Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Feb. 13, 2019

WHO’S HOT

Bob Baffert, a five-time winner of the Kentucky Derby and two-time winner of the Triple Crown, trains three of the runners in the inaugural top 20, including the top two choices, Game Winner and Improbable. Game Winner is the 5-1 favorite on the line set by Mike Watchmaker, Daily Racing Form’s national handicapper, with Improbable right behind at 6-1. Four of the top six choices on Watchmaker’s line – including Instagrand and Mucho Gusto – are based at Santa Anita. Mark Casse (Dream Maker and War of Will), Kenny McPeek (Harvey Wallbanger and Signalman), and Bill Mott (Hidden Scroll and Mucho) each have two runners on the list. Jockey Joel Rosario is sitting in a good spot. He’s currently riding Game Winner and Hidden Scroll, the first and third choices on Watchmaker’s line, as well as Nolo Contesto.

:: Derby Watch: Privman and Watchmaker's Top 20 contenders

WHO’S NOT

Strange but true – Todd Pletcher does not have a runner on the list. Nor does another two-time Derby winner, Doug O’Neill.

ON THE BUBBLE

Among those who just missed the cut were Well Defined, winner of the Sam F. Davis Stakes last Saturday, as well as Global Campaign and Hog Creek Hustle, an entrant this Saturday in the Risen Star at Fair Grounds. Also of interest this upcoming holiday weekend will be the El Camino Real Derby on Saturday at Golden Gate Fields, the Southwest on Monday at Oaklawn Park, and the California Cup Derby on Monday at Santa Anita, with the progressive Galilean heading the Cal Cup Derby.