Good Magic back on top of Kentucky Derby Contenders List

Posted On 13 Apr 2018

Ron Correll
Senior columnist
Tracksideview —-

The big point’s winners on April 7 were Vino Rosso in the Wood Memorial; Good Magic in the Blue Grass; and Justify in the Santa Anita Derby.

Each picked up 100 points and is squarely in the Kentucky Derby field on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs.

Enticed, Flameaway and Bolt d’ Oro finished second respectively in those races and will be in the Derby field as well.

Good Magic was the most impressive beating a 14-horse field and eating dirt while doing it. Vino Rosso got to chase murderous fractions of 22.96 and 46.68 for the quarter- and half-mile before reeling in the leader and powering through the stretch.

Justify had the easiest time getting to the lead in a seven-horse field and set soft fractions for California racing. Bolt d’Oro made a run at him at the top of the stretch but Justify had plenty left to hold him off.

Trainer Mick Ruis said Bolt d’Oro needed more pace and the San Felipe may have taken a little out of him. Ruis also said Bolt d’Oro grabbed a quarter on his right front but didn’t think it was anything serious.

The last two races are the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park and the Stonestreet Lexington at Keeneland on April 14. The Arkansas Derby is worth 100 points to the winner the Lexington is worth 20 points to the winner.

My 2018 Kentucky Derby contenders list has had a big shuffle this week because of the points’ winners in the races. They are:

Good Magic (Curlin) won the Blue Grass in a 14-horse field.

Audible (Into Mischief) won the Florida Derby from outside post and heads to Louisville.

Justify (Scat Daddy) won Santa Anita Derby on an easy lead, will find more pace at Churchill Downs,

Mendelssohn (Scat Daddy) blew away the UAE Derby field and is Coolmore’s best shot at winning a Derby.

Magnum Moon (Malibu Moon) had a powerful win in the Rebel, is Arkansas bound.

Bolt d’Oro (Medaglia d’Oro) let Justify have an easy lead in Santa Anita Derby; needs pace.

Vino Ross (Curlin) won the Wood Memorial.

Noble Indy (Take Charge Indy) won the Louisiana Derby.

Flameaway (Scat Daddy) was second in the Blue Grass.

Enticed (Medaglia d’Oro) was second in the Wood Memorial.

Here are some colts with room to improve: