I've liked this horse. You can't have looked at those races and not felt like he is a special horse. Currently he sits in spot number 2 of my top ten minus 5. He's rated way too highly with the way the race is shaping up and its time for a significant downgrade. I attribute part of this downgrade to the false bravado I'm sensing from his trainer and the intuition that the pressure has already cracked Hendricks and is going to be sufficient considering the totality of circumstances to crack his horse. In fact Hendricks is so stressed out, he can't be good for his horse right now.

Plus theres the invalid factor. How many trainers have won a Derby from a wheelchair? I know that sounds cruel, but seriously, who has done it? Remember geldings couldn't win the Derby. What about cripples? O.k. Cripples isn't politically correct. What about the handicapped? Is that what they are saying now? Will someone please help me. What is the phrase I use to sound compassionate and empathetic even if I don't give a hoot and think Hendricks is a mean old coot buckling under the load?

"I don't think Brother Derek can get in front of this guy," Sinister Minister trainer Bob Baffert said. "I don't think he wants to."

Dan Hendricks, who trains Brother Derek, says his colt can settle in behind a speed duel up front. "If a horse wants to be sent out there and be ridiculous, let him," he said. "We'll be close. Everybody knows what our style is.":

http://my.earthlink.net/article/spo?guid=20060416/4441c140_3421_13345200604162059015327

Excepting his Maiden start, Brother Derek has never settled in a race hes won. He pulled the 13 hole in the B.C.Juvenile and had nothing left for the lane.

He caught a bad break in his first Statebred Stakes attempt and was soundly defeated.

His kidney's sweat and he wants the lead a.k.a. Bellamy Road. What do you think that big crowd and a pace battle is going to do to him? And I'll tell you something else. I dont' even think he's second quickest.

Yowsa

Current CtC Top Ten Derby Rankings

Tie for First

Sweetnorthernsaint and Sinister Minister
Lawyer Ron
Bob and John
Point Determined
Brother Derek