Kentucky Confidential

Action’s Line: I respect the outfit, but this would be a shocker. If any European barn can do it, it’s this one.

Scheinman’s Line: Not very hospitable to shove our European guest down into the one hole. Long shot chance now even more compromised.

Action’s Line: The last horse to get in would be a good one to break the Lukas graded-stakes losing streak. Takes back and makes one run, so post doesn’t matter.

Scheinman’s Line: Late runner for Hall of Fame trainer Lukas will drop back and attempt to save ground the entire way. Not good enough.

Action’s Line: Borel has won three of past five derbies, and I think this horse has more talent than Mine that Bird and Super Saver. He’s close enough to the fence for Borel.

Scheinman’s Line: If Calvin Borel could have picked his post position, it probably would have been this one. Inside draw allows him to get his cherished rail. Chances enhanced.

Action’s Line: Has been washed out the past couple mornings; not sure he can handle the heat and the crowd. Tough post, and he’ll take a lot of dirt in his face. Trouble looms.

Scheinman’s Line: Has proven capable of running inside horses, but will feel the crush of the field going into the first turn. People never stop loving him, but low odds just aren’t worth it.

Action’s Line: Only two wins have been at Keeneland. Not crazy with the way he’s training, but post shouldn’t hurt his late-running style.

Scheinman’s Line: Romans says he is athletic enough to track the pace or drop back and come on late. Has been high-headed and noisy in the a.m. Lots of support, but I would be surprised.

Action’s Line: Numbers-wise, the most talented horse in the field. The more he works, the better he seems to get. Should be tactical enough. If Trinniberg stumbles, he’s on the lead.

Scheinman’s Line: Slotted between slower horses in a sweet spot to start from. Sets sail and very likely straight to the winner’s circle for Baffert the Great.

Action’s Line: Last work was a good one. Can Hollendorfer strike at a price as he did a couple years ago with Dakota Phone at 70-1 in Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile? He’ll make a run.

Scheinman’s Line: Quietly working well this week for Hall of Fame trainer. Might outrun expectations but not the true contenders.

Action’s Line: I like the way Mike Harrington has worked him up to this race. Sitting on a big effort. I see him 10, 12 lengths off the pace and making first run at the speed. Major player.

Scheinman’s Line: Gray has looked lovely in the mornings, gliding across the Churchill dirt. Will need his very best and appears ready to deliver it.

Action’s Line: Will win the King’s Bishop at Saratoga if the Derby doesn’t ruin him.

Scheinman’s Line: Loved his run in the seven-furlong Bay Shore. Looked like he could easily go further. Noisy breathing in morning gallops has dulled my enthusiasm. Will be winging.

Action’s Line: Coming up to the Derby in great shape. Has looked great every morning. He will constantly grind at you. He doesn’t seem to ever stop attacking. The pick.

Scheinman’s Line: Whether they win or not, both Asmussen colts appear impeccably prepared. On paper this is the better of the two, and he figures to get an ideal stalking trip.

Action’s Line: Up until the Wood, he beat a bunch of tomato cans, but his troubled trip gives this guy a shot. He showed fight against the so-called great Gemologist. You want a horse who can overcome adversity.

Scheinman’s Line: No faulting McLaughlin for the preparation; Alpha looks grand. But he isn’t fast enough and he deferred to Gemologist in the Wood.

Action’s Line: Game win in the Tampa Derby; a proven fighter. Throw out the Polytrack effort in the Blue Grass. Rates a long-shot look.

Scheinman’s Line: Absolutely gorgeous every morning with his dark coat and bowed neck. Loves to compete and run through horses. Is he good enough? Juicy odds, that’s for sure.

Action’s Line: From the connections of last-year’s Derby winner. I don’t think this colt is as professional as Animal Kingdom.

Scheinman’s Line: Late addition of blinkers is a cause for concern. Workout experts have said something looks amiss. Connections of Animal Kingdom must be respected.

Action’s Line: Only Street Sense has won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Derby. Serious speed against him compromises his chances. Also, crowds upset him.

Scheinman’s Line: Perfect post and just can’t envision him not having a tremendous impact on the outcome. My gut tells me the race runs through this fleet horse. A huge threat.

Action’s Line: Gritty win in the Wood, but did they do enough with him this year? Started late in an allowance race. Question the foundation for a mile-and-a-quarter effort.

Scheinman’s Line: Flashy appearance, undefeated record, Todd Pletcher — what’s not to like? Well, I just don’t think he’s beaten much and the Wood victory looked ho-hum. Not buying him as a serious threat coming around the turn.

Action’s Line: My Derby winner in February when he crushed Take Charge Indy, but this horse has fallen off the radar with a subpar Florida Derby and work since.

Scheinman’s Line: The forgotten Pletcher horse, with all of his winter promise gone. That said, if he’s back on his game, he can grind forward from the third flight of runners and make some noise. Sleeper.

Action’s Line: I was hoping he would draw the 20-hole so I could say, ‘Done Talking.’ Made a nice run in a slow Illinois Derby.

Scheinman’s Line: Pride of Maryland is fearless and loves to attack between horses. Should settle far back and start picking them off. Can’t see him reaching the front, however, though he has some quality.

Action’s Line: If he moves forward off of his last, he could make it into the money. Trained as well as Daddy Nose Best, my top pick. Third race off the layoff should be his best.

Scheinman’s Line: Like El Padrino, a ticking time bomb of a forgotten horse. In superb hands, and he was running on well in the Arkansas Derby. Excellent long-shot value.

Action’s Line: Solid off his shocking win at 43-1 in the Bob Lewis with a hard-fought victory in the Santa Anita Derby. Young jock must keep his composure to stand a shot.

Scheinman’s Line: If you believe in the form of the California horses, you’ve got to like him. Has looked hot and cold galloping in the morning, but you can’t fault the flesh he’s carrying. Looks like a beast.

Action’s Line: Grade 1 winner at 2-year-olds has yet to develop at 3. What more can you say?

Scheinman’s Line: Outsider draws the outside and nothing he has shown whispers Derby winner. Strictly for Baffert cultists.