I Coulda Been A Contender: Derby Hopefuls Making Their Mark

Pioneerof The Nile ran a Derbyesque race on the weekend winning the G2 Robert G. Lewis in a come from behind trip through traffic putting the Baffert trained colt to the top of the list of 2009 Derby contenders. I Want Revenge was left wanting after being passed late by Papa Clem who impressed with his ability to fight back after being passed late on.

Pioneerof The Nile - G2 Robert R. Lewis



Still, let's not forget that Midshipman and Square Eddie both finished ahead of Pioneerof The Nile in the 2008 Breeders Cup Juvenile. Granted, POTN had traffic trouble in this race as well and was checked on the first turn.



Before we get too excited about Midshipman, we might want to consider if The Pamplemousse could sour that one's chances after defeating a shin-shocked Square Eddie in the San Rafael. Square Eddie was bred by Kinghaven Farms right here in Canada.

The Pamplemousse over Square Eddie - San Rafael



Friesan Fire dominated the Risen Star Stakes this past weekend over a confusing set of efforts from Giant Oak and Flying Pegasus. Giant Oak encountered traffic, lane changes and generally seemed to stop and start all through the race. Flying Pegasus attempted to turn this mile and sixteenth test into a ten furlong stunner by running wide the whole way. Whether you can blame these odd performances on the inexperience of the horse or "racing luck", it sure didn't matter down the lane when Friesan Fire scorches his rivals by several degrees.

Friesan Fire - Risen Star Stakes



Friesan Fire's dominance on Saturday was good news for the Canadian connections of Patena who finished a game second in the Lecomte against that very same horse.

Friesan Fire - Patena finish 1-2 in the Lecomte Stakes



Canadian Danny Dion is the owner of Bear's Rocket, who finished second to Saratoga Sinner in the Holy Bull. While Saratoga Sinner is now sidelined with knee knack, Bear's Rocket is improving and also makes the ever-increasing list of Derby contenders. West Side Bernie and Beethoven were both well beaten in this encounter.

Saratoga Sinner over Bear's Rocket and West Side Bernie in the Holy Bull



Just to make it interesting, let's throw a filly into the mix. Can Stardom Bound become the first lady since Winning Colours to take the Derby? A little early to say just yet, but with her connections threatening to start her in the G1 Santa Anita Derby against the boys, we may just get the litmus test we're looking for.

Stardom Bound - Las Virgenes Stakes



We're not done yet, at Aqueduct this weekend Haynesfield continued his winning ways by destroying the field in the Whirlaway. I couldn't find footage of that race, but his work in the Count Fleet Stakes was equally impressive.

Haynesfield - Count Fleet Stakes




Last, but not least, remember Old Fashioned? Old Fashioned won the Remsen and is undefeated in three starts. Trained by Larry Jones, the son of Unbridled's Song has done everything right so far and has the pedigree of a champion.

Old Fashioned Wins the Remsen



If you're not confused enough about who might or might not be on Derby track, let's check out a few others that might be longer odds. Hanging out on the long shots list are Breakwater Edison, Vineyard Haven, Beethoven and Capt. Candyman Can.

A lot of people have high hopes for Breakwater Edison but he's already been knocked back twice by other contenders.

Vineyard Haven wins the Champagne Stakes over Breakwater Edison.



Not to be outdone, Capt. Candyman Can recently won the seven furlong Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream beating Breakwater Edison in the process.

However, before you get too sweet on the Capt., let's not forget that Beethoven belted out a big tune scoring over the Candyman at Churchill. Giant Oak, started slow in this race but got up late for third.

Beethoven beating Capt. Candyman Can at Churchill



While this list of contenders is partly in jest, it also provides a visual of some of the 20 horses you might be sorting through come Derby day. I'll save the discussion on horses for courses and racing surfaces for another blog.

You can add to your list of potential Derby champs by reading through the list of Triple Crown nominees below. DRF will be publishing the first installment of their Futures Pool this Thursday. Can't wait!
Triple Crown Nominees

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