Kentucky Derby 2011: What Should We Make of Archarcharch?

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Kentucky Derby 2011 Features Surprising Contender in Archarcharch, But Is He a Legit Factor In Race?

It is well-known that the 2011 Kentucky Derby field is among the most wide open in the history of the race. Given the severe lack of favorites, it has quickly turned into a handicapper's nightmare, as any one of the 20 horses in the field could potentially pull out a stunning win.

Among the early potential contenders is Archarcharch, who emerged as a potential contender for the winner's circle in mid-February.

It was then, during the Arkansas Derby, that the 25-1 underdog managed to hold off a furious charge from race favorite (and fellow Kentucky hopeful) Nehro to secure the surprise victory and a place in the Race for the Roses.

But, is this horse, son of Arch, a true contender for the Roses, or is he just going to disappoint?

Must Read: Kentucky Derby: The 20 Most Hilarious Horse Names Of All Time.

Arch is no one hit wonder; he's won three of the six races he's run, and finished in the top three in the other two. The lone race he failed to finish in the top three for (the Smarty Jones Stakes), he finished a close fourth.

In other words, Arch is a strong racer, one who knows how to get to the front and stay there. There's nothing about the Derby to indicate that he'll struggle there, and he's certainly got the stamina to finish strong.

Arch is as versatile a horse as you'll find in this field, capable of holding back and finishing strong, or keeping up with the leaders early and slipping easily into the lead. He's a balanced racer, and one who figures to be near the front of the pack all day long. He's capable of running on a variety of surfaces and in a variety of paces, and that kind of flexibility in his style won't just help at Churchill, it will be a major boon to his chances in all three Triple Crown Races.

As one of the few racers in the field without a lot of red flags attached to him Archarcharch is indeed a legit contender for the title under the spires of Churchill Downs, and assuming he can avoid getting trapped in the pack, I fully expect to see him near the front at the end of the day. He's a balanced, solid horse with the potential to do big things, and even if he doesn't win the Derby, he'll be near the front for most of the day. His status as a favorite is well-deserved.

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