“Brains vs Bushie” – Monty & Dingo’s Views on the Bluegrass Derby

Kentucky (KY)

Saturday, May 2, 2026 — 3:00:00 PM EST | Race ID : 367203

Bluegrass Derby

Grade I / Group 1  Purse : $6,000,000 – Restricted to 3 Year Olds             

10 Furlongs | 2000 Meters | One Mile and One Quarter

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, Monty (Milkshake) McKassin here and welcome to Derby Day Live — the biggest stage, the loudest crowd, and the deepest field we’ve seen in years. Twenty runners, twenty stories, and only one of them walks away with their name etched into history. The tension is real, the atmosphere is electric, and every trainer, jockey, and owner knows this is the moment their season has been building toward. We’ve got speed, we’ve got closers, we’ve got rising stars and seasoned battlers — and the pace map is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating in recent memory. Settle in, because this Derby has all the ingredients for a classic. If that isn’t enough for a fantastic day at the Races in Kentucky, we also have me ol’ mate Darcy (Dingo) Magee to add some color to the pre-race commentary.”

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DINGO: “Monty, you bloody legend, cheers for dragging me into this madhouse — I’ve walked through the gates and it’s like stumbling into a footy final, a rodeo, and a B&S ball all mashed together. The crowd’s feral in the best way: blokes yelling like they’ve lost their dogs, sheilas screeching like cockatoos on bin night, someone’s already cooking themselves in the sun, and there’s a mob near the rail chanting absolute nonsense at full volume. The whole joint’s shaking like a dunny door in a cyclone. Mate, it’s Derby Day — the atmosphere’s so wild it could bite you.”

MONTY: “Well, Dingo, the crowd’s already at fever pitch and we haven’t even seen a saddle cloth yet. Derby Day always brings the noise, but this year it feels like the whole grandstand’s vibrating.”

DINGO: “Vibrating? Mate, the joint’s shaking like a possum in a dog yard. I’ve seen quieter nights at a pub when the footy team’s just won a premiership. You can’t hear yourself think.”

MONTY: “It’s certainly colourful out there. But behind all the chaos, we’ve got a serious race to dissect. Twenty runners, twenty different paths to glory, and only one of them gets their name in the history books.”

DINGO: “Too right. And half the punters out there reckon they’ve already found the winner — usually because some bloke in a cowboy hat whispered it to them in the betting ring. But we’re not here for backyard tips. We’ve done the homework.”

MONTY: “We have indeed. The tapes, the figures, the sectionals — all of it. And now it’s time to break this field down properly.”

DINGO: “Let’s rip into it, mate. Enough mucking around — give the people the good oil.”

MONTY: “Alright then. Let’s get into our Derby form commentary.”

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# 1 FAST GHOST’S CRY

Breeding: Ghostzapper × Bernardini × Danzig Trainer: Rubber5 Odds: 14/1

MONTY Fast Ghost’s Cry is a deep closer with a massive late engine but a maddening tendency to leave himself with far too much to do. His Corkscrew Stakes run was typical: dead last early, hopelessly positioned, then flying home to grab second. The All Saints Derby was the same story — too far back, too much ground to make up, but still finishing off strongly. His Tabitha Memorial win at three was his best performance: he circled the field and out‑stayed them late on a tiring track. He’s got stamina, he’s got heart, and he’s got one of the strongest late kicks in the field. But he’s also wildly pace‑dependent, and his running style is a liability in a 20‑horse Derby where traffic is guaranteed.

Monty’s Wrap: A dangerous closer, but his running style makes him a longshot to actually win.

DINGO Fast Ghost’s Cry drops out the back like he’s forgotten his saddle, then comes roaring home like a banshee with a grudge. Corkscrew? Dead last, then suddenly flying. All Saints? Same circus, different tent. When he hits top gear, he’s a bloody rocket — but he gives himself a mountain to climb every single time. He needs a red‑hot tempo, a clear lane, and divine intervention to avoid traffic. If he gets all that, he’ll be storming home like a mongrel chasing a postie. If not? He’ll be flashing late for fifth and leaving everyone saying “what if.”

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll be rattling home, but winning it? Only if the race melts down like a cheap candle.

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# 2 GOLDEN GUNSLINGER

Breeding: Gun Runner × Storm Cat × Mr. Prospector Trainer: Beerkeg Odds: 14/1

MONTY Golden Gunslinger is a pace‑pressing router with a strong two‑year‑old foundation and a mixed three‑year‑old campaign. His All Saints Derby run was honest — sat midfield, held position, but lacked the late punch to threaten. His Vermont G1 effort was better: he tracked the pace, stayed on, and finished a solid second behind a stronger winner. His Movieland Futurity win at two was his peak performance, showing tactical speed and grit. He’s consistent, handles big fields, and rarely runs a bad race. But his three‑year‑old figures have plateaued, and he hasn’t shown the same finishing strength he displayed at two. He’s reliable, but not improving at the rate of the top contenders.

Monty’s Wrap: A good horse, but not a great one — he’s running for a placing, not the trophy.

DINGO Golden Gunslinger’s a tough old campaigner — sits handy, keeps grinding, and never chucks it in. But he’s also the bloke who brings a butter knife to a gunfight. His All Saints Derby run? Honest, but no spark. Vermont? Better, but still not scaring the big boys. His two‑year‑old stuff was stronger — he looked like a real up‑and‑comer back then. Now? He’s just… fine. He’ll show up, he’ll try, he’ll give you an honest lick, but he’s not exactly packing dynamite in the saddlebags.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll run well enough — but winning it? Not unless the whole field falls in a hole.

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# 3 EDEN AVENUE

Breeding: Street Sense × Awesome Again × Danzig Trainer: Balata Odds: 11/1

MONTY Eden Avenue is a classic mid‑pack stalker who’s built a rock‑solid résumé at a mile and an eighth. His Sand Castle Derby win was the kind of performance you want to see from a Derby contender: relaxed early, smooth progression, and a clean, sustained finish that put the race away. His Sleepy Fan Stakes win was similar — he circled the field and out‑stayed them late. His Gotham series runs at two showed the same pattern: he doesn’t panic, he doesn’t rush, he just grinds into position and finishes with authority. He’s consistent, he handles traffic, and he’s already proven he can win in Grade 1 company at the Derby distance. The only question is whether he has another gear beyond “professional” when the real monsters come calling.

Monty’s Wrap: A genuine top‑four threat — but he’ll need the race to fall his way to actually win it.

DINGO Eden Avenue’s the sort of horse who sits back, smokes a metaphorical dart, and only starts caring when everyone else is blowing up. He’s not flashy, he’s not urgent, he just lobs along until the turn and then starts mowing ’em down like a council mower on overtime. That Sand Castle Derby win? He looked cooked at the 600, then suddenly decided he’d better clock in and went straight past ’em. Same story in the Sleepy Fan — wide, deep, no worries, still too strong. He’s tough, he’s honest, and he doesn’t spit it when he cops dirt in the face. But he’s not exactly a dynamite type — he’s a grinder, and grinders need the right tempo and a bit of luck.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll be charging late, but winning it? He’ll need the leaders to fold like wet cardboard.

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#4 RESPECTFUL ANGER

Breeding: Quality Road × Unbridled’s Song × Danzig Trainer: cb1011 Odds: 10/1

MONTY Respectful Anger is a natural front‑runner with elite early speed and the rare ability to stay after using it. His Florida Derby win was a demolition job — straight to the front, controlled the tempo, and widened without ever being asked. The Risen Star was the same blueprint: break, clear, dictate, dominate. His two‑year‑old season shows the same pattern: he’s been a forward‑running machine from day one, and he’s never folded late in any route race. He’s battle‑tested in big fields, he’s consistent, and he’s already proven he can carry his speed nine furlongs against top company. The question is whether he can absorb Derby‑day pressure when multiple rivals try to take his spot.

Monty’s Wrap: If he gets the lead uncontested, he can win — but if he’s pressured early, he’s cooked.

DINGO This bloke doesn’t muck around — jumps, runs, and dares the rest to keep up. Respectful Anger’s the kid who steals everyone’s lunch money at the jump and then sprints off before anyone can complain. Florida Derby? He went straight to the front, flicked the ears, and said “catch me if you can,” and they bloody well couldn’t. Same story in the Risen Star — he just kept rolling like a road train with no brakes. He’s tough, he’s fast, and he doesn’t wait for anyone. But here’s the rub: Derby Day brings heat, and if two or three others want the same spot, he’ll be in a dogfight early. And he’s never had to cop that sort of pressure before.

Dingo’s Wrap: Give him the lead and he’s dangerous — take it off him and he’ll fold quicker than a cheap deckchair.

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# 5 NOT THIS LLAMA

Breeding: Not This Time × Unbridled’s Song × A.P. Indy Trainer: Lmaris Odds: 18/1

MONTY Not This Llama is a mid‑pack grinder with a strong late kick when conditions suit. His Florida Derby run was sneaky good — buried midfield, shuffled back, then finishing off better than most to grab second. His Orphans Stakes run was similar: wide, awkward, but still closing strongly. His two‑year‑old Fiction Wins Juvenile victory showed he can produce a serious late punch when he gets a clean setup. He’s consistent, handles big fields, and stays the trip. But he’s not explosive, and he’s vulnerable to slow tempos or traffic. He’s the type who always runs well but rarely dominates.

Monty’s Wrap: A reliable closer, but he lacks the firepower to actually win unless everything breaks perfectly.

DINGO Not This Llama runs like a bloke who wakes up halfway through the race and suddenly remembers he’s meant to be competing. He lobs along, cops a bit of dirt, then starts winding up like a diesel engine on a cold morning. Florida Derby? He was nowhere, then bang — flying late. Orphans Stakes? Same deal. He’s honest, he’s tough, and he’ll always give you a run. But he’s not exactly a flamethrower — more like a steady kettle that eventually boils. If the pace is soft or he cops traffic, he’s cooked.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll be steaming home, but winning it? Only if the leaders implode like a dodgy shed in a cyclone.

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#  6 OBLIGATED EXIT

Breeding: Curlin × Danehill × A.P. Indy Trainer: Chips4u2c Odds: 14/1

MONTY Obligated Exit is a late‑developing closer with a strong finishing kick and a rapidly improving form profile. His California Derby run was excellent — dropped back early, swung wide, and finished with a powerful surge to grab second. His Vermont run was similar: too far back early, but closed strongly into fourth. His allowance win at three was dominant, and his two‑year‑old Ransom win showed early signs of his stamina and late strength. He’s trending upward, handles big fields, and has the pedigree to stay all day. The concern is that he gives away too much ground early and needs a perfect setup to unleash his best run.

Monty’s Wrap: A live longshot — dangerous late, but too pace‑dependent to be a true win threat.

DINGO Obligated Exit drops out the back like he’s forgotten the race has started, then comes roaring home like a madman. California Derby? He was nowhere, then suddenly everywhere. Vermont? Same story — snoozing early, flying late. He’s got a big motor, he’s tough, and he’s improving at the right time. But he’s also a hostage to fortune — if they don’t go quick up front, he’s stuffed. And if he cops traffic, he’ll be weaving like a drunk roo on a highway.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll be rattling home, but winning it? Only if the pace melts like ice cream in the sun

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# 7 STORM OF EGYPT

Breeding: American Pharoah × Storm Cat × Mr. Prospector Trainer: Deyoto Odds: 15/1

MONTY Storm of Egypt is a tactical stalker with a strong blend of speed and stamina. His Fountain of Ute run was excellent — sat close, travelled smoothly, and finished with authority to win. His All Saints Derby effort was solid early but lacked the late punch to stay with the top group. His allowance win at three was dominant, showing he can control a race when he gets the right setup. His two‑year‑old form was consistent and competitive in top company, including a strong Breeders’ Bowl Juvenile effort where he stayed on well. He’s reliable, he’s tough, and he’s got the right tactical style for a Derby. The concern is that he’s good, not great — he rarely produces a truly explosive finish.

Monty’s Wrap: A consistent, high‑quality runner — but he’s a fringe win chance, not a headline act.

DINGO Storm of Egypt’s a proper tradesman — sits handy, doesn’t panic, and keeps grinding like a bloke pushing a wheelbarrow uphill. Fountain of Ute? Bloody good. All Saints? He stuck on, but the big boys dropped him late. He’s honest, he’s tough, and he won’t spit it when the pressure comes on. But he’s not exactly a lightning bolt — more like a steady storm that never quite turns into a cyclone. He’ll run well, he’ll be in the mix, but he’s not scaring the freaks.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll stick on bravely, but winning it? He’s a rung below the real killers.

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# 8 THE HOUSE OF SIN

Breeding: War Front × Tapit × Sadler’s Wells Trainer: Beerkeg Odds: 20/1

MONTY The House of Sin is a deep closer with a chaotic form profile and a tendency to spot the field enormous starts. His Wooden Indian run was eye‑catching — last early, weaving through traffic, and finishing strongly for second. But his Fountain of Ute and All Saints Derby efforts were poor early and only mildly encouraging late. His two‑year‑old season showed flashes of ability, but he’s inconsistent and unreliable. He’s got a big late stride, but he’s also a horse who needs everything to go perfectly: pace, trip, and luck. In a Derby field, that’s a tall order.

Monty’s Wrap: Too inconsistent to trust — he’ll pass tired horses, but he’s not winning this.

DINGO The House of Sin runs like he’s late for confession — dead last early, then charging home like a sinner trying to outrun judgment. Wooden Indian? Bloody good run. Everything else? A mixed bag of “meh” and “maybe.” He’s got a big motor, but he’s also a flake — you never know which version you’re getting. He’ll drop out the back, cop dirt, weave through traffic, and then either explode or sulk. In a Derby field full of elbows and chaos, that’s a recipe for heartbreak.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll pass a heap of them late — but he’s not scaring the winners.

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# 9 MY GOLD TREASURE

Breeding: National Treasure × Seeking the Gold × Halo Trainer: Sjmeola Odds: 18/1

MONTY My Gold Treasure is a pace‑pressing grinder who’s already proven he belongs at the top level. His California Derby win was professional and measured — sat outside the leader, applied pressure, and out‑stayed them late. His Geared Down Mile win showed the same toughness: he doesn’t blow fields away, he just keeps applying pressure until the others crack. His Nashua win at two was a strong early indicator of his quality, and he’s carried that form forward. He’s consistent, he’s durable, and he’s got the right mental profile for a Derby. The concern is that he lacks a true explosive gear — he wins by attrition, not brilliance.

Monty’s Wrap: Honest and reliable, but needs the big guns to underperform to actually win.

DINGO My Gold Treasure’s the sort of horse who’ll stare you down in a bar fight — not flashy, not fancy, but bloody hard to shake. He sits up on the speed, keeps the pressure on, and dares the others to go past him. California Derby? He just kept grinding until the rest waved the white flag. Geared Down Mile? Same story — he’s a diesel engine, not a sports car. He’s tough as nails, but he doesn’t have that “bang” you see in the real freaks. He’ll run his race, he’ll give you everything, but he’s not scaring the top shelf unless they stuff up.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll fight all day, but winning it? He’s swinging with heart, not horsepower.

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# 10 REVATI

Breeding: Medaglia d’Oro × Uncle Mo × A.P. Indy Trainer: Tisjuliet Odds: 13/1

MONTY Revati is a deep closer with a massive engine and a habit of making life hard for himself early. His All Saints Derby win was outrageous — dead last early, hopelessly placed, then unleashed a monstrous sustained run to blow past the field. His Fountain of Ute run was similar: hopeless early, flying late. His allowance wins at two show the same pattern — he drops out, relaxes, and then grinds into the race with a long, powerful stride. He’s got stamina, he’s got heart, and he’s one of the strongest finishers in the entire field. But he’s also pace‑dependent and needs luck — traffic, slow tempos, or wide trips can bury him.

Monty’s Wrap: A lethal closer, but he’ll need the stars to align — pace, luck, and a clean lane — to actually win.

DINGO Revati gives everyone a heart attack early — he drops out the back like he’s missed the start by a postcode, then comes steaming home like a freight train with no brakes. That All Saints Derby win? He was dead last, looked cactus, then suddenly started gobbling up ground like a starving dingo at a barbecue. He’s got a monster motor, he’s tough, and he doesn’t quit. But he’s also a hostage to tempo — if they crawl up front, he’s stuffed. And if he cops traffic, he’ll be weaving like a drunk bloke leaving the pub.

Dingo’s Wrap: If they go hard early, he’ll be flying — but he needs everything to fall his way to win it.

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# 11 OUYEN HAPPEN

Breeding: Gun Runner × Ghostzapper × Tapit Trainer: Vyz Odds: 16/1

MONTY Ouyen Happen is a pace‑pressing grinder with strong international form and a consistent profile. His Sand Castle Derby run was excellent — sat handy, stayed balanced, and finished a clear second behind a top‑class winner. His Dubai Guineas run was similarly strong, showing tactical speed and resilience. His two‑year‑old UAE form was consistent and professional, with multiple races where he sat close and out‑stayed rivals late. He’s tough, he’s reliable, and he’s got the right mental profile for a Derby. The concern is that he lacks a true explosive gear — he grinds, he doesn’t burst.

Monty’s Wrap: A tough, honest type — but he’s running for a placing, not the win.

DINGO Ouyen Happen’s a proper tradesman — sits up on the speed, keeps rolling, and doesn’t take a backward step. Sand Castle Derby? Bloody good. Dubai Guineas? Tough as nails. He’s the kind of horse who’ll eyeball you and dare you to go past. But he’s not exactly a fireworks display — more like a slow cooker that never quite boils over. He’ll keep coming, he’ll keep trying, but he doesn’t have that “zap” the real freaks have.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll stick on all day, but winning it? He’s punching above his weight.

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# 12 CHINOE

Breeding: Curlin × Quality Road × Giant’s Causeway Trainer: Desperado Odds: 14/1

MONTY Chinoe is a versatile stalker who’s been improving with every start. His Corkscrew Stakes win was polished — sat midfield, angled out, and finished with authority. His Journeyman win was even cleaner: tracked the leaders, waited, then pounced with a sharp, professional move. His allowance win at three showed he can sit closer when needed, and his two‑year‑old form shows he handles big fields and adversity. He’s consistent, adaptable, and has a strong finishing kick without being a pure closer. The concern is whether he has the raw brilliance to match the top tier — he’s very good, but maybe not explosive.

Monty’s Wrap: Rock‑solid and improving, but he needs a career‑best performance to actually win the Derby.

DINGO Chinoe’s a tradesman with a bit of polish — sits handy, doesn’t panic, and knows when to pull the trigger. That Corkscrew win? Smooth as butter. Journeyman? He stalked, he pounced, he put ’em away like it was nothing. He’s honest, he’s adaptable, and he doesn’t spit it when things get messy. But he’s not a freak — he’s a good horse, not a “holy hell” horse. He’ll run well, he’ll be in the fight, but he needs the big guns to misfire if he’s gonna pinch the whole thing.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll give you a run — but winning it? He’ll need the stars to fall out of the sky.

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# 13 FLIGHT SYSTEM

Breeding: Flightline × Awesome Again × Forty Niner Trainer: Kashbarn Odds: 14/1

MONTY Flight System is a tactical stalker with a serious finishing punch. His Wooden Indian win was the best performance of his career — sat mid‑pack, waited, then unleashed a clean, powerful run to put the race away. His Scam Stakes effort was equally strong: pressed the pace, stayed composed, and out‑finished the leader late. His two‑year‑old season shows versatility: he’s won on the lead, just off the lead, and from mid‑pack. That adaptability is gold in a 20‑horse Derby. His figures are climbing, his stamina is proven, and he’s one of the few in this field who can win from multiple race shapes. The only concern is that he sometimes leaves himself with a bit too much to do.

Monty’s Wrap: A major player — not a lock, but absolutely good enough to win with the right trip.

DINGO Flight System’s a proper tradesman — shows up, does the job, and doesn’t whinge. He can sit handy, he can sit midfield, he can sit wherever the hell he likes, and he still finds a kick. That Wooden Indian win? He looked like he’d been shot out of a cannon at the 200. The Scam Stakes was the same — eyeballed the leader, said “move over, mate,” and went straight past. He’s tough, he’s honest, and he’s got gears. The only knock is he sometimes snoozes early and gives himself a bit too much lawn to mow. But if he’s within striking distance at the bend, he’s a live one.

Dingo’s Wrap: If he sees daylight at the top of the straight, he’ll be coming like a mongrel off the chain.

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# 14 TIME PLUS TIME

Breeding: Not This Time × Uncle Mo × Forty Niner Trainer: Harrylan Odds: 14/1

MONTY Time Plus Time is a pure front‑running powerhouse with elite pace control and the stamina to carry it. His Arkansas Juvenile win was a masterclass: broke sharply, dictated every step, and never looked vulnerable. The Vermont G1 was similar — he carved out honest fractions, repelled pressure, and only got collared late by a deep closer. His two‑year‑old Good Magic win was a statement performance, drawing off by seven with ease. He’s undefeated when he gets the lead without harassment, and his figures are consistently elite. The concern is simple: he’s a rhythm horse. If he’s forced to go faster than he wants early, or if he’s pinned inside by multiple speed types, his late strength becomes questionable.

Monty’s Wrap: If he controls the tempo, he’s a major threat — but if he’s forced into a duel, he’s beatable.

DINGO Time Plus Time jumps like he’s been shot out of a bazooka and dares the rest to keep up. He’s a proper speed dog — straight to the front, ears pricked, and rolling like a stolen ute. Arkansas? He never even looked at the others. Vermont? He tried to pinch it again and nearly pulled it off. When he’s in his comfort zone, he’s a bloody nightmare to run down. But if someone eyeballs him early and says “nah mate, not today,” he can wobble late. He’s a rhythm runner — break that rhythm and he’s suddenly mortal.

Dingo’s Wrap: Give him his own way and he’s deadly — pressure him early and he’ll come back to the pack.

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# 15 NIGHT FLIGHT

Breeding: Flightline × Dance in the Dark × Broad Brush Trainer Fdllodge20 Odds: 20/1

MONTY Night Flight is a deep closer with a strong late kick and a frustrating tendency to leave himself with too much to do. His Arkansas Juvenile run was typical — far back early, weaving through traffic, and finishing off well without threatening the winner. His Fountain of Ute run was better, showing improved tactical positioning and a sharp late burst. His two‑year‑old Darling‑Squash Futurity win was his best performance, where he sat closer and finished with authority. He’s talented, he stays the trip, and he’s improving. But he’s inconsistent, and his running style is a liability in a crowded Derby field.

Monty’s Wrap: A talented closer, but too unreliable and too far back early to be a real win threat.

DINGO Night Flight runs like he’s late for his own birthday — snoozes early, then comes flying home like a bat out of hell. Arkansas? Nowhere early, flashing late. Fountain of Ute? Better, but still giving away a postcode. His two‑year‑old win showed he can sit closer, but he rarely bothers these days. He’s got a motor, no doubt, but he’s also a heart‑attack horse — you never know if he’s gonna launch or loaf.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’ll be storming home, but winning it? Not unless the race turns into a demolition derby.

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# 16 OUTTOGETYOURBOY

Breeding: Tapit × Distorted Humor × Giant’s Causeway Trainer: Tenpoint Odds: 28/1

MONTY Outtogetyourboy is a pace‑pressing type with a mixed form profile and a tendency to flatten late against top company. His Arkansas Juvenile run was poor — sat midfield, faded badly, and never threatened. His allowance win before that was strong, showing tactical speed and resilience, but his Breeders’ Bowl Juvenile run exposed his limitations in deep fields. His End of the Line Futurity win at two was his peak, where he sat close and out‑stayed rivals. He’s talented, but inconsistent, and his three‑year‑old prep season hasn’t shown the progression needed to be competitive at the Derby level.

Monty’s Wrap: Not good enough — he’s outclassed here and running for minor money at best.

DINGO Outtogetyourboy’s a funny unit — some days he looks like he’s ready to take on the world, other days he folds like a cheap tent in a stiff breeze. Arkansas? Absolute shocker. Allowance win? Good. Breeders’ Bowl? Nowhere. He’s got a bit of talent, but he’s flaky as hell, and Derby Day is no place for horses who clock off when the heat comes on. He’ll try early, he’ll fade late, and that’ll be that.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’s making up the numbers — no chance of winning unless the field evaporates.

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# 17 VOWBREAKER

Breeding: Into Mischief × Quality Road × Deputy Minister Trainer: Tenpoint Odds: 15/1

MONTY Vowbreaker is a closer with a sharp late kick and a surprisingly strong three‑year‑old prep season. Her All Saints Derby run was excellent — far back early, then slicing through the field to finish a strong second. Her Good Cow win was a breakout performance: she sat mid‑pack, angled out, and finished with authority. Her two‑year‑old form was mixed, but she’s clearly improved with maturity and distance. She handles big fields, she stays the trip, and she’s got a clean, efficient stride. The concern is that she still gives away too much ground early and needs a strong pace to show her best.

Monty’s Wrap: A sneaky top‑five chance — but she needs the perfect setup to win.

DINGO Vowbreaker’s a proper closer — drops out the back, chills, then comes roaring home like she’s been insulted. All Saints Derby? Huge run. Good Cow? She put ’em away like a pro. She’s tough, she’s improving, and she’s got a serious motor. But she still gives away a stack of ground early, and in a Derby field that’s like spotting everyone a head start in a pub sprint. She’ll be flying late, but she needs the front‑runners to cook themselves silly.

Dingo’s Wrap: She’ll be charging home, but winning it? Only if the pace collapses like a dodgy deckchair.

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# 18 ANOTHER BIG CROSS

Breeding: Coal Front × Giant’s Causeway × A.P. Indy Trainer: Acarigua Odds: 16/1

MONTY Another Big Cross is a powerful closer with a rapidly improving three‑year‑old profile. His Curly Flora DURby win was outstanding — sat midfield, angled out, and finished with a relentless, grinding run to win convincingly. His Moises Alou Cap run was equally strong, showing tactical versatility and a sharp late burst. His Giant Slayer Classic win at three was a breakout performance, proving he can sustain a long run and handle pressure. His two‑year‑old form was solid but not spectacular, but he’s clearly taken a major step forward this season. He’s strong, he’s improving, and he stays the trip. The concern is that he still needs a clean setup and can get shuffled back early.

Monty’s Wrap: A legitimate dark horse — not the favourite, but absolutely capable of winning with the right trip.

DINGO Another Big Cross is the big improver — the kid who suddenly hits puberty and starts belting everyone. Curly Flora DURby? Huge. Moises Alou? Even better. Giant Slayer? He lived up to the name. He’s tough, he’s strong, and he’s coming good at exactly the right time. But he still drops out a bit early and needs things to fall his way. If he cops traffic, he’ll be stuck behind donkeys. If he gets a lane, though? Look out.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’s the smokey — give him clear air and he could blow this race wide open.

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# 19 KONG BANANZA

Breeding: Quality Road × Danzig × Mr. Prospector Trainer: Kaner Odds: 13/1

MONTY Kong Bananza is a tactical stalker with a strong two‑year‑old résumé and a solid, if uneven, three‑year‑old prep season. His Arkansas Juvenile run was excellent — sat close, stayed on strongly, and finished a clear second behind a top‑class winner. His Risen Star effort was compromised by a wide trip and a mid‑race shuffle, but he still held on respectably. His Movieland Futurity run at two was high‑quality, and his Tunaman Juvenile win showed he can dominate when he gets the right setup. He’s consistent, adaptable, and has a strong finishing kick when he’s within range. The concern is that he sometimes loses position early and needs things to go smoothly to show his best.

Monty’s Wrap: A legitimate top‑six contender — but he needs a clean trip to have any shot at winning.

DINGO Kong Bananza’s a proper trier — sits handy, doesn’t sulk, and has a decent boot when he’s close enough. Arkansas? Bloody good run. Risen Star? Wide as a country highway and still stuck on. His two‑year‑old stuff was sharp — he looked like a real banana‑peeling menace back then. But he’s a bit of a “needs things his way” type. If he cops a bump, gets shuffled, or ends up in the washing machine, he can go missing. Give him a clean run, though, and he’ll have a crack.

Dingo’s Wrap: He’s dangerous with the right trip — but if he cops traffic, he’s cactus.

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# 20 RATIONAL PHAROAH

Breeding: American Pharoah × Justify × Dance in the Dark Trainer: Fdllodge20 Odds: 16/1

MONTY Rational Pharoah is a tactical stalker with legitimate top‑end ability. His Vermont G1 win was outstanding — sat close, pressed the pace, and out‑finished a strong field. His Florida Derby run was compromised by a poor trip, but he still held his form reasonably. His Club Stakes win at two was a strong indicator of his class, showing grit and stamina. He’s versatile, handles big fields, and has the pedigree to stay the Derby trip. The concern is inconsistency — he alternates between elite performances and flat ones, and his ceiling depends heavily on getting the right trip.

Monty’s Wrap: A genuine win chance on his best day — but he’s unreliable enough to miss the frame entirely.

DINGO Rational Pharoah’s a funny bugger — some days he looks like a world‑beater, other days he looks like he’s out for a jog. Vermont? Bloody brilliant. Florida Derby? Meh. Club Stakes at two? Tough as nails. He’s got gears, he’s got stamina, and he’s got a bit of mongrel when he’s in the mood. But he’s also the type who can clock off mentally if things don’t go his way early. If he shows up switched on, he’s dangerous. If not, he’ll be packing it in before the corner.

Dingo’s Wrap: He can win this — or finish tenth — depending on which version of him gets out of bed.

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OVERALL WRAP UP

MONTY: Alright Dingo, big field, big pressure, and a lot of moving parts. I’ve gone over the tapes, the figures, the sectionals — and for me, Flight System is the horse you want. He’s tactical, he’s consistent, and he’s got the cleanest form heading into the Derby. He can sit anywhere and still produce a winning run.

DINGO: Yeah, yeah, you love a clean résumé, Monty. But I’ll give you this — the big fella can run. He’s like a Swiss Army knife with legs. Stick him anywhere and he’ll find a way to get out. I’ve got him on top too, but for different reasons — he’s the only one in this mob who doesn’t need the planets to line up.

MONTY: My second pick is Respectful Anger. If he gets the lead without a war, he’s dangerous. His Florida Derby win was one of the most controlled front‑running performances of the season. He’s fast, he’s efficient, and he doesn’t waste energy.

DINGO: Mate, he’s a rocket — but he’s also a fuse waiting to blow. If he gets poked early, he’ll go from hero to zero quicker than you can say “pace collapse.” But yeah, if they hand him the front, he’ll take a lot of catching. I’ve got him in my top three too — but not second.

MONTY: Alright then, who’s your number two?

DINGO: Another Big Cross. He’s the improver, Monty. The big lad’s come good at exactly the right time. He’s finishing like a runaway truck, and if he gets a clear lane, he’ll be mowing them down like fresh grass. He’s the one that’ll give Flight System nightmares late.

MONTY: He’s in my top five, but not my top three. He’s talented, but he still gives away too much ground early for my liking. Derby traffic is unforgiving.

DINGO: Mate, Derby traffic is unforgiving for everyone — that’s why you want the horse who can run over the top of it.

MONTY: My third pick is Eden Avenue. Professional, reliable, and already a G1 winner at the trip. He’ll be midfield, he’ll get his chance, and he’ll be finishing. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of horse who shows up on Derby Day.

DINGO: Yeah, he’s the accountant of the field — turns up, does the job, never stuffs up. But I want a bit more spark in my top three. I’ve got Respectful Anger in third — because if he gets the map he wants, he’ll be the one they’re all chasing.

MONTY: Alright, let’s talk about the other end of the spectrum. My last pick — the horse I simply cannot see winning — is Outtogetyourboy. He’s inconsistent, he fades late, and his Arkansas run was nowhere near Derby standard.

DINGO: Couldn’t agree more. Outtogetyourboy’s the bloke who starts a fight he can’t finish. He’ll be up there early, puffing his chest out, and by the 600 he’ll be waving the white flag. Dead last in my book too.

MONTY: So we agree on the winner and the last pick, at least.

DINGO: Yeah, mate — Flight System on top, Outtogetyourboy out the back, and everything else is just noise in between.

MONTY: Well said. It’s a deep field, but the cream rises.

DINGO: And the pretenders sink like a brick in a dam.