LOUISVILLE – New York racetrackers, asked to handicap today’s Kentucky Derby, generally agreed on one thing: the race is up for grabs. In an unscientific poll of jockeys and trainers, Prime Timber emerged as the top contender, with General Challenge, Adonis, Stephen Got Even, Menifee, Vicar, Cat Thief, Worldly Manner and Desert Hero all getting lukewarm support.
Rich Migliore (jockey): “It’s so wide-open, but you’ve got to like the two California horses [General Challenge and Prime Timber]. Stephen Got Even is talented but he lacks seasoning. Menifee’s last was good but he’s in the same boat.”
Shaun Bridgmohan (1998 champion apprentice jockey): “I like Bob Baffert’s horse Prime Timber. I think the longer he goes, the better he’s going to be. And Menifee was real impressive. He was very professional in his last race.”
Rich Schosberg (trainer): “Top horse [is] Prime Timber. I think he was probably only running at an 80 percent effort last time [second in the Santa Anita Derby] and he’s going to be coming up to this one 100 percent. Baffert can do no wrong.”
John Kimmel (trainer): “I was pretty impressed with General Challenge’s race in the Santa Anita Derby. The horse with blinkers sure looked like he had everything his own way and responded well when asked, looked very good finishing, with a big stride. He looks like a horse that would get my consideration for being the favorite.”
“Right now, my heart is with Ernie Paragallo and Nick Zito [owner and trainer of Adonis]. I’d like to see them win it because they’re both friends of mine and hometown boys, and I think Adonis proved himself [winning the Wood Memorial]. If my sentiments weren’t in the way, I’d have to go with Menifee. I liked him when I saw him break his maiden [last summer] and made some comments that day that if he would stay, he’d be a major contender.”
Allen Jerkens (Hall of Fame trainer): “Cat Thief is the most consistent. He ran [in his preps] like someday he’s going to get the race to set up where he’s going to get up in time, and [jockey Mike] Smith is going to know more about him after his last race.”