Untrapped

UNTRAPPED (c, Trappe Shot—Exit Three, by Giant's Causeway)

'TDN Rising Star' O-Michael Langford. B-Indian Creek & Jonathan Sheppard (KY). T-Steven M. Asmussen. Lifetime Record: MGSP, 5-1-3-1, $256,800.

Last Start: 6th, GI Arkansas Derby, OP, Apr. 15

Thoro-Graph sheet, Equineline PPs

KY Derby Points: 34

Untrapped is going to sneak into the Derby based on qualifying points, but he really hasn't lived up to the potential he demonstrated in career start number two last November at Churchill, when he earned 'TDN Rising Star' status by romping by 5 1/2 lengths as the 6-5 favorite. Since then he's been second, second, third, then sixth in Derby preps that were on the weaker side at both Fair Grounds and Oaklawn. The addition of blinkers provided no real spark in the Arkansas Derby, and his jockey in that race, Mike Smith, has since jumped ship to Girvin. Ricardo Santana Jr. will pick up the mount, and although he's not a Hall-of-Famer like Smith, he is a more aggressive rider, which might be what this colt needs (Santana has previously been aboard for Untrapped's better efforts).

VIDEO PPS