The three-year-old colt Owen Almighty has recently emerged as a top contender for the prestigious Kentucky Derby after his impressive victory in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby. This win, which earned him 50 points, propelled Owen Almighty into second place in the Kentucky Derby standings with a total of 65 points, just five behind the leader Coal Battle. While the horse’s ownership group and trainer Brian Lynch are thrilled with this achievement, they are carefully considering whether to enter Owen Almighty in the grueling 1¼-mile race at Churchill Downs on May 3rd. The decision hinges on concerns about the distance being too demanding for a horse that prefers leading or staying close to the front. Meanwhile, other contenders like Chancer McPatrick and Hill Road have also shown promise, earning valuable points and positioning themselves as potential Derby participants.

Trainer Brian Lynch finds himself in a dilemma following Owen Almighty's dominant performance in the Tampa Bay Derby. The colt, under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., showcased exceptional speed and stamina by leading from start to finish, securing a decisive 3½-length victory over Chancer McPatrick. This triumph not only solidified Owen Almighty's position as a formidable competitor but also raised questions about his suitability for the longer distances required in the Kentucky Derby. Lynch, aware of the horse's pedigree—his sire Speightstown excelled in sprint races while his dam Tempers Rising had success at intermediate distances—is cautious about overexerting the young athlete. “We need to ensure we’re doing what’s best for Owen Almighty,” Lynch remarked, emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful approach to training and racing schedules.

Adding to the complexity of the decision is the colt’s recent history. Owen Almighty has already demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, having won two significant races within a short period. His connections are weighing the benefits of targeting the Pat Day Mile, a Grade 2 event on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, against the allure of chasing the ultimate prize in American thoroughbred racing. Lynch, who previously tasted success with Classic Causeway in similar events, remains open to various options. “We’ll evaluate Owen Almighty’s condition and energy levels before making any final decisions,” he explained, highlighting the careful deliberation involved in such high-stakes choices.

In addition to Owen Almighty’s prospects, other trainers are assessing their own horses’ readiness for the Kentucky Derby. Chad Brown, whose stable includes both Chancer McPatrick and Hill Road, expressed optimism about their performances. These two horses finished second and third in the Tampa Bay Derby, respectively, and have since accumulated enough points to be considered serious contenders. Brown noted that both horses exhibited excellent physical health and showed strong acceleration during the gallop-out phase, indicating they could handle the demands of a 1¼-mile race. He plans to enter one of them in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland and the other in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, both scheduled for April 5th, to further gauge their capabilities.

As the racing community awaits the next moves from Lynch and Brown, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Kentucky Derby continues to build. While Owen Almighty’s future path remains uncertain, his recent performance has undeniably placed him among the elite contenders vying for glory at Churchill Downs. Regardless of the final decision, the journey to the Kentucky Derby promises to be filled with thrilling moments and strategic considerations that will shape the careers of these promising young horses.