Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 4, 2020

WHO’S HOT

Two newcomers – Charlatan and Major Fed – and a returnee – Three Technique – are the fresh names on this week’s Derby Watch top 20 list. Charlatan is 15-1 on the future line set by Marty McGee of Daily Racing Form for the Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs. Both Major Fed and Three Technique are 50-1. Ete Indien is now the co-third choice on McGee’s line at 8-1, tumbling sharply from last week’s 50-1, following his runaway victory in the Fountain of Youth.

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WHO’S NOT

To make room for the newcomers, three horses were removed from the list, owing to injury (Mr. Monomoy) or performance (Dennis’ Moment and Shotski).

ON THE BUBBLE

There could be plenty of movement following this Saturday, when three races, all worth 85 points overall and 50 to the winner, are held. Spa City is among the horses in the Tampa Bay Derby poised to leap onto the list with a strong performance, and the Gotham offers a glorious opportunity for a newcomer to shine, being as the field does not include one horse currently on the Derby Watch top 20 list. The San Felipe includes four current members of the Derby Watch top 20, so muscling in there will be a challenge for a newcomer. Cafe Pharoah, winner of the Hyacinth, was among those who were considered for inclusion this past week, but the Derby Watch executive committee chose to wait to assess until after the final race of the Japan Road to the Derby series is held.