Kentucky Derby Best Eleven

Posted by BarbaraAnne Helberg Mar 26, 2009

It's that time of year to throw caution to the winds and pick a Kentucky Derby winner. I like to go with the gut and consider Thoroughbred pedigrees.

My number one contender for the KD winner's circle is A.P. Indy's Friesan Fire. A.P. Indy, a Seattle Slew boy, has always tripped my trigger. I've been waiting for Indy to have an explosive son to handle the Run for the Roses. I believe Friesan Fire is the real deal. I would love for trainer Larry Jones to trot to that winner's circle. Jones is a top notch horseman in my book. My only reserve is whether FF will continue to hold up to his heavy schedule. But, then, think Hard Spun.

My next best pick is Todd Pletcher-trained Dunkirk, who looks to be a Big Brown-type freak. But Toddie has never won a Triple Crown race with a colt. His great filly, Rags to Riches, blew herself up beating the emerging Curlin in 2007's Belmont Stakes. A no-holds-barred performance in the Florida Derby this weekend will point Dunkirk to a favorite's spot for the first Saturday in May.

My Kentucky Derby Best Eleven this week:

1. Friesan Fire -- A.P. Indy and Bollinger, by Dehere
2. Dunkirk -- Unbridled's Song and Secret Status, by A.P. Indy
3. Pioneerof The Nile -- Empire Maker and Star of Goshen, by Lord At War
4. The Pamplemousse -- Kafwain and Comfort Zone, by Rubiano
5. Desert Party -- Street Cry and Sage Cat, by Tabasco Cat
6. I Want Revenge -- Stephen Got Even and Meguial, by Roy
7. Quality Road -- Elusive Quality and Kobla, by Strawberry Road
8. Old Fashioned -- Unbridled's Song and Collect Call, by Meadowlake
9. Chocolate Candy -- Candy Ride and Crownette, by Seattle Slew
10. Theregoesjojo -- Brahms and Slewie Blues, by Seattle Slew
11. Imperial Council -- Empire Maker and Jaramar Rain, by Thunder Gulch