Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 29

WHO’S HOT

The winners of last weekend’s United Arab Emirates Derby, Spiral Stakes, and Sunland Derby are the three newcomers to this week’s Derby Watch top 20, as all earned sufficient points to put them in the starting gate at Churchill Downs on May 6. Thunder Snow, the winner of the UAE Derby, at 25-1 is the shortest price of the three on the Kentucky Derby future line set by Mike Watchmaker, Daily Racing Form’s national handicapper. Hence, the Sunland Derby winner, is 40-1, with Fast and Accurate, the Spiral winner, at 50-1.

:: DERBY WATCH: Top 20 list | DERBY WATCH: Asmussen shifts focus back to 3-year-olds

WHO’S NOT

Bronze Age, Epicharis, and Sonneteer were dropped from the list. Bronze Age flopped in the Sunland Derby. Epicharis was the runner-up in the UAE Derby, but his connections have removed him from consideration for the Kentucky Derby. Sonneteer, second in the Rebel last time out, was forced out because others were adjudged better prospects at this point, but he does have 20 points and will have a chance to work his way back onto the list in his final Derby prep.

ON THE BUBBLE

Girvin is the lone member of the Derby Watch top 20 in the Louisiana Derby on Saturday, so even if he wins, the race’s runner-up would get 40 points and would secure a spot on the list. Guest Suite and Local Hero are among the race’s top contenders. The Florida Derby, also Saturday, includes Always Dreaming and Three Rules, both former members of the top 20.

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