Kentucky Derby 2014 Contenders – New Year’s Day Comes Early

Photo: Eclipse Sportswire - Alex Evers

It was a big day for my Kentucky Derby 2014 contenders in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, November 2.

Three of my original exceptional eleven Derby contenders competed in the BC Juvenile, and they took down the top three spots.

New Year’s Day rose to the occasion for Bob Baffert, coming off a layoff and running down G1 Champagne hero Havana. They both finished in front of front runner Strong Mandate.

New Year’s Day owns a promising pedigree and might have the most potential. Havana has a ton of raw talent but might have distance limitations. D. Wayne Lukas will give Strong Mandate every opportunity to make the Derby starting gate.

The winning 2013 BC Juvenile BSF was a respectable 88. Last year’s Juvenile was a negative prep. The 2011 BC Juvenile was a key race. The 2013 edition probably falls somewhere in between.

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