Colonel John Gets Best Eleven No.1

Posted by BarbaraAnne Helberg Apr 15, 2008

Colonel John -- Mr. Steady -- is my new No.1 on my Best Eleven list headed for the Kentucky Derby.

Although Pyro and War Pass lead 1-2 in earnings, they both raised doubts with their last races, while steady on the Kentucky Derby trail is Colonel John. Winning both the Sham Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby, trained by Eoin Harty for WinStar Farms, LLC, Colonel John is a Tiznow colt out of Sweet Damsel by Turkoman.

Gayego, with high marks in the early season, had to regain his form, and it looks as though he has. He won the Arkansas Derby this month, the San Pedro Stakes in February, and pushed Georgie Boy for second in the March San Felipe Stakes. He's my No.2 choice this week.

The Pyro--War Pass battle has ceased, with War Pass -- temporarily, at least -- holding a slight edge in wins. The Juvenile champion has lost twice, fading to last in the Tampa Bay Derby and hanging on for second place in the Wood Memorial after gassing himself out in early madcap fractions. Tale of Ekati took him in the final strides with impressive movement in the lane. And Barclay Tagg's Tale is my No.3, with (presently) 4th place earnings.

Big Brown, a thunderous victor in three outings, and Big Truck, who trounced War Pass in the Tampa Bay Derby, both have the money down, and Michael Matz trained Visionaire is still on my mind. They are No.4, No.5, and No.6 this week.

Check out my next blog for No.7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.