Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 14, 2018

WHO’S HOT

There are four newcomers, plus a new favorite, in this week’s Derby Watch top 20. Enticed, Gronkowski, Mendelssohn, and Quip were added to the list following victories in stakes races in the United States and Europe last week. Mendelssohn is 20-1 on the Kentucky Derby future line set by Mike Watchmaker, Daily Racing Form’s national handicapper. Enticed is 25-1, and both Gronkowski and Quip are 30-1. Watchmaker also made Bolt d’Oro, at 5-1, the new favorite for the Derby following his win via disqualification in the San Felipe Stakes last Saturday. The lightly raced but immensely talented Justify had his price cut nearly in half. He is now the third choice at 8-1 after being 15-1 a week ago.

:: Just reduced! Save on The Road to the Kentucky Derby Player's Package

WHO’S NOT

Avery Island, Free Drop Billy, Kanthaka, and Noble Indy all were removed from the list owing to injury, subpar performance, or the opinion of the Derby Watch executive committee that there were better choices out there at present. Because of the major odds drop on Justify, several horses had their prices tick upward on Watchmaker’s line. He raised Audible from 8-1 to 10-1, Catholic Boy from 20-1 to 25-1, both Bravazo and Strike Power from 25-1 to 30-1, and both Snapper Sinclair and Sporting Chance from 30-1 to 40-1.

:: DERBY WATCH: Top 20 list | Derby Watch: Zayat dreaming of more roses

ON THE BUBBLE

Combatant, a previous top 20 member, could move back onto the list with a strong performance in the Rebel Stakes, the week’s most significant race, on Saturday at Oaklawn. Gold Town, who is headed to the United Arab Emirates Derby, was among those who just missed the cut this week.

:: ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays, and analysis