The ever changing Kentucky Derby field fluctuated again on Friday as two horses that were on the fence are going to fly to Louisville and jump into the fray. But these might be more gate fillers than legitimate contenders.
Mine That Bird and Summer Bird, both sons of 2004 Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone, are the latest to join the crowded field but the weakest of the two is the only one guaranteed a spot in the 20-horse starting gate.
Mine That Bird (overall record, 8-4-1-0, "real dirt" record, 2-0-1-0,
18th on Graded Earnings List) -
The colt has yet to win this year in two starts and has faced sub par competition at Sunland Park in New Mexico. Last year, while racing in Canada on the "artificial" dirt (Polytrack), he won four of five starts but ran last in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in October.
The trainer, Bennie Woolley, told The Blood-Horse that this was "their one shot at the Derby." No one can blame them for that. Having a chance to run in the Kentucky Derby is an experience that's hard to pass up but don't waste your money at the betting windows on him.
Summer Bird,(overall record, 3-1-0-1, "real dirt" record, 3-1-0-1,
21st on Graded Earnings List) -
Here is a colt that's getting better and better with each start. He was third in the Arkansas Derby behind Papa Clem after dropping way behind early in the race. But he has just three career races and it's a lot to ask a young inexperienced horse to run well, let alone win, the Derby. He might be a horse to watch as the year unfolds.
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