Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for April 20

Jay Privman|Apr 20, 2016

Coady Photography The final three-eighths of the Arkansas Derby, won by Creator, was run in a pokey 39.53 seconds.

WHO’S HOT

Creator and Suddenbreakingnews finished one-two in the Arkansas Derby on Saturday to earn enough points to solidify a spot in the 20-horse field for the May 7 Kentucky Derby and thus forged their way onto the Derby Watch top 20, which, with all 34 preps having been completed, is now beholden to the points list. Creator is 12-1 on the future line set by Mike Watchmaker, Daily Racing Form’s national handicapper. Suddenbreakingnews is 20-1 on Watchmaker’s line. Destin, the Tampa Bay Derby winner, is down to 12-1 after being 15-1 a week ago.

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WHO’S NOT

Cupid was dropped from the list after being removed from Derby consideration following his disappointing performance in the Arkansas Derby, from which he emerged needing throat surgery. Fellowship also was dropped but only because he was leapfrogged on the points list and is now on the bubble, ranked 21st. If there is a defection from the 20 currently in the field, he’s in.

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ON THE BUBBLE

Fellowship, Adventist, Laoban, and Dazzling Gem are ranked 21st through 24th on the points list, so they get in, in that order, if anyone in the top 20 drops out. Keep in mind that on entry day, May 4, 20 will be placed in the main body of the race, and up to four also-eligibles are allowed, so even if they’re not in the main body of the race by then, they can be entered and scratch in from the also-eligible list. Scratch time is 9 a.m. Eastern on May 6.

– Jay Privman

:: ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays