Kentucky Derby 2013 horses: Charming Kitten

Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Edgar Prado
Owners: Ken & Sarah Ramsey
Record: 7-2-2-2
Earnings: $182,000
Notable Races: 3rd, G1-Blue Grass Stakes; 1st, Kitten’s Joy; 2nd, G3-Palm Beach

Positives: Charming Kitten has only finished out of the top three once in his seven race career and he typically gives a good effort each and every time he steps on the track. He’s had races in the past where he raced wide or in tight and he’s continually grinds his way to towards the finish line.

In Charming Kitten’s races on turf and synthetic surfaces, he’s displayed a running style where he’ll sit anywhere from two to six lengths behind the leaders, biding his time until he enters the top of the stretch, a running style that should be advantageous if the early pace is strong but not insane. However, will he display that same tactical speed in the Derby? We’ll find out when the gate opens.

Negatives: Like many of the “Kittens” in the Ramsay stable, Charming Kitten is bred for turf/synthetics and has spent his entire seven race career running over non-dirt surfaces. How will he fare on the dirt on Saturday? Let’s just put it this way: if Charming Kitten’s race on Saturday matches his previous best performance on turf or synthetics, that alone won’t be good enough for the win. Charming Kitten needs to be better on dirt. And probably needs to be a lot better. And while it’s possible he’s a better on dirt than turf, I’m not sure that’s a likely outcome.

• Kentucky Derby betting guide

• Kentucky Derby post positions and morning line odds

• Meet the Kentucky Derby contenders

• Rick Pitino eyes Tourney/Derby double with Goldencents

• Kentucky Derby weekend weather forecast