In Due Time Kentucky Derby Pick

In Due Time finished third as the favorite Saturday in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland and remains a prospect for the Kentucky Derby. Next, our In Due Time Kentucky Derby pick. Although trainer Kelly Breen said Monday he and the owners of the Not This Time colt need more time to determine whether they actually want to run in the May 7 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Tawny Port won the Lexington. This by a length over Major General. With In Due Time and jockey Paco Lopez another length back in third as the 19-10 choice. Breen said Lopez believes In Due Time “didn’t handle the surface all that well” and that the May 21 Preakness Stakes would be the goal if they decide to forgo the Kentucky Derby.

In Due Time is among a number of bubble horses whose Derby status will need to be determined by entry day, May 2. Right around the corner.

Tawny Port was assigned an 89 Beyer Speed Figure for the Lexington on dirt. The Peachtree Stable colt had raced primarily on Tapeta beforehand. Trainer Brad Cox now has three confirmed Derby starters in his Churchill Downs barn. With the others being Arkansas Derby winner Cyberknife and Louisiana Derby runner-up Zozos.

Odds for In Due Time Kentucky Derby Pick

On Sunday, Epicenter had his second work since he won the March 26 Louisiana Derby, going five furlongs in 1:00.80 in company with 6-year-old Gun It. He is considered the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby in many early rankings.

“With Epicenter, the spacing of his races since December has been very effective for him,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. Do you agree? Post your comments below. “We’re just trying to put the building blocks. Space for him to handle the mile and a quarter in the Derby here. I couldn’t feel any better with how he’s doing here and how he loves Churchill Downs.”