2012 Kentucky Derby prep races on February 25 and 26 have four top contenders. Four of the top ten Kentucky Derby horses are scheduled to race this weekend! Here is a list of the horses that many consider the Top Ten!

Union Rags, Michael Matz, trainer and newly engaged Julien Leparoux, jockey. Leparoux takes over for Javier Castellano who has committed to ride Algorithms. He worked 4 furlongs in 48.64 seconds Sunday at Palm Meadows (FL). Next race is the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, February 26.

Algorithms, Todd Pletcher, trainer and Javier Castellano, jockey. He worked 4 furlongs in 49.00 Monday at Palm Meadows (FL). He will Puts 3-for-3 record on line against Union Rags. He defeated 2-year-old champ Hansen in Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park on January 29. Next race is the Fountain of Youth Gulfstream Park on Sunday, February 26. He is bred by Kentucky Derby Tours alumni, Pat Klussman of Oakbrook Farm (see January 29th blog https://kentuckyderbytours.com/blog/2012/01/ )

Hansen, Mike Maker, trainer and Ramon Dominguez, jockey. New York stewards denied breeder-owner Dr. Kendall Hansen request to dye mane and tail of nearly white colt for Gotham Stakes (see February 9th blog https://kentuckyderbytours.com/blog/2012/02/page/2/ ) Next race is Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct on March 3.

Liaison, Bob Baffert, trainer and Rafael Bejarano, jockey. He worked a half-mile in 47.00 last week at Santa Anita. Clipped heels with another horse in stretch and unseated his rider in Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park (G2). Next race is the San Felipe at Santa Anita Park on March 10.

Gemologist, Todd Pletcher, trainer and still listing Javier Castellano as the jockey. He worked 5 furlongs in 1:03.88 on Sunday at Palm Meadows (FL). He was unbeaten in three starts, all as 2-year-old. Next race is the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 17. .

Secret Circle, Bob Baffert, trainer and Rafael Bejarano is still listed as jockey. He won a division of Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. He has won four of five, with only loss coming in the Sham Stakes on January 7. Next race is undecided. .

Discreet Dancer, Todd Pletcher, trainer and John Velazquez, jockey. He worked 5 furlongs in 1:00.24 Monday at Palm Meadows (FL). He won on his first two races by combined 15¼ lengths at Gulfstream Park. Next start is Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, February 26.

Alpha, Kiaran McLaughlin, trainer and Ramon Dominguez, jockey. He is the Withers winner but is skipping the Gotham. Next definite race is the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 7.

Mr. Bowling, Larry Jones, trainer and Robby Albarado, jockey. Lecomte Stakes winner who has three wins in five starts. Next race is Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on February 25.

I’ll Have Another, Doug O’Neill, trainer and Mario Gutierrez, jockey. Robert B. Lewis Stakes winner at Santa Anita Park at odds of 43 to 1 and has not worked since. Next race is Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita on April 7.

Who will still be looking for 2012 Kentucky Derby tickets at Churchill Downs?