Stay Thirsty and Uncle Mo occupied the top two spots when I began this list September 2010, and there were many twist and turns along the way.

Soldat worked 3f in :36.12 at Palm Meadows on Dec 24 - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

Soldat jumped to the head of the class but quickly fell after flopping in the Florida Derby and under the Twin Spires. My Kentucky Derby top was not seen again in 2011. The Fountain of Youth hero has resumed training in South Florida and is one to watch next year.

Mucho Macho Man appeared poised to make a move after landing the show on the first Saturday in May but he took two steps back after disappointing runs in the Preakness and Belmont.

Astrology seemed certain to capitalize on his Preakness show finish and have a big second half of the year for Asmussen but it was not meant to be for son of A.P. Indy.

Coil briefly shot to the head of the class after winning the Haskell but didn’t lift a hoof in the Travers.

Stay Thirsty landed the place in the Belmont Stakes and was back on top after hitting his best stride in the Jim Dandy and Travers. He was hardly disgraced in the Jockey Club Gold Cup but once again proved he is not the same away from New York in a BC Classic flop.

The Factor looked like a force after beating older in his Pat O’Brien return at Del Mar but came crashing to earth in the Ancient Title and BC Dirt Mile.

     {Check out the top 2012 Kentucky Derby contenders}

Uncle Mo was the juvenile king of the hill and looked ready to regain his crown after cruising in the Kelso at Belmont Park. He failed to get the trip in the BC Classic and was whisked away to the breeding shed.

The final grade one for 3-year-old males was run at Santa Anita Park on Dec 26 and The Factor got back on the beam with a stylish Malibu win under Martin Garcia. The enigmatic sort was the most brilliant 3yo performer of the season when he had his mind on running.

Mr. Commons could be a force in 2012 - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

Finally, Mr. Commons dismantled his rivals in the grassy Sir Beaufort on the Malibu undercard and got his much deserved graded score in the process. I have always been fond of him and it is on to bigger and better things for the Shirreffs trainee.

Check out the top ranked Three-Year-Old Males on Horse Racing Nation.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten Three-Year-Olds of 2011

1. To Honor And Serve – Hit his best stride in the fall with big wins in the PA Derby and against older in the G1 Cigar Mile. He has races like the 2012 Met Mile on his agenda.

2. Caleb’s Posse (Posse) – Impressive Amsterdam and King’s Bishop hero dusted older in the BC Dirt Mile and might get the award for top 3yo. He captured four graded races (2 Grade 1s) in 2011.

3. The Factor (War Front) – Bob Baffert’s fleet sprinter fizzled in the Ancient Title and BC Sprint but rebounded smartly in the Malibu. He won four graded races (2 Grade 1s) this year and beat older in G1 Pat O’Brien.

4. Stay Thirsty (Bernardini) – Jim Dandy and Travers winner finished a respectable 3^rd in the Jockey Club Gold Cup before flopping in the BC Classic. He had a long, productive season and will point to a NY campaign next year.

Animal Kingdom breezed 3f in :38 at Fair Hill on Dec 24 - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

5. Animal Kingdom – Kentucky Derby hero went to the sidelines after troubled Belmont Stakes journey. He returned to the worktab on Dec 24 and is expected to give the Dubai World Cup a whirl if everything goes well.

6. Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) – Juvenile champ got back on the beam in the G2 Kelso before faltering in the BC Classic. He will never get to fulfill his promise on the racetrack as he is off to the breeding shed.

7. Mr. Commons (Artie Schiller) – Much the best in the G2 Sir Beaufort. Talented grass runner might return to dirt for the Strub Stakes in February with the BC Mile his long range 2012 goal.

8. Coil (Point Given) – The G1 Haskell hero was last seen finishing 3^rd versus older rivals  in the G1 Goodwood at Santa Anita on Oct 1. No workouts within the last 60 days.

9. Mucho Macho Man – Kentucky Derby show finisher ended his season on a high note with a good looking optional claiming tally at Aqueduct. He is currently training in Florida and could make some noise in the handicap division next year.

10. Ruler On Ice (Roman Ruler) – Belmont Stakes hero was 3^rd in the Haskell, 2^nd in the PA Derby, 3^rd in the BC Classic, and 5^th in the Clark Handicap to end his season. He has resumed training in South Florida.

The undefeated son of Tiznow tagged inexperienced early runner Ever So Lucky to capture the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes by 1-3/4 lengths with Timely Tally rallying to finish an unlucky 3^rd. The BSF came back a respectable 85 and the top three all have a case of Derby fever.

Dale Romans already has G1 Breeders’ Futurity hero Dullahan and now adds O’Prado Again to the mix following a victory in the G2 Remsen. The latter has captured back-to-back nine furlong events.

Souper Speedy set the pace and held the place over top ten member El Padrino. The latter did enough in his first start against winners to retain a spot on my list.

My last update here occurred after the BC Juvenile and much has happened in the three weeks since. I rated the recent preps at Online Horse Racing Betting – Grading the Early Kentucky Derby 2012 Preps.

Drill wheeled back quickly in the Nov 19 Delta Jackpot after flopping in the BC Juvenile and it was more bad news for the Baffert trainee after dueling and throwing in the towel. I cannot forgive back-to-back flops so he drops off the list.

Sabercat captured the G3 Delta Jackpot over Basmati but the pace fell apart and the final time was slow.

From the Exciting Prospects list, Royal Delta’s baby bro Empire Way followed up a deceptively easy debut tally at Hollywood with a disappointing effort in the G3 Hollywood Prevue. He is clearly not ready for prime time and drops off my radar screen.

Click on the names of each horse below to view their Horse Racing Nation profile page, which includes pedigree information, results, and video.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten 2012 Kentucky Derby Contenders

1. Union Rags (Dixie Union) – Champagne hero failed to run a straight course in unlucky BC Juvenile place finish. He will winter in Florida.

Secret Circle might go next in G1 CashCall Futurity - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

2. Secret Circle (Eddington) – Bob Baffert’s fleet colt remained undefeated in game BC Juvenile Sprint (95 BSF) tally. He might stretch out in G1 CashCall Futurity. Two works since BC including 5f move in 1:01.40 at Hollywood on 11-26.

3. Creative Cause (Giant’s Causeway) – G1 Norfolk hero finished a respectable 3^rd in BC Juvenile. He will get a breather and could return in Santa Anita’s G2 San Vicente at 7f on Feb 19.

4. Hansen (Tapit) – Undefeated BC Juvenile (94 BSF) hero has never been headed and his true talents are still unknown. He will spend the winter in Florida and could show up in the G3 Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park on Jan 29.

5. Gemologist (Tiznow) – New member vaults into top five following sharp G2 Ky Jockey Club (85 BSF) victory for WinStar Farm/Todd Pletcher. Undefeated colt owns fine early-pressing speed and plenty of upside.

6. Alpha (Bernardini) – Champagne runner-up was fractious at gate in BC Juvenile flop. He has raw talent but needs to sharpen his mental skills next year.

7. Dullahan (Even The Score) – G1 Breeders’ Futurity winner blew the break in BC Juvenile but still managed to finish a respectable 4th.

8. El Padrino (Pulpit) – Todd Pletcher’s $210k purchase romped in the slop second time out and ended up a rock solid 3^rd in G2 Remsen.

9. Take Charge Indy (A. P. Indy) – 5th place BC Juvenile finisher owns a strong route pedigree and should be much improved in 2012.

10. Hierro (Hard Spun) – Cruised in 3^rd lifetime start at Churchill Downs on Nov 9. Promising Asmussen trainee has worked twice at Churchill since his win including a 5f breeze in 1:02.80 on 11-26.

Exciting Prospects

Consortium (Bernardini) – Landed on the NY Watch list following facile debut at Big A. The Kiaran McLaughlin runner is a son of hot young sire Bernardini just like his highly regarded stablemate Alpha.

Ever So Lucky (Indian Charlie) – Hardly a secret in good looking Churchill sprint bow. Sheppard trainee set the pace and just held the place in G2 Ky Jockey Club Stakes. Future appears bright.

O’Prado Again (El Prado) – G2 Remsen (80 BSF) hero can seemingly run all day and Dale Romans knows how to prepare a horse for the classics.

Souper Speedy (Indian Charlie) – Set the pace and held the place in G2 Remsen. Debuted a 7f winner in the mud prior to that and is a ½ to Brilliant Speed.

Timely Tally (Mr. Greeley) – Checked in behind Gemologist in last two Churchill outings. Calvin Borel is high on the late striding Ian Wilkes runner.

Injured Reserve

B Shanny (Street Cry) – Bone chip has sidelined him for the year.

Currency Swap (High Cotton) – Left front ankle injury (P-1 flake) will require surgery and two months of farm rest. He is expected to point to the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby if all goes well.

Fire On Ice (Unbridled’s Song) – Suffered a non-displaced condylar fracture in his left hind leg. He is expected to return sometime next year.

Hansen still undefeated after BC Juvenile - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

Union Rags should have won the BC Juvenile but he was weaving under the Twin Spires and fell a head short. The talented juvenile needs to mature mentally.

Speaking of immaturity, Alpha had a mental breakdown in the starting gate and was done before he started in the BC Juvenile. He has some growing up to do.

Drill failed to pick up his feet at Churchill and is back quickly as the morning line favorite in the Delta Jackpot on Nov 19. He needs a big effort at Delta Downs to remain on my radar screen.

Secret Circle attended wicked splits in the BC Juvenile Sprint and had just enough left to hold off overseas filly Shumoos. Bob Baffert’s undefeated colt is obviously fast and might get his first stamina test in the CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park in December.

Optimizer failed to get involved in the BC Juvenile and appears much better on synthetic and/or turf at this stage. Wayne Lukas is his trainer so he figures to try dirt again but he drops off my list for now.

Seeker also drops out of the top ten. He followed up a show finish in the Nashua with an even 4^th in the BC Juvenile Sprint. The Asmussen trainee could go better with added ground next year.

Take Charge Indy, 4^th in the Breeders’ Futurity and 5^th in the BC Juvenile, cost me the superfecta when he failed to secure fourth place in the latter. He owns a late blooming pedigree and could improve in 2012. He remains in the bottom portion of my list for the time being.

Steve Asmussen is excited about his recent grad Hierro. He finished 5^th behind Alpha in his Saratoga bow and landed the place at Big Sandy second time out. Cap and gown time arrived under the Twin Spires on Nov 9 and he looked good in that extended sprint romp. He earned an 85 BSF for his maiden win and the sky is the limit.

Finally, Consortium heads the new exciting prospects section after a sharp debut tally at Aqueduct on 11-12. The Darley colt, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, is bred to route and could be any kind.

Click on the names of each horse below to view their Horse Racing Nation profile page, which includes pedigree information, results, and video.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten 2012 Kentucky Derby Contenders

1. Union Rags (Dixie Union) – Champagne hero failed to run a straight course in unlucky BC Juvenile place finish. He will winter in Florida.

Undefeated Secret Circle might stretch out in CashCall Futurity - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

2. Secret Circle (Eddington) – Bob Baffert’s fleet colt remained undefeated in game BC Juvenile Sprint (95 BSF) tally. He might stretch out in G1 CashCall Futurity.

3. Creative Cause (Giant’s Causeway) – G1 Norfolk hero finished a respectable 3^rd in BC Juvenile. He is done racing this year and is expected to prepare for the Derby at Santa Anita.

4. Hansen (Tapit) – New top ten member stole the BC Juvenile (94 BSF). Undefeated colt has never been headed and his true talents are still unknown. He will spend the winter in Florida.

5. Drill (Lawyer Ron) – Never lifted a hoof in BC Juvenile. G1 Del Mar Futurity hero returns quickly as the likely Delta Jackpot favorite on Nov 19. Fired a 3f bullet in :35.40 at Santa Anita on 11-14.

6. Alpha (Bernardini) – Champagne runner-up was fractious at gate in BC Juvenile flop. He has raw talent but needs to sharpen his mental skills next year.

7. Dullahan (Even The Score) – G1 Breeders’ Futurity winner blew the break in BC Juvenile but still managed to finish a respectable 4th.

8. El Padrino (Pulpit) – Todd Pletcher’s $210k purchase romped in the Belmont slop second time out on 10-29. His most recent work was a 5f breeze in 1:01.30 at Big Sandy on Nov 13.

9. Take Charge Indy (A. P. Indy) – 5th place BC Juvenile finisher owns a strong route pedigree and should be much improved in 2012.

10. Hierro (Hard Spun) – Cruised in 3^rd lifetime start at Churchill on Nov 9. Promising Asmussen trainee could winter in Southern California.

Exciting Prospects

Consortium (Bernardini) – Landed on the NY Watch list following facile debut at Big A. The Kiaran McLaughlin runner is a son of hot young sire Bernardini just like his stablemate Alpha.

Empire Way (Empire Maker) – Deceptively easy debut tally at Hollywood despite not being fully cranked. Royal Delta’s baby bro should continue to progress.

Ever So Lucky (Indian Charlie) – Hardly a secret in good looking Churchill bow. Sheppard has a runner on his hands.

Injured Reserve

B Shanny (Street Cry) – Bone chip has sidelined him for the year.

Currency Swap (High Cotton) – Left front ankle injury (P-1 flake) will require surgery and two months of farm rest. He is expected to point to the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby if all goes well.

Fire On Ice (Unbridled’s Song) – Suffered a non-displaced condylar fracture in his left hind leg. He is expected to return sometime next year.

2012 Kentucky Derby

I am off to a good start as my top five from my first Derby blog (Sept 10) all came back to run well. Union Rags and Alpha ran 1-2 in the Champagne and Creative Cause and Drill ran 1-2 in the Norfolk. Secret Circle made it 2-for-2 with another sprint romp. The bottom of the list blew up, however, mostly due to injuries.

Unfortunately, B Shanny, Fire On Ice, and Currency Swap have gone to the sidelines with injuries. Hurry Home Clover also drops off the list following a disappointing effort in the Charlie Palmer Futurity at Fresno.

The aforementioned Champagne and Norfolk players will meet again in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and I am looking forward to seeing my top ranked colt Alpha over a route of ground. I think the east coast horses are better at this stage but Creative Cause was visually impressive at Santa Anita last time.

Click on the names of each horse below to view their Horse Racing Nation profile page, which includes pedigree information, results, and video.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten 2012 Kentucky Derby Contenders

1. Alpha (Bernardini) – Rallied for the place in G1 Champagne. Makes 3^rd lifetime start in BC Juvenile and is bred to run all day.

2. Secret Circle (Eddington) – Bob Baffert’s fleet colt rated nicely in Jack Goodman Stakes romp (97 BSF). The BC Juvenile Sprint is next and he will probably stretch out in the near future.

3. Union Rags (Dixie Union) – Overcame trouble to smartly beat Alpha in the G1 Champagne (92 BSF). He goes next in the BC Juvenile.

Creative Cause goes next in the BC Juvenile - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

4. Creative Cause (Giant’s Causeway) – Turned the tables on Drill in the G1 Norfolk (84 BSF). He should continue to progress and is one of the favorites for the BC Juvenile.

5. Drill (Lawyer Ron) – G1 Del Mar Futurity hero was clearly 2^nd best in Norfolk. He also makes his next start in the BC Juvenile.

6. Dullahan (Even The Score) – Mine That Bird’s baby brother earned his diploma in G1 Breeders’ Futurity (85 BSF). Connections torn between BC Juvenile and BC Juvenile Turf.

7. Optimizer (English Channel) – Finished well for the show in the Breeders’ Futurity. D Wayne Lukas will try him on dirt in BC Juvenile.

8. Seeker (Hard Spun) – Asmussen trainee finished a respectable 3^rd in G2 Nashua. The BC Juvenile Sprint is next.

9. Take Charge Indy (A. P. Indy) – Ended up a disappointing 4^th in Breeders’ Futurity. The BC Juvenile is next. I love his pedigree and think he will be much better in 2012.

10. El Padrino (Pulpit) – Todd Pletcher’s $210k purchase was a fast closing 2^nd behind former (injured) top ten member B Shanny. He runs in the 2^nd race at Belmont Park on 10-29 (MSW, 8f). Long winded pedigree.

Injured Reserve

B Shanny (Street Cry) – Bone chip has sidelined him for the year.

Currency Swap (High Cotton) – Left front ankle injury (P-1 flake) will require surgery and two months of farm rest. He is expected to point to the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby if all goes well.

Fire On Ice (Unbridled’s Song) – Suffered a non-displaced condylar fracture in his left hind leg. He is expected to return sometime next year.

Will The Factor rebound in the BC Sprint? - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

Speaking of the Ancient Title, The Factor dueled from the rail and surprisingly threw in the towel in a clunker. It took him too long to put away his longshot pace rival and talented CA-bred sprinter Amazombie was the major beneficiary. The Bob Baffert trainee is still on course for the BC Sprint but loses the top spot and drops out of the top five as well.

The only other ranked 3-year-old in action recently was Prayer For Relief, and he finished an uncomfortable 3^rd behind Redeemed and Alternation in the Oklahoma Derby. He ran well enough to retain a spot in my top ten.

Check out the top ranked Three-Year-Old Males on Horse Racing Nation.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten Three-Year-Olds

1. Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) – Juvenile champ is back on top of his game after an easy score in the G2 Kelso. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is next and he fired a strong 5f bullet in :58.64 at Belmont on Oct 16.

2. To Honor And Serve (Bernardini) – Followed big 9f allowance win at the Spa with a sharp tally in the PA Derby. He breezed an easy 4f in :50 at Churchill on Oct 16. The BC Classic is next.

3. Wilburn (Bernardini) – Three straight wins including the G2 Indiana Derby on Oct 1. The BC Dirt Mile seems like a logical spot for the razor sharp late bloomer. He breezed 5f in 1:02.40 at Churchill on Oct 17.

4. Stay Thirsty (Bernardini) – Jim Dandy and Travers winner finished a respectable 3^rd in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. The BC Classic is his next assignment and he traveled 4f in :48.62 at Belmont on Oct 16.

5. Ruler On Ice (Roman Ruler) – Belmont Stakes winner finished a strong 2^nd in the PA Derby on Sept 24. Th intriguing BC Classic longshot breezed 5f in 1:02 at Monmouth on Oct 8.

6. The Factor (War Front) – Bob Baffert’s fleet sprinter fizzled in the Ancient Title. The BC Sprint is still on his radar screen and he worked a swift 4f in :46.20 on Oct 19 at Santa Anita.

7. Caleb’s Posse (Posse) – Impressive Amsterdam and King’s Bishop hero landed the show in the Indiana Derby. The BC Dirt Mile is probably next and he journeyed 5f in 1:02 at Keeneland on Oct 15.

8. Coil (Point Given) – The G1 Haskell hero finished 3^rd in Saturday’s G1 Goodwood at Santa Anita. He will skip the Breeders’ Cup and point to the Strub Series.

9. Rattlesnake Bridge (Tapit) – Surprise place finisher in the Travers landed the show in the PA Derby on Sept 24. On Oct 16, he breezed 4f in :48.70 at Belmont. BC possible but not likely.

10. Prayer For Relief (Jump Start) – Super Derby hero landed the show in the Oklahoma Derby. The BC Classic is a possible target.

Uncle Mo is headed to Churchill Downs and the BC Classic following sharp Kelso tally - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

Stay Thirsty tackled older runners for the first time in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and was hardly disgraced in a show finish behind Flat Out and Drosselmeyer. He is expected to join stablemate Uncle Mo in the BC Classic.

Coil rebounded from his Travers flop with a solid 3^rd place effort behind tough older rivals Game On Dude and Awesome Gem in the Grade 1 Goodwood at Santa Anita. The Bob Baffert trainee will likely be given a rest before targeting the Stub Series.

Wilburn continues to climb my rankings after rattling off another impressive win in the Grade 2 Indiana Derby. He easily dispatched of Preakness hero Shackleford and multiple stakes winner Caleb’s Posse and earned a 103 BSF.

In other 3YO news, The Factor goes after his second straight grade one sprint win against older company in Santa Anita’s Ancient Title on Oct 8. The fleet colt worked 4f in :47 at Santa Anita on Oct 3.

Check out the top ranked Three-Year-Old Males on Horse Racing Nation.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten Three-Year-Olds

1. The Factor (War Front) – Bob Baffert’s fleet sprinter beat older in his Pat O’Brien return at Del Mar and meets similar in Saturday’s Ancient Title at Santa Anita.

2. Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) – Juvenile champ is back on top of his game after an easy score in the G2 Kelso. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is next.

3. Stay Thirsty (Bernardini) – Jim Dandy and Travers winner finished a respectable 3^rd in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. The BC Classic is his next assignment.

4. To Honor And Serve – Followed big 9f allowance win at the Spa with a sharp tally in the PA Derby. The BC Classic is probably next.

Wilburn is rapidly ascending the 3YO ranks - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

5. Wilburn (Bernardini) – Three straight wins including the G2 Indiana Derby on Oct 1. The BC Dirt Mile seems like a logical spot for the razor sharp late bloomer.

6. Ruler On Ice (Roman Ruler) – Belmont Stakes winner finished a strong 2^nd in the PA Derby on Sept 24. He looks like an intriguing BC Classic prospect.

7. Caleb’s Posse (Posse) – Impressive Amsterdam and King’s Bishop hero landed the show in the Indiana Derby. The BC Dirt Mile is his next target.

8. Coil (Point Given) – The G1 Haskell hero finished 3^rd in Saturday’s G1 Goodwood at Santa Anita. He is expected to skip the Breeders’ Cup and point to the Strub Series.

9. Prayer For Relief (Jump Start) – Pulled off the Derby trifecta with wins in the Iowa Derby, West Virginia Derby, and Super Derby. Worked 5f in 1:00.20 at Santa Anita on Oct 2.

10. Rattlesnake Bridge (Tapit) – Surprise place finisher in the Travers landed the show in the PA Derby on Sept 24.

To Honor And Serve might go next in BC Classic - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

Bill Mott’s highly regarded son of Bernardini won the G2 Nashua and G2 Remsen last year and seemed destined to play in the 2011 Kentucky Derby but those dreams were dashed after a pair of non-threatening show finishes in the G2 Fountain of Youth and G1 Florida Derby.

He returned from a strained suspensory ligament in the G2 Amsterdam at the Spa and folded after attending the pace in that much needed sprint return. He got his groove back in a facile optional claiming route tally at Saratoga prior to another impressive performance at Parx.

Belmont Stakes hero Ruler On Ice was racing against the grain of a speed bias at Parx and ended up clearly second best after falling more than ten lengths off the pace in the PA Derby. He also spotted To Honor And Serve ten pounds and seems like an interesting BC Classic longshot if his connections go in that direction. He is back in the top ten, replacing Shackleford (see below).

Travers runner-up Rattlesnake Bridge finished a respectable 3^rd at Parx, and his effort was solid enough to retain a top ten spot on my list.

In other 3YO news, Shackleford drilled a 5f bullet on Sept 24 in advance of the Oct 1 Indiana Derby. The Preakness hero is only 1-for-7 in the graded ranks and looked tired in the Travers. He drops out of the top ten to make room for Ruler On Ice.

Check out the top ranked Three-Year-Old Males on Horse Racing Nation.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten Three-Year-Olds

Stay Thirsty goes in Saturday's JCGC - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

1. Stay Thirsty (Bernardini) – Jim Dandy and Travers winner remains on top of the heap. Breezed 4f in :47.07 at Belmont (dirt training track) on Sept 25. He will face older in the Oct 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup.

2. The Factor (War Front) – Exciting sprinter beat older in his Pat O’Brien return at Del Mar. Drilled a 6f bullet in 1:11.20 at Santa Anita on Sept 21.

3. To Honor And Serve – Followed big 9f allowance win at the Spa with a sharp tally in the PA Derby. The BC Classic might be next.

4. Caleb’s Posse (Posse) – Impressive Amsterdam winner also captured the King’s Bishop. Breezed 6f in 1:17 at Arlington on 9-17. He is using the Oct 1 Indiana Derby as a springboard to the BC Dirt Mile.

5. Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) – Ran too good to lose in King’s Bishop comeback. Fired a 4f bullet in :46.57 at Belmont (dirt training track) on 9-25. The G2 Kelso on Oct 1 is his next target.

6. Coil (Point Given) – The G1 Haskell hero threw in a Travers clunker. Worked 6f in 1:11.20 at Santa Anita on 9-26.

7. Prayer For Relief (Jump Start) – Pulled off the Derby trifecta with wins in the Iowa Derby, West Virginia Derby, and Super Derby. Worked 5f in 1:00.80 at Santa Anita on 9-25.

8. Wilburn (Bernardini) – Back-to-back wins including Smarty Jones Stakes at Parx Sept 3. Breezed 4f in :50.76 at Belmont on Sept 26. The Indiana Derby is next.

9. Ruler On Ice (Roman Ruler) – Belmont Stakes winner finished a strong 2^nd in Saturday’s PA Derby. He looks like an intriguing BC Classic prospect.

10. Rattlesnake Bridge (Tapit) – Surprise place finisher in the Travers landed the show in the PA Derby on Sept 24.

Awesome Bet and Populist Politics rallied nicely into tepid fractions to finish noses apart behind Prayer For Relief, with Alternation rounding out the Super Derby superfecta.

The biggest Super Derby disappointment was Meistersinger. He had early-pressing speed and the rail but steadily retreated after stalking the pace from the inside.

In other 3-year-old news, Boys At Tosconova posted his fifth workout since 8-11, breezing 4f in :48.93 at Aqueduct on Sept 14. He recently missed a week or so of training due to a quarter crack and is inching closer to his much anticipated return.

Former top ten member Smash, last seen finishing 2^nd in the G2 Carry Back at Calder on July 9, worked 3f in :37.60 at Hollywood Park on 9-15. He has obviously had some sort of physical issue since the Carry Back because he shows a trio of well-space works (7-21, 8-17, 9-15) since that event.

Check out the top ranked Three-Year-Old Males on Horse Racing Nation.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten Three-Year-Olds

1. Stay Thirsty (Bernardini) – Jim Dandy and Travers winner remains on top of the heap. Breezed an easy 4f in :50.60 at Saratoga (dirt training track) on Sept 11. He will face older in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Oct 1.

2. The Factor (War Front) – Exciting sprinter beat older in his Pat O’Brien return at Del Mar. Zipped 5f in :59.60 at Santa Anita on Sept 14.

The Indiana Derby is next for Caleb's Posse - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

3. Caleb’s Posse (Posse) – Impressive Amsterdam winner also captured the King’s Bishop. Breezed 4f in :49 at Arlington on 9-10. He is expected to use the Oct 1 Indiana Derby as a springboard to the BC Dirt Mile.

4. To Honor And Serve – Back on track after big 9f allowance win at the Spa on 8-26. Breezed 4f in :48.16 at Saratoga on 9-10. The Sept 24 Pennsylvania Derby is probably next.

5. Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) – Ran too good to lose in King’s Bishop comeback. Breezed 4f in :48.30 at Saratoga (dirt training track) on 9-11. The G2 Kelso on Oct 1 is his next target.

6. Coil (Point Given) – The G1 Haskell hero threw in a Travers clunker. Returned to the worktab with a 4f move in :48.60 at Santa Anita on Sept 14.

7. Prayer For Relief (Jump Start) – Pulled off the Derby trifecta with wins in the Iowa Derby, West Virginia Derby, and Super Derby. Could the Indiana Derby be next?

8. Rattlesnake Bridge (Tapit) – Surprise place finisher in the Travers is clearly on the upswing for McLaughlin. Breezed 4f in :47.46 at Belmont on Sept 11. No word on his next start.

9. Wilburn (Bernardini) – Back-to-back wins including Smarty Jones Stakes at Parx Sept 3, the local prep for the G2 Pennsylvania Derby.

10. Shackleford (Forestry) – Preakness hero and Haskell runner-up looked tired in the Travers. No word on next start but he is back in Kentucky with an eye on the Breeders’ Cup.

Seven of the last eleven Kentucky Derby winners graduated by October 4 including five of the last six. This year’s Derby hero Animal Kingdom just missed the aforementioned deadline with a place finish in his 9-18 bow followed by a maiden win on 10-23.

My list below is based on a combination of promise shown and distance breeding. Stay Thirsty occupied the top spot at this stage last year and he blossomed this summer with wins in the Jim Dandy and Travers at Saratoga.

Click on the names of each horse below to view their Horse Racing Nation profile page, which includes pedigree information, results, and video.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten  2012 Kentucky Derby Contenders

1. Alpha (Bernardini) – Made the NY Watch list after his romping Saratoga bow Sept 3. Mclaughlin has mentioned the G1 Champagne on 10-8 as his next start.

2. Secret Circle (Eddington) – Comes from same connections as Drill (see below) and this one looked great in his 7-23 Del Mar bow (97 BSF). I fancied his sire in the ’04 Triple Crown series. Three works since his bow including 7f move in 1:29.40 at Del Mar on 8-28.

3. Union Rags (Dixie Union) – G2 Saratoga Special winner in 2-for-2 for trainer Michael Matz of Barbaro fame. Decent pedigree and a 95 BSF under his belt. Breezed 4f in :50.40 at Fair Hill on 8-31 and is pointing to the Champagne.

4. Drill (Lawyer Ron) – Another well-bred Baffert/Pegram runner. He showed maturity in Del Mar Futurity (90 BSF) and tries a dirt route next (Norfolk).

5. Creative Cause (Giant’s Causeway) – Smartly won first two starts and exits a troubled 3^rd in G1 Del Mar Futurity. Surprised he has done so well sprinting given his decent route pedigree. The G1 Norfolk at SA on 10-1 is probably next.

6. Seeker (Hard Spun) – Asmussen still looking for his first Derby winner and this one earned a 95 BSF in 5.5f graduation run at the Spa on 9-5.

7. B Shanny (Street Cry) – New York-bred owns a decent pedigree and is reportedly Champagne bound after sharp Spa maiden win Aug 20. Hushion trainee worked 4f in :48.34 on Sept 2.

8. Fire On Ice (Unbridled’s Song) – Cruised in 6f Saratoga bow on 8-27 and earned an 88 BSF.

9. Hurry Home Clover (Bellamy Road) – I chose him over Peter Miller’s more well-known runner Majestic City. This one graduated in a Del mar route on 9-3  and will probably take on the big boys in the Norfolk.

10. Currency Swap (High Cotton) – Made it 2-for-2 in the sloppy G1 Hopeful. His dam sire Pine Bluff won the Preakness and trainer Terri Pompay has the BC Juvenile penciled in.

Rattlesnake Bridge has gotten good for McLaughlin and ran on nicely to land the place in the Travers. Longshot J W Blue was up for the show.

Shackleford has danced all the dances and looked tired in the Travers. Ruler On Ice was a disappointing 4^th and promising Mott runner Raison d’Etat was not up to grade one company.

I did not fancy Coil in the Travers even though I picked him in the Haskell but I did not expect him to finish a distant last. He never picked up his feet and I’ll draw a line through his non-effort at the Spa.

Unc;e Mo goes next in Belmont's Kelso on Oct 1 - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

The Grade 1 King’s Bishop marked the much anticipated return of Uncle Mo and he did everything but get his picture taken. He stalked a strong pace, took the lead, and was nailed on the line by razor sharp late running sprinter Caleb’s Posse (106 BSF).

The Factor (104 BSF) skipped the King’s Bishop in favor of facing older in Del Mar’s Grade 1 Pat O’Brien, and he looked great in his winning comeback at seven panels.

Wilburn was highly regarded earlier this year but like Stay Thirsty it took him some time to hit his stride. He has now won two straight and probably shoots for the PA Derby after earning a 98 BSF in the Smarty Jones at Parx on Sept 5.

Top ten member Prayer For Relief is the 9-5 favorite for Saturday’s Grade 2 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs and a victory would give him three consecutive graded tallies.

Check out the top ranked Three-Year-Old Males on Horse Racing Nation.

Jarrod Horak’s Top Ten Three-Year-Olds

Stay Thirsty goes next in Jockey Club Gold Cup - photo by Eclipse Sportswire

1. Stay Thirsty (Bernardini) – Jim Dandy and Travers winner is back on top of the heap. He could face older in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Oct 1.

2. The Factor (War Front) – Exciting sprinter beat older in his Pat O’Brien return at Del Mar. Nothing on his next outing.

3. Caleb’s Posse (Posse) – Impressive Amsterdam hero also captured the King’s Bishop. No word on his next start with the BC (Sprint or Dirt Mile) his major fall goal.

4. To Honor And Serve – Back on the beam after big 9f allowance win at the Spa on 8-26. The Sept 24 Pennsylvania Derby is probably next.

5. Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) – Ran too good to lose in King’s Bishop comeback. The G2 Kelso on Oct 1 has been mentioned as his next target.

6. Coil (Point Given) – The G1 Haskell hero threw in a Travers clunker. No published works since the Mid-Summer Derby and no word on his next start.

7. Prayer For Relief (Jump Start) – Back-to-back graded route wins in the Iowa Derby and West Virginia Derby. The improving Baffert trainee is the Sept 10 Super Derby fav.

8. Rattlesnake Bridge (Tapit) – Surprise place finisher in the Travers is clearly on the upswing for McLaughlin. Not sure where he goes next.

9. Shackleford (Forestry) – Preakness hero and Haskell runner-up looked tired in the Travers. No word on next start but he is back in Kentucky with an eye on the Breeders’ Cup.

10. Wilburn (Bernardini) – Back-to-back wins including Smarty Jones Stakes at Parx Sept 5, the local prep for the G2 Pennsylvania Derby.