Final Call to Post Kentucky Derby Best Eleven

Barbara Anne Helberg, Barbara Anne Helberg

Posted by
BarbaraAnne Helberg
Apr 30, 2009

How about Dunkirk? He was eyeballed off by Quality Road in the final furlong of the Florida Derby. Without Quality Road in Saturday's race at Churchill Downs, will the son of Unbridled's Song step into a more confident stretch run? He may be trainer Todd Pletcher's strongest candidate in years. Pioneerof The Nile and I Want Revenge will be the top choices. Can I Want Revenge repeat his huge Wood Memorial effort in Louisville's twenty-horse field and longer sprint?

And, Bob, I do like your boy Pioneerof The Nile. He was awesome in the Santa Anita Derby, obviously a go-getter who Garrett Gomez was able to rate successfully. But, Bob, you stuck him into Derby Gate 16 to avoid excessive kickback in his first try on dirt. Too iffy for me. General Quarters is a big-muscled, beautiful dude with the great story, but is he too heavy for the 1-1/4 miles?

Any new capable shooters? Flying under the radar are Flying Private, Nowhere to Hide; Birdstone's two sons, Summer Bird and Canadian Two-Year-Old champ Mine That Bird; Atomic Rain, and Mr. Hot Stuff. Todd Pletcher's other two, Advice and Join in the Dance? All of the above will soon fade. Godolphin's two, Desert Party and Regal Ransom? Too much travel. The steady duo of West Side Bernie and Musket Man? Underachievers.

I see a stretch fight among Chocolate Candy, Papa Clem, Hold Me Back, and Friesan Fire, and I'll stay with Friesan Fire, my early season choice, even if my boy has fallen for Zenyatta.

Best Eleven Order of Finish: Friesan Fire, Hold Me Back, Chocolate Candy, Papa Clem, Pioneerof The Nile, I Want Revenge, General Quarters, Musket Man, Desert Party, Dunkirk, and Mine That Bird.