Derby favorite Further Ado back for Matt Winn

Many beaten Kentucky Derby (G1) favorites will often seek immediate redemption in either of the other two classics, the Preakness (G1) or Belmont (G1). Not Further Ado.

Eleventh as the lukewarm 5-1 favorite in the May 2 classic, Further Ado will look to get back on track at Churchill Downs in the $500,000 Matt Winn (G3) on Sunday, a 1 1/16-mile test which has also attracted two other Derby starters.

Further Ado, though, should be a prohibitive favorite. The son of Gun Runner, who won the Matt Winn himself a decade ago, has yet to prove quite as formidable outside Keeneland, where he won the Blue Grass (G1) by 11 lengths and a maiden by 20. But his only other win did come under the Twin Spires, a 1 3/4-length decision in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) over this distance.

Sunland Derby winner Pavlovian showed none of his customary speed in the Kentucky Derby, resulting in him being eased late into last place of 18. Draw a line through that, and his recent form has been decent, especially his near upset of the Louisiana Derby (G2) while finishing a length ahead of eventual Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo.

Potente was 12th in the Kentucky Derby after winning the San Felipe (G2) and placing second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) for trainer Bob Baffert. However, compared to the Louisiana Derby, the California form took a hit on the first Saturday in May.

Other Matt Winn entries would need to improve to upset. Taptastic, Stop the Car, and Corona de Oro placed in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Pat Day Mile (G2), and Lexington (G3), respectively, while Louisiana-bred stakes winner Our Moneyman ran a respectable third in fast allowance on Derby weekend.