The "Rules" over the last couple of years have become the exceptions.

Hence there really is no longer an established method for bringing a horse up to the Derby, or a gelding rule, NY Bred rule, Pa Bred rule or Fool Qualifiers.

Wasn't that long ago that The Hollywood Futurity was considered a kiss a death. If Declans Moon doesn't win the Derby it will not be because of that. Nick Zito is probably more comfortable giving his horses a certain number of Preps because it fits with how he trains his horse everyday. When was the last time you saw a Shug horse work a bullet or a Baffert horse who didn't.

Find yourself a Derby Day horse who has good tactical speed, a solid price and is "fast" going in. War Emblem, Funny Cide and Smarty Jones seem to come to mind.

Perhaps there are a new set of Rules. Hmmmmmmm