USA / Timeform / 27 March 2012 /

Timeform bring you their latest update on the leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5......

UNION RAGS Timeform Rating 124p, Trainer M Matz
Impressive winner of 4 of 5 starts, beating News Pending by easy 4 lengths in G2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream in February, and is the top-rated 3-y-o male in North America. Wide throughout and probably unlucky in only defeat, at Breeders' Cup. Sprinting/miling pedigree but already stays 8.5f. Likely to run next in 9f Florida Derby back at Gulfstream on March 31.

HANSEN Timeform Rating 123, Trainer M Maker
Won all 3 starts at 2 yrs, culminating in narrow defeat of Union Rags in Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Back to best when landing G3 Gotham at Aqueduct in March comfortably by 3 lengths from My Adonis, giving weight all round. Front-runner prior to last time, when tracked until going on 2f out. Originally aimed at 9f Wood Memorial (a race his sire Tapit won, though dam was a sprinter) but now reportedly more likely for Blue Grass at Keeneland on April 14.

CREATIVE CAUSE Timeform Rating 121, Trainer M Harrington
Winner of 4 of 7 starts, notably G1 Norfolk at Santa Anita at 2 yrs, when also third to Hansen and Union Rags in Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Back to best when giving weight and beating to Bodemeister in G2 San Felipe at Santa Anita in March. Son of Giant's Causeway and better prospects than some of staying beyond 8.5f. May next contest Santa Anita Derby on April 7.

GEMOLOGIST Timeform Rating 119p, Trainer T Pletcher
Unbeaten in 3 starts at 2 yrs, notably G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes over 8.5f at Churchill Downs, and one this year. Beat Currency Swap impressively by 7 lengths in allowance at Gulfstream in March. Son of Tiznow, and seems a likely stayer at 10f in same colours as 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver. Likely to return to Graded company in G1 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 7.

SECRET CIRCLE Timeform Rating 119, Trainer B Baffert
Fast juvenile, unbeaten in 3 starts, notably Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint. Stretched out to around 8f this year, beaten narrowly on first occasion and winning narrowly at Oaklawn in G3 Southwest and G2 Rebel since. Gave weight all round when holding Optimizer by three-quarters of a length last time. Some encouragement from breeding that he could stay further (sire gained biggest win at 9.5f). Could be aimed at G1 Arkansas Derby, again at Oaklawn, on April 14.

WENT THE DAY WELL Timeform Rating 117, Trainer G Motion
Beaten in maidens in UK at 2 yrs and at Gulfstream in February before winning one on latter course. Much improved when landing G3 Spiral at Turfway last time, by three and a half lengths from Holiday Promise, race won by same connections' Animal Kingdom by slightly less 12 months earlier before going on to success in Kentucky. Raced only at 8f/9f but should get a bit further. May next go for G3 Lexington at Keeneland on April 21.

EL PADRINO Timeform Rating 116, Trainer T Pletcher
Won 1 from 3 as a juvenile and both starts this year, notably G2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds last time by nose from Mark Valeski. Son of Kentucky Derby fourth Pulpit and shapes as if will stay beyond 9f himself. Reportedly likely to clash with Union Rags in Florida Derby next.

HOWE GREAT Timeform Rating 116, Trainer G Motion
Unbeaten in 4 runs since debut second, defeating Dullahan by length in G3 Palm Beach at Gulfstream last time, in March. Best efforts on turf to date. Son of smart Japanese miler Hat Trick but has already shown stays 9f. May next take in G1 Blue Grass at Keeneland on April 14, as did connections' Animal Kingdom on way to Kentucky Derby success in 2011.

DULLAHAN Timeform Rating 115p, Trainer D Romans
Only win from 6 appearances at 2 yrs was in G1 Futurity at Keeneland by three-quarters of a length from Majestic City. Fourth to Hansen in Breeders' Cup Juvenile on final outing. Encouraging length second to Howe Great in G3 Palm Beach at Gulfstream on return on turf in March, staying on well. Half-brother to a Kentucky Derby winner in Mine That Bird and looks open to improvement at further than 9f. Being aimed at G1 Blue Grass at Keeneland on April 14.

BODEMEISTER Timeform Rating 115, Trainer B Baffert
All 3 runs at Santa Anita, debuting in January then winning maiden by over 9 lengths. Ran Creative Cause (who conceded 5 lbs) to three-quarters of a length in G2 San Felipe in March. Son of Belmont winner Empire Maker and smart US 2-y-o Untouched Talent, and seems a likely stayer at beyond 8.5f. Possible for G1 Santa Anita Derby on April 7.

DADDY NOSE BEST Timeform Rating 115, Trainer S Asmussen
Tough at 2 yrs, when sixth in Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Improved a bit this year, winning G3s at Golden Gate Fields and Sunland (Sunland Derby) in workmanlike style from Lucky Chappy and from Isn't He Clever respectively. Stays 9f on a fast track, as did his sire, Florida Derby winner Scat Daddy.

ALPHA Timeform Rating 113, Trainer K McLaughlin
Won 1 out of 3 at 2 yrs and both this term, most recently G3 Withers at Aqueduct in February by three-and-a-quarter lengths from Speightscity. Behind Union Rags the two times they met, though presumably wasn't himself in Breeders' Cup. By Bernardini, out of 11.5f winner from the family of Swain, and seems near certain to stay the 10f Derby distance, having so far tried no further than 8.5f. Owned by Godolphin. Reportedly being aimed at Wood Memorial.

Kentucky Derby Diary:
Saturday March 31: G1 Florida Derby, Gulfstream 9f
Sunday April 1: G2 Louisiana Derby, Fair Grounds 9f
Saturday April 7: G1 Wood Memorial, Aqueduct 9f; G1 Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita 9f; G3 Illinois Derby, Hawthorne 9f; G3 Bay Shore Stakes, Aqueduct 7f

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