Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Feb. 21, 2024

WHO’S HOT

Sierra Leone went from tepid favoritism on Derby Watch to clear-cut chalk following his solid comeback victory Feb. 17 in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds. Sierra Leone’s price was trimmed from 12-1 to 8-1 by Derby Watch linemaker David Aragona.

Locked resumed workouts after a fever postponed his scheduled Feb. 10 comeback. Aragona cut the price on Locked to 12-1, same as co-second choices Dornoch and Timberlake. Locked and Dornoch are expected to meet March 2 in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park. Timberlake returns Saturday in a modest edition of the Grade 2 Rebel at Oaklawn Park.

Tuscan Sky is new to Derby Watch following a highly rated win in a three-horse allowance Feb. 17 at Fair Grounds. Tuscan Sky, 2 for 2, is expected to make his next start in an unspecified Derby points race. Tuscan Sky opens at 25-1.

WHO’S NOT

Hall of Fame drops off Derby Watch after a flat seventh in the Risen Star, while Risen Star fifth-place finisher Honor Marie stays on the list while having his priced increased from 25-1 to 30-1. Honor Marie, a Grade 2 winner, was making his first start in nearly three months.

The Rebel on Saturday drew a big field of 13, including 6-5 favorite Timberlake, but it’s a big drop in ability to 7-2 second choice Just Steel. Timberlake (12-1) and Just Steel (50-1) are the only Derby Watch listers in the Rebel.

ON THE BUBBLE

Ramjet won the Hyacinth Stakes on Feb. 18 in Japan, earning 30 points to lead the Japan Road to the Derby points list. The final points race in Japan, worth 40 points to the winner, is the Fukuryu Stakes on March 23. One berth in the Kentucky Derby is reserved for the Japan points leader.

Born Noble, who raced greenly in both Gulfstream starts, including a 95-Beyer maiden win and allowance runner-up, is aiming to the Fountain of Youth. Drip scored a 94-Beyer debut victory Feb. 17 at Fair Grounds and will look for an allowance before trying stakes company. Just a Touch, runaway debut winner Jan. 27 at Fair Grounds, is nominated to the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes on March 2 at Aqueduct.

– Brad Free