Most important among the Kentucky Derby's variables is which horses are best able to handle the 1 1/4-mile distance. A useful tool to determine each entry's potential is the average progeny winning distance of his sire and dam.
Estimating the degree of influence of post position is no easy task. While basic considerations of condition, class, and speed figures are pre-race tangibles, the effect of post and pace are uncertain until after both gates open.
Irish War Cry has done little wrong in his five-race career, and he enters the Kentucky Derby on the heels of an impressive score in the Wood Memorial on April 8 at Aqueduct.
There are lots of variables to consider and questions to answer with this Derby field, with the prospect of a wet track adding yet another question mark to an already muddled equation.
CLASSIC EMPIRE showed his class and talent in winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in fast time last year and then last month exhibited another skill in taking the Arkansas Derby – the ability to overcome adversity.
IRISH WAR CRY enters in top form and with the field's top speed figures. He has an up-front running style, and recent Derby winners have been forwardly placed.
The road to this year's Kentucky Derby has been a bumpy one, and even the most accomplished of this 3-year-old crop have managed to find a pothole or two on the way to Louisville.
Isabelle de Tomaso says her favorite racecar was a red OSCA 750S. De Tomaso is still fond of horsepower that comes in a red package – only now, it has four hooves instead of four tires. A New Jersey homebred, the chestnut colt Irish War Cry is revving up for the Kentucky Derby for de Tomaso.
Assessing the pace scenario is one of the more critical aspects of handicapping the Kentucky Derby. Historically, the Derby has featured fast early paces, enabling even the deepest one-run closers a chance to hit the board. Recently, however, the Derby has featured more moderate paces during the early stages, making it very difficult to catch the horses who are forwardly placed throughout. This year’s pace scenario is an intriguing one; below, you’ll find runners grouped based on where they’re likely to reside during Saturday’s race.
Each of the 20 horses in the main field for the 2017 Derby was on the track to train Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs, with the majority of the action taking place, as usual, during the special Oaks-Derby session immediately following the renovation break.
