And They're Off!

Approximately 15 hours into the new year, and 4 months before the 1st Saturday in May, Calder Race Course officially kicked off the 2008 Kentucky Derby campaign with the Tropical Park Derby (GIII). A 1 1/8th mile test over the turf, the year's first Derby on the Derby Trail propelled Cowboy Cal to the top of the contender list. Although the Cowboy will have to make the transition to dirt at some along the Derby Trail if he hopes to prevail in the Run for the Roses, it is important to note that Barbaro launched his 2006 Derby campaign in this same race.

One important thing to note in comparing the two races - while both winners ran similarly, tracking an honest early pace, Barbaro's come home time (his last furlong) of :11.4 seconds stamped him as a champion in the making. Cowboy Cal's come home time of :12.1 is impressive, but he'll need to move up a few lengths to be the top choice when the gate open on May 3rd.