Kentucky Derby 2015 Contenders: Lineup and Pedigree for All Entries in the Field
Some Kentucky Derby champions have the greatest of bloodlines, some don't. While having a great pedigree certainly isn't a bad thing, we learned it's not a necessity to win the year's most prestigious race when California Chrome dominated at Churchill Downs in 2014 despite an unspectacular lineage.
This year's field of contenders is complete with some horses who are bred from champions, and others that are more along the lines of Chrome's pedigree. While having a great trainer and crafty jockey are certainly crucial elements for a horse's success, its bloodline does come into play in regards to its natural speed or stamina.
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As we await the festivities from Churchill Downs, let's familiarize ourselves with each Kentucky Derby contender's pedigree and take a closer look at the top horses in this year's field.
2015 Kentucky Derby Pedigree Info
| International Star | Fusaichi Pegasus | Parlez |
| Dortmund | Big Brown | Our Josephina |
| Carpe Diem | Giant's Causeway | Rebridled Dreams |
| American Pharoah | Pioneerof the Nile | Littleprincessemma |
| Frosted | Tapit | Fast Cookie |
| Mubtaahij | Dubawi | Pennegale |
| Materiality | Afleet Alex | Wildwood Flower |
| El Kabeir | Scat Daddy | Great Venue |
| Upstart | Flatter | Party Silks |
| Far Right | Notional | Zindi |
| Itsaknockout | Lemon Drop Kid | Stormy B |
| Firing Line | Line of David | Sister Girl Blues |
| Danzig Moon | Malibu Moon | Leaveminthedust |
| War Story | Northern Afleet | Belle Watling |
| Tencendur | Warrior's Reward | Still Secret |
| Stanford | Malibu Moon | Rosy Humor |
| Mr. Z | Malibu Moon | Stormy Bear |
| Ocho Ocho Ocho | Street Sense | Winner |
| Bolo | Temple City | Aspen Mountain |
| Keen Ice | Curlin | Medomak |
| Frammento | Midshipman | Ginger Bay |
| Bold Conquest | Curlin | One for Jim |
| Metaboss | Street Boss | Spinning Yarns |
| Firespike | Flower Alley | Fairy Valley |
| Toasting Master | Congrats | Broadway Gold |
All pedigree information courtesy of KentuckyDerby.com.
Top Contenders
American Pharoah
American Pharoah is the early odds-on favorite in this year's race, and his pedigree certainly has something to do with that.
His sire, Pioneerof the Nile, finished second in the Kentucky Derby in 2009, and he was sired by 2003 Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker. Pharoah's bloodline extends back to 1990 Kentucky Derby champion Unbridled. His dam, Littleprincessemma, is the offspring of stakes-winning sprinters Yankee Gentleman and Exclusive Rosette.
Trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, Pharoah has already begun to live up to the lofty expectations set by his impressive lineage. He's unbeaten in his last four starts and recently won the Arkansas Derby, defeating Kentucky Derby contenders Far Right and Mr. Z along the way.
Not only did Pharoah win the Arkansas Derby, but he absolutely dominated the race, pulling away from the pack down the final stretch to win by eight lengths. Here's a look at his sparkling run:
With a graceful gallop, a great amount of stamina and spectacular closing speed, it's easy to see why Pharoah is the favorite to don the garland of roses following the 2015 Kentucky Derby.
Dortmund
Dortmund is sired by 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown. Many thought Big Brown would win the elusive Triple Crown that year; however, foot trouble led to heartbreak in the Belmont Stakes.
A towering horse, Dortmund's size gives him a long stride, and he's used it to earn an unbeaten record after six career races. His most impressive showing was in the Santa Anita Derby, where he won by a dominating 4 ¼ lengths. Here's a look at his brilliant run:
In the Santa Anita Derby, Dortmund showed good pace and speed with the ability to finish when asked to run. Another Baffert-trained horse, the colt has been running well in the days leading up to the Derby. His trainer shared his thoughts on Dortmund's latest work during an interview with Jeremy Balan of The Blood-Horse.
"He worked fast last time, maybe a little too fast," Baffert said. "We didn't let him do that today, but he's ready. A slow work you can make up for. You can't make up for a fast work."
Carpe Diem
If there's a horse in this year's field capable of contending with the two aforementioned colts, it's Carpe Diem. His sire, Giant's Causeway, was dubbed the Iron Horse and displayed the stamina necessary to obtain many prestigious international wins. Carpe Diem shares that same attribute.
The three-year-old colt has been brilliant in 2015, winning both the Tampa Bay Derby and Blue Grass Stakes. His performance at Keeneland was impressive, as he entered the race as the favorite and didn't disappoint, winning by three lengths over Kentucky Derby contender Danzig Moon. Take a look:
Carpe Diem is trained by Todd Pletcher and has been running well in his pre-Derby work. During an interview with Claire Novak of The Blood-Horse, Pletcher elaborated:
"I thought he breezed great. There's very little I would change about the work. Sometimes in the dark they'll be a little more settled and last time we were out there around 10:15 a.m. or whatever it was, there was a little bit of a crowd there and he was probably just a little excited about that.
But (today) he was very settled, (in a) very good, progressive breeze. He picked it up each eighth, finished very well, galloped out good, and got it in over a perfect surface, so we're happy with it.
"
If he continues to show well during his practice runs at Churchill Downs, expect the hype surrounding Carpe Diem to continue to increase.
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