(Photo: WinStar Farm)

Tiznow–Crystal Shard

Trainer:  Todd Pletcher
Jockey:  Javier Castellano
Owner:  Winstar Farm
Record:  5 – 5 – 0 – 0
Earnings:  $784,855
Last Race:  Wood Memorial, 1st

Critics of undefeated Gemologist say that he is untested against strong competition.  His last race in the Wood Memorial provided a great lesson in fending off others in the homestretch, a situation that is bound to happen in a pace-filled Derby.  After opening up by 3 lengths he was challenged by a late charging Alpha.  When Alpha reached his shoulder, Gemologist then kicked it up a gear to finish hard and won by a neck.

Gemologist has consistently had good breaks from the starting gate, as well as two wins over the dirt at Churchill Downs last year.  Those are definite pluses, but perhaps his biggest edge is being in Todd Pletcher’s barn.  Pletcher has been a red hot trainer in the last few years, particularly during the first weekend in May as he scored with Rags to Riches in the Oaks in 2007 and Super Saver in the Derby in 2010.