Cave Rock works in company at Santa Anita (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)
It is never too early to talk Kentucky Derby. Welcome to the first episode of Past the Wire’s Kentucky Derby Radar 1, 2023. On this show trainer Jeff Metz and Jonathan Stettin talk early Derby contenders and pretenders. They talk what to look for, what to avoid, some pitfalls for trainers and more. They run down the top 11 on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard and discuss how the point system plays out for trainers looking to have their horses peak on the first Saturday in May.
Harlocap is the first Bob Baffert runner who has been transferred to another barn in order to be eligible for Kentucky Derby points due to the Churchill Downs house ban and new language in the Triple Crown nomination rules. Harlocap runs for trainer Steve Asmussen in the Risen Star at the Fair Grounds.
Start getting ready for the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby with us at Past the Wire and Past the Wire TV. If you enjoy this show hit the like button or leave us a comment and let us know. Subscribe to our channel and never miss an episode. Here is the Frankie Dettori interview Jon and Jeff talked about during the show.
For information on Past The Wire’s annual Kentucky Derby Seminar, the very best in the game CLICK HERE
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Summary of Kentucky Derby Radar 1, 2023
In this YouTube video, the hosts provide an episode of Kentucky Derby Radar, a discussion by two racing experts of the upcoming Kentucky Derby, and which horses are considered contenders, and which trainers and jockeys are likely to be participating. Next week, a trio of hosts plan to discuss the Derby Seminar, a course on horse racing offered by their organization.
- 00:00:00 The YouTube video discusses the upcoming Kentucky Derby, which will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2023. The video features Jon Stettin and co-host Jeff Metz discussing the contenders and Pretenders. Stettin highlights two of his favorite horses – Arabian Night and Sport Day – and discusses the Forte situation.
- 00:05:00 The author of the video provides their opinion on why it is so difficult to predict winners of the Kentucky Derby. They list several reasons, including the large field and the One-Shot nature of the race. The trainer then goes on to say that Todd Pletcher is likely to choose a horse to compete in the Derby shortly before the race. They cite Fausted as an example of a horse who has progressed significantly and could win the race.
- 00:10:00 Kentucky Derby winner and top contender Victory formation ran an impressive race in the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park, but trainer Bob Baffert believes his young age doesn’t mean he can’t improve. Another horse that is being looked to for future success is Arabian Night, who has had one start and ran well despite getting a little pressure.
- 00:15:00 In this video, Kentucky Derby Radar expert, Jeff Metz, discusses some of the horses likely to compete in the Kentucky Derby in 2023. One horse that Metz specifically highlights is Arabian Night, who won despite only having one start at that track. Another horse Metz mentions is trained by Tim Yakteen, who has a good horse of his own, Practical Move, and has done well on the West Coast.
- 00:20:00 This YouTube video summarizing the Kentucky Derby predicts that Forte, Rocket Can, Litigate, and Arrogance will be contenders in the race. Blazing Sevens and Victory Formation and Instant Coffee are also listed as potential contenders but are not yet considered contenders. Jazzy Harazi and Fausted are also listed as possible contenders.
- 00:25:00 The video discusses the difficulties of betting on the Kentucky Derby, specifically the fact that many horses who are considered to have a chance to win do not actually do so. It points out that the race is a difficult one to handicap and that many horses who are considered to have a chance to win do not actually win. The video also discusses the advantages that a horse may have if they are able to win one of the pre- Derby races.
- 00:30:00 The video discusses the difficulties experienced by jockeys in their 50s when competing in races, as well as the challenges faced by riders in this age group. It highlights the success of several riders in their 50s, including Mike Smith and Frankie Dettori, and predicts that Frankie will ride in the Kentucky Derby if he has a live mount.
- 00:35:00 Next week, the Kentucky Derby Radar show plans to discuss the Derby Seminar, a course on horse racing offered by their organization.
