Let's get pace out of the way -- they will go faster than the pundits predict. These are three year old's running farther than they have while facing the most competition they have, and in front of a revved up crowd of over 100k. They will run fast, just not Songandaprayer fast 22.45 and 44.86!
Key will be if 17 Derma Sokogate can rate and not get into speed duel like Crowd Prince did last year. I think jockey learned his lesson. Then, will 17 Derma Sokogate be unaffected from the trip from the UAE and have enough to hold off the late flyers. 3 Two Phil's will make first run, then Forte, followed by Tapit Trice, Skinner and Angel of Empire. That's the way I see it playing out; however, I will be rooting for 4 Confidence Game since I have a future wager from February at 30-1. Of course, I'll probably get better odds on Saturday.
Below are quick points on each horse.
| Number | HORSE | Pro's | Con's |
| 1 | Hit Show | Not going for early lead | Bad post - does not seem to be concern |
| 2 | Verifying | T Gaff in saddle | not fast enough |
| 3 | Two Phils | may be special horse | may be bet down |
| 4 | Confidence Game | impressive works | 10 week layoff |
| 5 | Tapit Trice | Closing speed | may lose sight of the leaders |
| 6 | Kingsbarns | undefeated | no race at 2 and no comp |
| 7 | Reincarnate | Johnny V and early speed | may still be too slow |
| 8 | Mage | could win with a good trip | consistently finds trouble |
| 9 | Skinner | Best late pace | will not offer value |
| 10 | Practical Move | Consistently fastest horse | slow starts |
| 11 | Disarm | uncommon bullet work for As-man | not impressive in Lex |
| Number | HORSE | Pro's | Con's |
| 12 | Jaces Road | wants the lead | may not be fast enough to get lead |
| 13 | Sun Thunder | in the KY Derby | in the KY Derby |
| 14 | Angel of Empire | continues to improve | can't afford to fall too far back |
| 15 | Forte | deserving favorite | not really improving |
| 16 | Raise Cain | Better at 1 turn races | Derby is 2 turn race |
| 17 | Derma Sokogate | Versatile | shipping from UAE |
| 18 | Rocket Can | breeding and Mott | needs to make a big forward move |
| 19 | Lord Miles | Won Wood at 59-1 | This is not the Wood |
| 20 | Continuar | trainer has won in US on big race day | seems to be regressing |
