Derby winner Barbaro faces just eight opponents in the second leg of North America's Triple Crown. His biggest opposition is expected to come from Brother Derk and Sweetnorthernsaint, both of whom were well beaten in the Derby, whilst Bernardini is an intriguing newcomer to the Triple Crown.
LIKE NOW : Defeated the high-class pair of Keyed Entry and Sweetnorthernsaint in the Gotham Stakes (Gr3), although the latter had a wide trip and looked unlucky. Like Now skipped the Derby, following a second place in the Lexington Stakes, behind eventual Derby sixth Showing Up (Strategic Mission).
His broodmare sire won this race in 1992.
3 g Jules – Can't Bluff Me, by Pine Bluff
PLATINUM COUPLE: The outsider in the race. He is yet to win a race this year but was a stakes winner at two. The colt was fifth last time out in the Wood Memorial last time out – beaten over ten lengths by Bob and John and Derby fourth place finisher Jazil.
He is out of a half-sister to Hall of Fame champion Skip Away.
3 c Tale of the Cat – Ingot's Dance Away, by Gate Dancer
HEMINGWAY'S KEY: Lightly raced colt has made just six starts so far. He was unbeaten in two starts at two, but has not won a race this year. His last start saw him run eighth in the Lexington Stakes (Gr2). He has won two of six starts. He is ridden by Jeremy Rose – who won last year on Afleet Alex, despite nearly coming down.
3 c Notebook – Whirl's Girl, by Island Whirl
GREELEY'S LEGACY: Has won just two of 11 starts and needs to improve. He was fourth in both the Lexington Stakes, beaten four lengths, and Gotham Stakes, beaten one length. In between Greeley's Legacy was a well beaten seventh in the Wood Memorial Stakes.
3 c Mr. Greeley – Deceit Princess, by Vice Regent
BROTHER DEREK: Not disgraced when dead heating for fourth in the Derby after running wide through much of the race. His form before that was very impressive and he will be well suited by the shorter trip. He is well drawn this time at five and looks like the biggest threat to Barbaro's Triple Crown aspirations.
3 c Benchmark – Miss Soft Sell, by Siyah Kalem
BARBARO : Unbeaten in six starts following his tour de force at Churchill Downs. He outclassed a field which had been described as one of the strongest Derby fields of recent times. There is no reason that he won't confirm the Derby form although it should be closer between him and Brother Derek this time.
3 c Dynaformer-La Ville Rouge, by Carson City
SWEETNORTHERNSAINT : The beaten favourite in the Kentucky Derby when a disappointing seventh with no apparent excuses. He had romped home in the Illinois Derby –but the form of that race looks suspect. He needs to improve to threaten the favourites. He has won three of seven starts.
3 g Sweetsouthernsaint – Ice Beauty, by Waquoit
BERNARDINI: Beautifully bred colt who was impressive when winning the Withers Stakes (Gr3) last time out by nearly four lengths. He is the least experienced runner in the field but this shouldn't be too serious in a nine horse field. He has won two of three starts.
3 c A.P. Indy – Cara Rafaela, by Quiet American
DIABOLICAL: Enters the race off an impressive eight and a quarter lengths win in an allowance race. He was thrashed by Barbaro in last year's Laurel Futurity and is hard to fancy on that form. Like English 1000 Guineas runner up Confidential Lady he is out of a mare by sire disappointment Dayjur. He has won two of eight starts.
3 c Artax – Bonnie Byerley, by Dayjur
SELECTION
1 Barbaro
2 Brother Derek
3 Bernardini