Derby Spotlight: Plus Que Parfait

Brought to you by BetPTC.com, the only ADW offering instant cash back.

Go watch the replay of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs on November 24, 2018, and tell me that you can’t see Plus Que Parfait making the same move over the same track in the Kentucky Derby. I defy you. I double defy you. I’ll admit it: I don’t hate Plus Que Parfait’s chances to hit the board in the Kentucky Derby.

Any horse that breaks his maiden going two turns as a juvenile at Keeneland against 11 foes, in my opinion, instantly becomes a Kentucky Derby contender. A leading contender? Perhaps not. But at least one worth watching. But what if you notice, while watching, that he runs two lackluster races at Fair Grounds to start his sophomore campaign? Then what? Do you dismiss him?

And what if he then wins at a distance farther than any other horse in the Kentucky Derby field (other than the Japanese horse) has ever been attempted with a purse larger than any other horse has ever run for? Because that’s what Plus Que Parfait did when winning the UAE Derby.

There are some things to like, or at least be interested in, about Plus Que Parfait. I don’t think he’s at the same level as a the big boys. Certainly not yet. But this horse is going to be dismissed, and I have to tell you, there are some things to like. He’ll be on my tickets somewhere, and not just when I use the ALL button.