Kentucky Derby: Who Will It Be? - Horse Racing

Not many weeks left for the eagerly awaited Kentucky Derby and besides Brother Derek it is still difficult to decide who the main contenders for this race are. Sinister Minister astounded the competition in the horse racing meet at Keeneland in the Blue Grass Stakes. Derby hopefulls Bluegrass Cat (fourth) and First Samurai (fifth) would have to work miracles to fulfill their earlier promise at the major horse racing event on May 6th.

Lawyer Ron displayed his sheer speed, bringing jockey John McKee to the front along the backstretch to establish a 2 3/4 -length victory in the $1 million Arkansas Derby. The victory at this horse racing meet was the colt's sixth straight win. The results of the Blue Grass and the Arkansas Derby had a huge impact on the Kentucky Derby hopes and dreams of many.

The list of early nominations for the 2006 Triple Crown had a total of 427 thoroughbreds, many more than last year's 357. The final nomination period closed with 14 additional nominees at the whopping price of $6000 each. The response including five nominees from Europe or the Middle East establishes the attraction this most difficult of all sporting accomplishments has for horsemen on both sides of the Atlantic and that starry eyed dreams never fade. It also confirms the viability of participating in all three horse racing events for the Triple Crown. Brother Derek, Lawyer Ron and Barbaro are favorite front runners. It remains to be seen who will realize their dream and fulfill their promise.