Kentucky Derby 2015

[robertob]

Starting early a Kentucky Derby thread. It's midway trough February, so we're not too far away actually. Time is flying, and the 2nd May will come sooner than we may think. Qualifying races for the Derby are due to be run, and some of the thought to be main contenders have shown themselves already. It looks as if Bob Baffert has a very strong hand this year, with two horses under his care sharing the head of the market at this point. That is Dortmund who won a big race this year already, and American Pharoah, who was mightily impressive as a juvenile, however missed the Breeders Cup last season due to a foot injury. He is reportedly back in training, though. Ante-Post Prices:

[robertob]

Re: Kentucky Derby 2015 Ante-Post: Kentucky Derby, 2nd May 2015 Decided to go down the ante-post route because I like this one horse quite allot and I'm pretty confident hehas an excellent chance to go really close that day, given he stays healthy. If so, he'll be short single figure odds I believe and in the US he is actually the early favourite and a good deal shorter than what UK bookies offer. I'm speaking about Dortmund, a Bob Baffert trained unbeaten colt who has just started as well into his classic campaign as he ended his juvenile season: With success, protecting his 100% record. Dortmund won his first two career starts by a combined lengths of 12l plus, including a runaway victory at Churchill Downs. He followed up to win the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Futurity in dramatic style, staying on strongly to win it in a photo, while setting a new 1 1/16 miles course record! He reappeared last week in the Robert B. Lewis, looked pretty fresh and keen and was locked up in a match race from halfway out. He looked beaten down the home stretch but suddenly came back and emerged victorious eventually, clearly on top when it really mattered. One has to be impressed with those facts and performances, and particularly his most recent one, at a track which probably doesn't quite suit him. He is one who actually prefers deeper Dirt. What all of this shows: this horse has not only some real talent, but also guts and character.

In addition to that, what really impresses me is the conformation of Dortmund. He has a huge frame and looks already quite mature and forward. Reportedly he is still a big baby, but he should have learned plenty from these last tough battles. After all he ticks almost all the right boxes. Acts at Churchill, probably that track suits him best anyway. Proved his class and attitude at the highest level. Has the looks of a monster. Set a track record, despite being only a juvenile. Looks almost too good to be true. Only question mark is the Derby trip. Bred more for speed actually, however he is a son of Derby winner Big brown nonetheless and there is stamina down the generations on the dam side. The way he stayed on and always ran to the line so far, suggests he may prefer further, and his relaxed attitude gives him every chance to stay 10f in my mind. Next stop is the Santa Anita Derby, on his way to the Kentucky Derby. If he wins it, he'll be a very short price on Derby day. So I'll be going with 16/1 offered now. He looks a special individual to me for all the mentioned reasons. Dortmund @ 16/1 Coral - 5ts win