KYC Contributor Archive
Pete Denk
Kerry Thomas, the Herd Whisperer
Rating the Kentucky Derby field’s emotional balance.
Profile: Archarcharch
If he can get a clean trip through the first six furlongs, his natural speed should allow him to be creeping up behind the winners at the quarter pole.
Profile: Santiva
In order to hit the board, Santiva needs to run back to his effort in the Risen Star while stretching out to 1 1/4 miles.
Profile: Animal Kingdom
There are an awful lot of things to like about Animal Kingdom, but there is one giant unknown: Can he run on dirt?
Profile: Shackleford
There is a good chance Shackleford will be underestimated again in Louisville, pace and distance concerns notwithstanding.
Profile: Stay Thirsty
In order to compete in this Derby, Stay Thirsty would need to improve on his two best races. That’s asking an awful lot.
Profile: Soldat
Soldat is a fast horse, but his profile doesn’t scream Kentucky Derby winner.
Profile: Nehro
Nehro is a serious contender to hit the board. With just a little improvement, he becomes a win candidate.
Buying a Derby Winner: A Few Rules and A Lot of Luck
You can buy horses with Derby potential. There are hundreds sold every year, and there are a few dozen good trainers and bloodstock agents who can root those prospects out for you.
Profile: Midnight Interlude
Going up in class while facing a ton of new variables, the Derby for Midnight Interlude is likely to be a valuable learning race.
An award winning newspaper journalist from Chicago’s south side, Pete Denk moved to Lexington, Kentucky, in 2005. He wrote for Thoroughbred Times for five years, as a staff reporter and later as sales editor. Denk headed up the Times’ auction coverage for three years. Still based in horse country, he now works as a freelance journalist and consultant.