This year's road to the Kentucky Derby was one marked by sustained success and young stars. Emerging from the prep season was a group of talented 3-year-olds that has handicappers buzzing about this being one of the deepest _ and, therefore, most difficult to sort out _ Derby fields in years.
The lack of upsets in any of the major Derby prep races means more than a half-dozen colts come to Churchill Downs this week with a viable claim to this race, and bettors are likely to spread the love around at the wagering windows Saturday.
Atop the morning line are three contenders with intriguing talent but serious questions.
Early favorite Justify _ trained by Bob Baffert _ has only three races on his light resume, and he'll be trying to break the "Curse of Apollo" and become the first Kentucky Derby winner in 136 years to win the race without having run as a 2-year-old. The third choice on the morning line, Magnum Moon, is in the same boat.
And there's second-choice Mendelssohn, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf champ last year who romped in the UAE Derby by more than 18 lengths last time out. He has impeccable credentials, but also much history to overcome.
Among the other major contenders are Florida Derby winner Audible, Blue Grass Stakes winner Good Magic, Wood Memorial winner Vino Rosso and Santa Anita Derby runner-up Bolt d'Oro _ all possessing the necessary talent to wear the roses.
As always with the Derby, the pace will be important.
Promises Fulfilled seems the most likely to take the early lead, and how fast he goes _ and who chooses to follow _ will play a major part in the finish. Many of the favorites Saturday like to be on or near the lead, too, but energy must be conserved to finish the 1\-mile distance against this impressive field.
Here's what you need to know about each of Saturday's contenders:
