CLASSIC EMPIRE showed his class and talent in winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in fast time last year and then last month exhibited another skill in taking the Arkansas Derby – the ability to overcome adversity.
IRISH WAR CRY enters in top form and with the field's top speed figures. He has an up-front running style, and recent Derby winners have been forwardly placed.
The road to this year's Kentucky Derby has been a bumpy one, and even the most accomplished of this 3-year-old crop have managed to find a pothole or two on the way to Louisville.
Assessing the pace scenario is one of the more critical aspects of handicapping the Kentucky Derby. Historically, the Derby has featured fast early paces, enabling even the deepest one-run closers a chance to hit the board. Recently, however, the Derby has featured more moderate paces during the early stages, making it very difficult to catch the horses who are forwardly placed throughout. This year’s pace scenario is an intriguing one; below, you’ll find runners grouped based on where they’re likely to reside during Saturday’s race.
The TimeformUS Pace Projector attempts to predict how a race will unfold early.
TimeformUS handicapper David Aragona provides his Highlight Horse for Wednesday's card at Belmont Park.
Mike Beer's horses to watch at Belmont Park for the week of May 3.
TimeformUS handicapper David Aragona analyzes the 2017 Kentucky Oaks.
Using the Pace Projector as an illustrative tool, TimeformUS's Craig Milkowski takes a look at how the pace will impact Friday's running of the Grade 1, $1 million Kentucky Oaks.
TimeformUS handicapper David Aragona highlights some contenders on Wednesday at Belmont Park
