Bandini was in 23rd place on the Graded Earnings List prior to the Blue Grass, but after an authoritative six length win, he has assured himself a place in the Churchill Downs starting gate come Derby Day. The victory earned $465,000 for owners Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, who finished second with Lion Heart in last year's Kentucky Derby.

Bandini came into the Blue Grass off a second to High Fly in the Fountain Of Youth (GII). High Fly subsequently came back to win the Florida Derby (GI), making Bandini's race look that much better. Bandini turned in two nice works, including a bullet five furlong move April 11th, over the Keeneland strip since arriving early this month.

On paper, the race looked to have plenty of early speed. Spanish Chestnut broke most alertly of all, with High Limit just to his outside, and Bandini hung three wide going into the first turn. The field strung out a bit rounding the turn and going into the backstretch. Spanish Chestnut continued on a strong pace, getting the half mile in :46.65. He began to shorten up around the far turn, with High Limit making his move for the lead. Jockey John Velazquez made a simultaneous move with Bandini, collaring High Limit at the top of the stretch. Ramon Dominguez put High Limit to a drive, but he could not match strides with his foe, and Bandini powered away for the final margin of victory.

High Limit was a clear second, finishing three lengths in front of Closing Argument. The latter exchanged bumps at the start and on the far turn, but ran evenly throughout to hold the show spot by a neck over Sun King. Sun King, in last early had a very wide trip. Consolidator, Spanish Chestnut, and Mr Sword completed the order of finish.

Since the Fountain of Youth, Bandini's trainer, Todd Pletcher, said his colt was lacking focus, not talent. Coming into the Blue Grass, Pletcher said he was, "quietly confident, but concerned about drawing the outside post."

After the race, Pletcher reflected, "(Bandini) was clearly on his game today. We did some more company work (to get him focused) after the Fountain of Youth."

John Velazquez echoed the sentiment, "(He was) much better focused, got more aggressive at the half mile pole."

With the win, Bandini raised his record to 3-1-0 in five starts. The 3-1 second choice, he paid $8.00, $3.80, and $3.20. High Limit, the 5-2 favorite, paid $4.20 and $3.20 to place. Closing Argument's show was $4.40. The $2 exacta was $34,80.

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