Pacesetters, hot shots and long shots

The field for the 144th Kentucky Derby is 20 strong:

1. FIRENZE FIRE (50-1)

Trainer: Jason Servis Jockey: Paco Lopez Sprinter-miler type has no business going 1 1⁄ miles against the best. 4

2. FREE DROP BILLY (30-1)

Trainer: Dale Romans Jockey: Robby Albarado Doesn’t class up with the top colts.

3. PROMISES FULFILLED (30-1)

Trainer: Dale Romans Jockey: Corey Lanerie Could make a major impact by pushing Justify for a mile.

4. FLAMEAWAY (30-1)

Trainer: Mark Casse Jockey: Jose Lezcano Ontario-bred Flameaway is 5-2-0 in nine career starts, most recently finishing second to Good Magic in the Blue Grass. Next to My Boy Jack, he’s the most experienced horse in the race, so the foundation for a gruelling test is there. Out of the money only twice, but gives the impression he’s a one-turn dirt miler and/or a grass horse.

5. AUDIBLE (8-1)

Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: Javier Castellano Versatile Florida Derby winner has won stalking, from midpack and from far back. Would be no surprise if this New York-bred colt wins.

6. GOOD MAGIC (12-1)

Trainer: Chad Brown Jockey: Jose Ortiz Worth a bet because of trainer Chad Brown.

7. JUSTIFY (3-1)

Trainer: Bob Baffert Jockey: Mike Smith Grand-looking chestnut colt has dazzled since debuting Feb. 18.

8. LONE SAILOR (50-1)

Trainer: Tom Amoss Jockey: James Graham Might be third or fourth with a perfect trip.

9. HOFBURG (20-1)

Trainer: Bill Mott Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Great distance pedigree (top sire Tapit, a Touch Gold mare), and has room to improve.

10. MY BOY JACK (30-1)

Trainer: Keith Desormeaux Jockey: Kent Desormeaux His speed figures aren’t great, but if the pace collapses, he’ll be passing lots of horses late.

11. BOLT d’ORO (8-1)

Trainer: Mick Ruis Jockey: Victor Espinoza Should move up after chasing Justify through moderate fractions in the Santa Anita Derby. A legitimate contender.

12. ENTICED (30-1)

Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin Jockey: Junior Alvarado Lack of quick acceleration, and grinders rarely do much in the Derby.

13. BRAVAZO (50-1)

Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas Jockey: Luis Contreras Showed nothing in Louisiana Derby.

14. MENDELSSOHN (5-1)

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore High cruising speed, dirt pedigree and lots of class and stamina. Give him serious consideration.

15. INSTILLED REGARD (50-1)

Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer Jockey: Drayden Van Dyke Hasn’t won past a mile and 70 yards this year.

16. MAGNUM MOON (6-1)

Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: Luis Saez Very impressive, undefeated and untested.

17. SOLOMINI (30-1)

Trainer: Bob Baffert Jockey: Flavien Prat Post 17 never has produced a Derby winner.

18. VINO ROSSO (12-1)

Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: John Velazquez Has a terrific distance pedigree (Curlin and a Street Cry mare), so 1 1⁄4 miles shouldn’t be a problem.

19. NOBLE INDY (30-1)

Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: Florent Geroux Facing the best 3-year-olds for the first time and seems overmatched.

20. COMBATANT (50-1)

Trainer: Steve Asmussen Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr. Winless beyond a mile, 0-for-3 around two turns and would need a quantum leap to contend.