By Jarrod Horak
All of the points races have been run and the Kentucky Derby 2024 contenders are gathering under the Twin Spires for final workouts and preparations. In this article, I will catch up with the latest Derby news and update my “Exceptional 11” Kentucky Derby contenders.
Deterministic is out of the race. Christophe Clement’s lightly raced colt finished up the track as the beaten favorite in the Wood Memorial on April 6. He breezed five panels in 1:02.63 (11/19) at Belmont Park (training track) on April 21. The Grade 3 Peter Pan at Aqueduct on May 11 is a possible target.
Grand Mo the First got in after Deterministic dropped out. The Uncle Mo colt breezed six panels in 1:16.46 (2/2) at Gulfstream Park on April 23. Emisael Jaramillo will ride.
Jose Ortiz will ride Florida Derby runner-up Catalytic in the Kentucky Derby for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
