Brody’s Cause can win races at Keeneland. The bigger question is whether he’s ready to win again at nearby Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
Of course, Dale Romans believes his 3-year-old colt is ready for the Kentucky Derby after his victory in the Blue Grass on Saturday.
“We’re going into the Kentucky Derby in perfect form,” Romans said. “He’s already won on the track, which you know is important at Churchill Downs, and the farther the better.”
Brody’s Cause, along with Wood Memorial winner Outwork and Santa Anita Derby winner Exaggerator, swept into the AP’s latest Run to the Roses top 10, with Romans’ colt at No. 5. Exaggerator is third and Outwork ninth.
Undefeated Nyquist, back galloping this week after a brief blood issue, is an even more solid No. 1 following the biggest Saturday of the Derby preps season.
After Nyquist, the field looks wide open, but Louisiana Derby winner Gun Runner remains No. 2 with four wins in five starts. His loss, though, came at Churchill Downs in last year’s Kentucky Jockey Club. He does own a win over the track — in his first career start.
Of Brody’s Cause’s three wins from six races, two were at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky., and his first career win came at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Exaggerator loved a muddy track in winning the Santa Anita Derby by 6¼ lengths. His weakness may be Nyquist — he’s 0-for-3 against the Derby favorite.
Mor Spirit was second to Exaggerator for Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert, and checks in at No. 6 in the top 10. Baffert sends out Rebel winner Cupid — seventh this week — Saturday in the Arkansas Derby, one of two final prep races before the May 7 Kentucky Derby.
Mohaymen (five wins in six starts) is No. 4, Tampa Bay Derby winner Destin is No. 8 and UAE Derby winner Lani completes the list at No. 10.
