The Derby's Best of The Rest

The Associated Press and The Blood-Horse have War Pass and Pyro No.1 and No.2 for the 2008 Kentucky Derby. Who can catch these two shoo-ins at Churchill Downs?

It's never a given. It's never that predictable. The Kentucky Derby.

Can No.1 War Pass arrive at Churchill Downs still unbeaten? He is pointed to the Tampa Bay Derby this Saturday. His main rival, No.2 Pyro, is scheduled for one more prep before the Derby. He will run on Polytrack in the Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky on April 12.

What about the rest of the best? How about Court Vision? An early pick, he may become that annual late comer. War Pass has a stablemate named Cool Coal Man, Mineshaft's boy. He made some splash of his own in the Fountain of Youth, beating Elysium Field and Court Vision.

There's more talent out there. Here's my Best Eleven headed for the Derby:

1. War Pass --- Juvenile Champ looks great, will probably continue to dominate
2. Pyro --- may catch him in a Triple Crown race, 4th, 5th, or 6th try
3. Colonel John --- he hangs in there; 3 wins from 5 starts, 2 seconds
4. Denis of Cork --- outstanding credentials, 3 wins at 3 different tracks at 3 distances
5. Visionaire --- trained by Michael Matz, a winner; captured Gotham Stakes last weekend
6. Cowboy Cal --- don't count out Triple Crown races winless with a colt Todd Pletcher yet
7. Yankee Bravo --- good numbers, 3 wins in 4 starts, won California Derby
8. Giant Moon --- unbeaten in 4 starts before the Gotham, won Count Fleet Stakes
9. Z Fortune --- Steve Asmussen's third best might surprise in TC races, Lecomte Stakes champ
10. Into Mischief --- a Harlan's Holiday son trained by Richard Mandella
11. Smooth Air --- kicked offf season with Hutcheson Stakes win, may return for a Derby steal

Saddle up! Come along for the ride! First Saturday in May, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby.