To start with I'll make a conditional assertion. Which is the UAE Derby will be the most significant KD prep of 2017, or of this week, or not depending on:

a: If two possibly three horses make the trip to Kentucky. [b]Epicaris[/b] is already qualified I believe. [b]Adirato[/b] is no slouch (IMO) and lightly raced and will be competitive @ a good price.

b. O'Brien [b]Lancaster Bomber[/b] TG 7 has already beaten most of what the US could offer up albeit on turf in the BC (his VISA c/b still valid) and [b]Spirit of Valor[/b] seemingly with dirt potential. If either of these two come a visiting well now!

Three tourists from the group above would add a lot of interest to the storyline of the 2017 "Run For The Roses." Even [b]Thunder Snow[/b] from Godolphin might ship if he runs well.

c: [b]Master Plan[/b] an $850K OBS purchase and FL winner (Pletcher), [b]Vettori Kin[/b] who I believe is technically a 4 y/o in Norte Americano (McPeek) looking for some cash, there is a $2M purse the former cash and derby points.

d: The race is 1+3/16m and contending at that distance some consider more meaningful than a shorter distance.

e: I hope making numbers for a race like this is easier than I imagine. Supposing the presence of Master Plan and a couple other that have run in the US should help some.

The Contenders?

1 The Spiral
Sure to draw a field of ?'s some of which c/b Animal Kingdom reincarnated but probably not. Truly one of the odder preps run each year. A difficult race to get very excited about for any but true aficionados. However, I am supportive of the TV series getting renewed for a second season.

2. The Mine That Bird (Sunland) Derby and I'll be the first to say produced a truly exciting Derby winner along with a real life story worthy of a movie script. This years edition looks interesting with big name trainers coming to town. I like this race because they invariable run fast early and crawl home late. Like some of my Friday nights of years past! The winner if he goes on to Kentucky is usually a favorite of the long shot loonies. Interesting race but locale lacks the skyscrapers of Dubai.

While the Florida Derby, The Wood, The Santa Anita Derby, The Louisianan and Arkansas Derbies are all coming up soon with each tossing in one possibly two Derby contenders this week Dubai is the centerpiece. I better begin my training now in order to get up early enough.

So from today's perspective the UAE Derby looks the most significant prep this year, or week.