has been a long time since the winner of this one has had any impact on the Triple Crown trail, but you will remember that Animal Kingdom did come through this route.

Interesting week ahead.

Sure to be full of drama.

Can’t wait.

Now, to the rankings...