Kentucky Derby Watch

Juvenile champion War Pass' fortunes continued to decline when the colt was discovered to have a small fracture in his left front leg, which will force him to the sidelines for the Derby. His withdrawal can only further the chances of the sensational Big Brown. With all preps completed and the Derby just 11 days away, the race is expected to have a full 20-horse field again, with several hopefuls likely to be excluded because of limited graded-stakes earnings. Here is a look at Craig Donnelly's top 10 leading contenders:

   No. Horse            Trainer         Jockey      

 
1. Big Brown            Dutrow Jr.      Desormeaux     
He boasts a perfect record and three wide-margin victories, including his Florida Derby romp. The absence of potential pacesetter War Pass can only help.

2. Pyro                Asmussen      Bridgmohan

After a pair of terrific victories in Louisiana, he was a dull 10th on Polytrack in the Blue Grass. He regains his closing kick on conventional dirt surface.

3. Colonel John         Harty            Nakatani           

By far the best with impressive closing punch in Santa Anita, he has the pedigree and running style to pose a threat.

4. Cool Coal Man       Zito            Desormeaux

He suffered his first two-turn defeat in the Blue Grass, in which all major players backfired. Look for a rebound in Louisville.

5. Visionaire             Matz            Lezcano

He failed to give true measure over Polytrack after Gotham win, and may need a dream trip like Street Sense last year.

6. Tale of Ekati         Tagg            Prado

He benefited from a dream trip to win the Wood after a poor showing at Fair Grounds. His trainer won the Derby in 2003 with Funny Cide.

7. Gayego             Sherriffs         Smith

He appeared strong taking the Arkansas Derby, but the field was softer than in most recent years. He should run all day.

8. Court Vision          Mott            Gomez

Racing into peak form after a layoff, he had no excuse being behind the hot pace in the Wood Memorial.

9. Smooth Air          Stutts            Cruz

Easily the second best to Big Brown in the Florida Derby in his best effort yet, he needs further development.

10. Eight Belles          Jones         Dominguez

She gained a hard-earned triumph in the Fantasy at Oaklawn. Her connections will consider the Derby if they get a favorable post position, but the filly is better suited for the Oaks.