Early look at best 3-year-old horse
War of Will makes case winning Preakness
This year, more than ever, there is serious discussion about who the best 3-year-old horse is because of what happened in the Kentucky Derby.
The following is a look at what the the current leaders in the division have accomplished. The two Triple Crown races that have been run, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, carry by far the most weight. The other Grade I races that have been run — the Florida, Santa Anita and Arkansas Derbies — carry more weight than the other prep races for the Kentucky Derby.
Maximum Security
Officially 4-for-5 in his career — 3for-4 this year — with the disqualification from first to 17th in the Kentucky Derby for interference with three horses, including eventual Preakness winner War of Will, coming out of the far turn. He has crossed the wire first in all five of his races.
Major accomplishments: Crossed the wire first in the Kentucky Derby. Won the Florida Derby.
Beat Beyer Speed Figure: 102. Got a 101 in both Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby.
War of Will
Is 3-for-5 this year and 4-for-10 for his career, 4-for-6 on dirt. Was one of the horses Maximum Security interfered with in the Kentucky Derby. The interference came when he was making a move for the lead. He crossed the finish line eighth in the Derby and was
moved up to seventh.
Major accomplishments: Won the Preakness after getting the same trip in the entire race he had gotten in the Derby before the interference occurred. Won the Grade II Risen Star and the Grade III LeComte at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans over the winter.
Best Beyer: 99 in Preakness.
Omaha Beach
Is 3-for-4 this year and 3-for-7 for career. He is 3-for-4 on dirt. Was the morning line favorite for the Derby before he had to be withdrawn from the race due to an entrapped epiglottis. Slated to return to the races this summer.
Major accomplishments: Won the Arkansas Derby. Also won a division of the Grade II Rebel Stakes, the major prep for the Arkansas Derby.
Best Beyer: 101 in Arkansas Derby.
Country House
Is officially 2-for-5 this year and 2for-7 for career after he was declared the winner of the Derby when Maximum Security was disqualified. He crossed the finish line second in the Derby at odds of 65-1. Is currently sidelined due to a cough he developed after the Derby. Slated to return in the summer.
Major accomplishment: Official winner of Kentucky Derby. Also third in Arkansas Derby, fourth in Louisiana Derby and second in Risen Star.
Best Beyer: 99 in Kentucky Derby.
Final analysis
War of Will would get my vote now because he is the official winner of a Triple Crown race and his volume of work.