Noble Indy

Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher Owner: WinStar Farm LLC and Repole Stable Jockey: Javier Castellano Record: 5-3-0-1

STRENGTHS: This Todd Pletcher trainee had a subtly improving look heading into the Derby, where it all went wrong. There’s no excuse for the race, per se, but there are a few things to keep in mind. He ran much faster there early than he ever had before. Even though there were six horses ahead of him to the pace call, those early exertions still might have gotten to him. It was his first time on a sloppy track, and that might have been an issue as well. Finally, once it was clear he wasn’t going on with it, his rider took care of him, and he wasn’t asked for effort in the stretch. Pletcher’s record in this race is fantastic, and horses who have competed in the Derby but skipped the Preakness for the Belmont also have done well. He is worth a longshot look for those who don’t believe in the big horse.

WEAKNESSES: Another who has never run fast enough to win at this level, so big improvement is required. There’s also some concern that common ownership with the favorite might cause a more passive ride than might be ideal – it feels extremely unlikely that he’ll duel or even put pressure on Justify.

BETTING VALUE: Current international prices of as high as 33-1 suggest he could be a massive price. At 20-1 or higher, he’d be worth a look just because of Pletcher and the Derby-to-Belmont angle. – Peter Thomas Fornatale

SIRE: Florida Derby winner Take Charge Indy is a son of 1992 Belmont Stakes winner and prominent sire of sires A.P. Indy. The younger stallion’s first crop is led by Louisiana Derby winner Noble Indy and Forward Gal winner Take Charge Paula.

DAM: Noble Maz was a multiple stakes winner sprinting on the turf, showing off the versatility of Storm Boot’s sireline. As a broodmare sire, the stallion’s top runners include Not Bourbon, who set a track record going six furlongs at Woodbine as a juvenile and the following year stretched his speed to win the Queen’s Plate en route to a Sovereign Award. Noble Indy is the most accomplished runner under his first two dams; his third dam was a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Banker’s Lady.

OUTLOOK: Take Charge Indy began to hit his best stride in the late spring of his 3-year-old season before being forced into retirement with an injury, and the A.P. Indy sireline is known for stamina, so it is possible Noble Indy could continue to progress. However, his female family creates cause for concern about his distance capabilities. – Nicole Russo