Derby Top 10

First off, apologizes for the lack of posting this week. Something-namely midterms-intervened with my regular schedule (such is the life of a college student. I'll be mine for a few more months).

Anyway, without further ado, here is the first installment of View From the Rail's Derby Top 10. In the future, look for these early in the week.

Agree with the rankings? Vehemently disagree? Feel free to comment and share your own thoughts.

1. Old Fashioned (Unbridled's Song-Collect Call, by Meadowlake): Undefeated and love that he already has a win at nine furlongs. Carried his form over from two to three to emerge again with a workmanlike effort in the Southwest. Plenty of questions from the masses about distance limitations and if he'll stay sound, but for now, he's answered each question posed of him with a resounding 'yes.' Won't get off him til we see a 'no.'

2. The Pamplemousse (Kafwain-Comfort Zone, by Rubiano): Physically impressive specimen is dangerous when left alone on the lead, but proved he could re-break and win under slight pressure in the Sham. Waiting to see what happens when someone really looks him in the eye, but for now, I consider him the best horse on the West Coast.

3. Stardom Bound (Tapit-My White Corvette, by Tarr Road): Has not faced the boys yet, but it could be coming if she trounces his rivals in this weekend's Santa Anita Oaks. Has a devastating late move that could be powerful against a field with all the speed the boys are showing this year. One of the most talented three year olds of either gender.

4. Friesan Fire (AP Indy-Bollinger, by Dehere): It says something about this year's bunch when this dual stakeswinner (LeComte and Risen Star) is second fiddle in his own barn. He's progressing steadily with each start, and the Louisiana Derby should be a good test.

5. Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song-Secret Status, by AP Indy): I can't believe I'm putting a two-start allowance winner over several multiple stakeswinners, but that's how highly I think of him. Has a wonderful turn of foot and handled adversity well in his second start. Says a lot about Todd Pletcher's confidence in him that he'll be rolling the dice earnings-wise by using a single stakes prep.

6. Pioneerof The Nile (Empire Maker-Star of goshen, by Lord At War): Followed gutty win in the Futurity with a workmanlike effort in the Robert B. Lewis.

7. Chocolate Candy (Candy Ride-Crownette, by Seattle Slew): Good third in the Futurity then won the California Derby and El Camino while stretching out a bit more each time. Don't think he's a world beater, but he's a useful sort and bred to get even more distance.

8. Beethoven (Sky Mesa-Moonlight Sonata, by Carson City): Still think he's going to be noticed in the Triple Crown series, but just hasn't lived up to the billing yet. Did close strongly against a speed bias in the Fountain of Youth.

9. Haynesfield (Speightstown-Nothing Special, by Tejabo): Winner of the Count Fleet and Whirlaway takes a step up in class this weekend, but he's an honest sort who has quietly made his mark.

10. Quality Road (Elusive Quality-Kobla, by Strawberry Road): Fountain of Youth was one of the better performances we've seen so far this year. Waiting to see if he moves forward in his next or if he's just a class miler.

On the radar: Mr. Hot Stuff (Tiznow-Sweet Damsel, by Turkoman), the full brother to Colonel John, closed strongly to pick up third in the Sham and appears primed to move forward. Silver City (Unbridled's Song-Proposal, by Mt Livermore) was a game second in the Southwest. We'll see if Imperial Council (Empire Maker-Jaramar Rain, by Thunder Gulch) and Mr. Fantasy (E Dubai-Twice Forbidden, by Spectacular Bid), a half to Tin Cup Chalice, live up to their billing this weekend in the Gotham.