We are only weeks away from the 132nd running of the 2006 Kentucky Derby on May 6th. While the final field is yet to be determined, there are some interesting contenders that warrant a few comments. Leading up to the Florida Derby on the April 1 is Barbaro, the favorite in the Florida Derby and a leading contender to become the favorite in the 2006 Kentucky Derby as well. Barbaro's status as favorite in the Florida Derby has raised some eyebrows because the horse has never raced on a fast, dirt track. Plus, the horse will have 5 weeks between the Florida and Kentucky Derbies.

Barbaro answered the question about his ability to handle a fast track and will head into the 2006 Kentucky Derby undefeated after outfinishing a game Sharp Humor to post a hard-fought half-length victory in Saturday's $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.

Another early favorite for the 2006 Kentucky Derby is Lawyer Ron, trained by Bob Holthus. Lawyer Ron has won each of his last five starts, including an impressive trip in his last race at Oaklawn on March 18th. In the 1 1/16 mile 10th race, Lawyer Ron started in post position 1, wound up five wide at the top of the stretch, and won by a comfortable 3 lengths over Red Raymond and Steppenwolfer. This ability to finish strong from a wide position bodes well for Lawyer Ron in the crowded Kentucky Derby field.

Brother Derek has won 5 out of his last seven races, dating back to May of 2005. His most impressive win recently was a 1 length win in the one mile San Rafael at Santa Anita Park in January. In that race, Brother Derek took the lead at the pole and never looked back, fending off a feisty Stevie Wonderboy by 3 lengths. The 2006 Kentucky Derby will the the first derby for trainer Dan Hendricks, who has entered Brother Derek in the Santa Anita Derby on April 8.

First Samurai has also had a very successful year, winning five of his last seven races, and finishing a very competitive second and third in the others. His most recent outing was a 1 1/8 mile race at Gulfstream on March 4. In that race, First Samurai had an adventurous stretch run, finishing second to Corinthian by a neck. However, after review, the stewards disqualified Corinthian and awarded him third.

A potential overlay is Private Vow. Trained by the highly successful Steve Asmussen, Private Vow has had a very mixed series of races. From July to September, 2005, Private Vow won three out of four races, and finished second in the fourth. He inexplicably finished 14th in the BC Juvenile in October, but bounced back with a solid win at Churchill Downs in November. Keep an eye out for this horse in the 2006 kentucky derby although his last race was a disappointing seventh in the tenth race at Oaklawn on March 18, a race run on a fast track and won by Kentucky Derby hopeful Lawyer Ron. His next race is the Arkansas Derby on April 15th. This performance should go a long way towards determining Private Vow's place in the 2006 Kentucky Derby field.

Lastly, A.P. Warrior is the winner of his last four starts, and five out of his last 7 starts. Trained by Giacomo-trainer John Shirreffs, A.P. Warrior upset favored Bob and John in the San Felipe Stakes in March. He is entered in the April 8 Santa Anita Derby, alongside another 2006 Kentucky Derby hopeful, Brother Derek. His win in the 1 1/16 mile San Felipe Stakes was an impressive one. From post position 3, A.P. Warrior was off the rail early, remained four deep, then bolted to the lead at the top of the stretch, winning by a half length over Point Determined and 2 lengths over Bob and John.

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