Kentucky Derby Profile: Rich Strike and Rattle N Roll (AEs)

20 horses have entered but we have two also-eligible listed who are awaiting to see if their name will be called. Any horse that scratches will be replaced by Rich Strike in the first instance and Rattle N Roll in the second as long as the scratch happens by 9AM EST on Friday. JN Campbell has some thoughts on both runners in case they make the field...

Here is a pair of "Also-Eligibles" that will make "The Walk" over from the barn area at Churchill, but they might not make it "in" to the "Run for the Roses." Eric Reed is a Kentucky-based trainer with a solid record, and some good runners that are attached to his outfit. His colt, Rich Strike, began his stakes career against Epicenter down at the Fair Grounds in the Gun Runner Stakes.

By the time March rolled around, it was time to try tougher company, and Reed gave both the Battaglia Stakes and the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) a go. The son of Keen Ice ended up behind Tiz the Bomb and Tawny Port, which was not too shabby a showing. This will be a big chance for the conditioner, if his runner gets in the Derby, but he is going to be a massive price.

As for the other "AE," trainer Kenny McPeek started the Derby Trail with a number of promising possibilities. This colt by Connect was one of them ... The conditioner gave him every chance to earn his stripes, running him against the likes of Simplification in the FOY (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Epicenter in the LA Derby (G2), and Zandon in the BGS (G2). He ran "fine," but I would not say that there were any standout performances. This is a good horse, just like Reed's possible entry, but I do not see them making much of an impact. Looking elsewhere seems quite prudent ...