Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for Feb. 28, 2024

WHO’S HOT

One can’t stop the feeling Timberlake’s reputation is growing. After winning his comeback Feb. 24 at Oaklawn, his first start since finishing fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Timberlake’s Derby Watch odds were lowered to 10-1 by linemaker David Aragona. Timberlake is now sol feeling that Timberlitary second choice behind Sierra Leone, the 8-1 Derby Watch favorite.

Timberlake won the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes over improving Common Defense, whose runner-up finish was partly the result of a great trip. Common Defense saved ground start to finish and galloped out in front of Timberlake. Common Defense, new to Derby Watch, opens at 30-1. Just a Touch, expected to run Saturday in the Grade 3 Gotham, also is new to the list at 30-1.

Forever Young won the Saudi Derby by a head Feb. 24 at King Abdulaziz to stay undefeated after four starts, three in Japan. Forever Young broke slowly in Saudi Arabia, was hard ridden, and finished on his wrong lead. But he was tenacious in victory, set a track record (1:36.17), and probably wants longer than a mile. Aragona lowered Forever Young to 15-1, co-fifth choice.

:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2024: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more

Domestic Product’s price was lowered slightly to 25-1; Speak Easy’s price also dropped slightly, to 30-1.

WHO’S NOT

Just Steel, a fringe Derby Watch lister, was unable to overcome a wide trip in the Rebel. He finished seventh and drops from Derby Watch. Just Steel gets a chance to rebound in the Arkansas Derby on March 30 at Oaklawn.

ON THE BUBBLE

Uncle Heavy, the Withers Stakes winner briefly stuck on a farm outside his Parx Racing base due to a New York quarantine, drops off Derby Watch but not off the Derby trail. Uncle Heavy is still aiming to the Wood Memorial on April 6 at Aqueduct. Tapalo, runner-up in El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields, will ship to Turfway Park for the Jeff Ruby Steaks on March 23.

Pandagate, decisive winner of the one-mile Gander Stakes for New York-breds on Feb. 25 at Aqueduct, could be considered for a graded stakes. Sired by Arrogate, Pandagate should relish longer distances. He earned an 86 Beyer Speed Figure winning the Gander.

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