Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Feb. 10, 2021

WHO’S HOT

Brad Cox, fresh off his first Eclipse Award as champion trainer, has three runners on the Derby Watch top 20 list, led by Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male Essential Quality, the current Kentucky Derby favorite at 5-1 on the line of Marty McGee of Daily Racing Form. Cox also trains Caddo River, McGee’s fourth choice, as well as Mandaloun, the co-11th choice. Bob Baffert, seeking a record-setting seventh Derby victory, is well represented per usual, with four horses on the list, headed by Life Is Good, the second choice on McGee’s line at 6-1. Baffert also trains Concert Tour, the fifth choice at 12-1, as well as Medina Spirit and Freedom Fighter, whose only losses have been to their stablemates. Steve Asmussen has two runners on the list, Midnight Bourbon and Jackie’s Warrior. The sire Tapit has three runners on the list, including two of the top three choices on McGee’s line in Essential Quality and Greatest Honour.

:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2021: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more

WHO’S NOT

Two-time Derby-winning trainer Todd Pletcher does not have any horses on the list quite yet, but he has several late-developing prospects who will get a chance to break through in coming weeks. Also, Bezos.

ON THE BUBBLE

With a large field in the Risen Star, there could be plenty of movement on this list by next week. Among those who just missed the cut for the initial top 20 are Dream Shake, Get Her Number, Highly Motivated, and The Great One.