Derby Picture Looks Crowded

The Kentucky Derby still is four weeks away, and already the field is filling up. As many as six could come out of the Santa Anita Derby alone, although none likely will be the favorite.

That distinction belongs to Unbridled’s Song until he loses it.

Trainer Bob Baffert and owner Robert Walter agree their Santa Anita Derby winner Cavonnier is going.

“We’d both be shot if we don’t go. My wife would kill us,” said Walter, who owns the horse under the Walter Family Trust name.

Also expected to make the trip for the Derby on May 4 at Churchill Downs will be two D. Wayne Lukas-trained horses, Honour and Glory and Prince of Thieves. Alyrob, disqualified from second to last, Matty G and Corker also are possibilities.

And although it was the richest of all the Derby preps, offering $1 million in prize money, it certainly isn’t the only one that’ll be sending a few horses to Kentucky.

Unbridled’s Song, last year’s 2-year-old champion, is expected to have little trouble with a weak Wood Memorial field next Saturday at Aqueduct, and that would send him to Kentucky as the favorite.

The Blue Grass at Keeneland on the same day will feature a host of Derby probables, including Lukas trainee Editor’s Note, Shug McGaughey’s Draw, a pair of Nick Zito-trained colts in Diligence and Louis Quatorze, and Baffert’s other top 3-year-old, Semoran.