Thought I'd try to spark a discussion again. Handicapping the Derby has always been a source of fascination with me. I have had some big scores the past 10 years (Monarchos, Thunder Gulch, Go for Gin, etc.) - some because of the Sheets, others because I just liked the horse. Anyway, here are my top 5 horses. I think I would have liked Repent, but alas, it was not meant to be (just like AP Indy).

#1 Harlan's Holiday - hate to take the favorite, but I really like his line - he's poised for a forward move and has a great bottom under him in my opinion

#2 Buddha - the only one of the Wood superstars that I don't think will bounce - only backed up slightly off his previous race

#3 Request for Parole - don't know how much forward he can go since he has equaled his two year old top twice this year without moving forward, but I have to think he has a big chance and will be a big, big price

#4 Blue Burner - probably will bounce off that Wood effort, but seems to be a consistent sort and is the kind that may put in a big run to pick up the pieces at the end

#5 Essence of Dubai - here's where the Derby feeling comes in. By rights, Johannesburg should be in the top 5 due to his BC number, but it's pretty tough to play him off that prep this year - meanwhile EoD looks like he'll have to run a lifetime top to win, but already having a mile and a quarter win, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt

I may not be taking the high road on this board, but I'm certainly taking the higher road. Let me hear your opinions this time.