End of the Year Kentucky Derby Top 10

Dec 10, 2019 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

As we approach the end of the Road to the Kentucky Derby two-year-old prep season for 2020, racing analyst John Mucciolo lists his top of the crop:

It is never too early for Kentucky Derby talk. So, as we near the conclusion of a fascinating 2019 racing season, it is time to look ahead as to what next year has to offer.

I have witnessed countless two-year-olds over the past few months who can be considered prospects on the 2020 Triple Crown Trail. And while it is only December and this list will change countless times leading up to May 2, I will attempt to shed light on the top contenders for the Run for the Roses presently.

1. Independence Hall — Unbeaten son of Constitution looked like a man among boys in a 12 ¼-lengths drubbing of his Nashua S. (G3) foes. Trombetta trainee is the most exciting prospect I witnessed this campaign.
2. Dennis’ Moment — Enigmatic colt hasn’t figured it all out yet, but when he does his opponents best be on alert. Son of Tiznow has a world of raw talent, and his affinity for Churchill Downs is a good thing, too.
3. Thousand Words — Courageous Los Alamitos Futurity (G1) victor moved his mark for two-for-two for Bob Baffert. $1 million son of Pioneerof the Nile might be this stable’s top gun heading into his three-year-old season.
4. Tiz the Law — Brilliant juvenile took a step back when third in the Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2), but he remains a prime prospect, nonetheless. The electric Champagne S. (G1) star will be a force on the East Coast for Barclay Tagg.
5. Maxfield — Breeders’ Futurity (G1) romper has displayed a punishing turn of foot from a pair of lifetime appearances for Brendan Walsh. The Godolphin color bearer is bred for greatness, and he will be a formidable sophomore with a full recovery from injury.
6. Anneau d’Or — Expensive son of Medaglia d’Oro justified his Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) second with a fine runner-up showing in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G1) on Saturday. Blaine Wright pupil is bred to run a classic distance, and he has a fine foundation with three route races under his belt as a juvenile.
7. Green Light Go — Saratoga Special S. (G2) victor is built like a racehorse and capped off a solid two-year-old campaign with a runner-up Champagne S. (G1) showing.  Jimmy Jerkens charge has the pedigree to thrive at classic distance, as well.
8. Ajaaweed — Shadwell homebred was game in defeat with a rallying second in Saturday’s Remsen S. (G2) for Kiaran McLaughlin. Curlin colt has a high ceiling and won’t need a lot of activity in 2020 to be fit for the Derby.
9. Storm the Court — Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) upsetter was flattered when Anneau d’Or ran huge at Los Alamitos over the weekend. Peter Eurton pupil faces a tough task in a formidable California crop of prospects in 2020.
10. Donna Veloce — Filly displayed a ton of talent from a trio of tries in 2019, with Grade 1 seconds in two straight. I have a hunch that she will progress into a top sophomore, with a run against the boys being in the cards.