Concert Tour Takes Top Billing in Derby List

Ron Correll
Senior columnist
Tracksideview —-

When a 72-1 shot wins the Wood Memorial you know why I don’t like winter racing in New York. Bourbonic pulled off the upset over a field that in my opinion was lacking in any quality 3-year-olds. The winner is in this year’s Kentucky Derby but I think any surprise he could produce has already happened.

Essential Quality won the Blue Grass at Keeneland, but I think he had to work too hard considering the competition. Maybe trainer Brad Cox didn’t have the screws tightened and we’ll see in the big dance. I just don’t think Essential Quality’s speed figures have been that good.

The pleasant surprise was Rock The World in the Santa Anita Derby. You know you have to be careful with a horse with a name like that. And trainer John Sadler has been known to “rock the world” a few times in his career.

Concert Tour is going back to Oaklawn for the Arkansas Derby on April 10 in Hot Springs.

Known Agenda had his running shoes on to take the Florida Derby.

Essential Quality won the Blue Grass but had to work to get by Highly Motivated.

Highly Motivated gets this spot after his effort in the Blue Grass and that was after he was third in the Gotham.

Rock Your World did just that in upsetting the Santa Anita Derby. He’s unbeaten and it was his first try on dirt.

Hot Rod Charlie invaded Fair Grounds from California and walked off with Louisiana Derby crown.

Medina Spirit looked flat in Santa Anita Derby. He’s probably still headed to Kentucky Derby.

Midnight Bourbon ran a very game second in the Louisiana Derby.

Greatest Honour ran a lackluster third in the Florida Derby. His speed figures hadn’t been that good prior to the race and maybe that finish is his limit.

Soup and Sandwich ran a game second in the Florida Derby.

Cover Photo: Concert Tour; Coady Photograph