The winners of the six major Kentucky Derby prep races will be installed as the favorites for Saturday's 132nd edition of the Run for the Roses, with Santa Anita Derby winner Brother Derek expected to be the favorite from Wednesday until post time.

Undefeated Barbaro, the winner of the Florida Derby, is expected to be the second choice when the post positions are drawn on Wednesday.

Arkansas Derby victor Lawyer Ron, Wood Memorial winner Bob and John, Illinois Derby champ Sweetnorthernsaint and Blue Grass Stakes winner Sinister Minister round out the top tier of the Kentucky Derby field.

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Brother Derek in California, Lawyer Ron in Arkansas and Barbaro in Florida strongly suggested that they have what it takes to win Saturday's 132nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

All have been invincible this year, and Barbaro never has lost. Now, for the first time, they will meet. Many believe the draw for post positions Wednesday will turn out to be the deciding factor in the America's most prestigious horse race.

Earnings in graded stakes races determine the 20-horse field, and the probable contestants are listed in order of their graded earnings.

1. Brother Derek, $1,114,980: Winner of six of his seven races in California and third in his only loss. Made his only start outside California in last fall's Breeders' Cup Juvenile and finished a distant fourth.

2. Lawyer Ron, $940,800: Dominance in Arkansas preps was reminiscent of Smarty Jones in 2004 and Afleet Alex last year. Has won all seven of his dirt races and lost all seven on grass and the Polytrack surface.

3. Barbaro, $750,000: Undefeated in five starts, but only the last two have been on dirt. Trying to become the first horse to win the Derby off a five-week layoff since Needles in 1956.

4. Bob and John, $590,370: Could be trainer Bob Baffert's fourth Derby winner in 10 years. Passed up the Santa Anita Derby to make his first start outside California in the Wood Memorial and won on a sloppy track.

5. Sinister Minister, $465,000: Sent from California to Kentucky by Baffert for the Blue Grass Stakes, he scored a frontrunning 12 3/4-length victory.

6. Private Vow, $417,888: As a 2-year-old, he starred in New York and won a Grade II at Churchill Downs but was seventh and third in his 2006 races in Arkansas.

7. A.P. Warrior, $323,185: Son of 1992 Belmont and Breeders' Cup winner A.P. Indy is trained by John Shirreffs, who won last year's Derby with 50-1 long shot Giacomo.

8. Sweetnorthernsaint, $320,000: Came from Maryland to win the Illinois Derby by 9 1/4 lengths. Jockey Kent Desormeaux won the Derby on Real Quiet in 1998 and Fusaichi Pegasus in 2000.

9. Sharp Humor, $280,000: New York-bred Florida Derby runner-up is son of Distorted Humor, sire of 2003 Derby winner Funny Cide.

10. Bluegrass Cat, $275,480: Excelled in New York last fall, but his only victory in three starts this year came in a minor stakes race in Tampa.

11. Steppenwolfer, $230,000: Ran well in Arkansas but couldn't catch Lawyer Ron.

12. Keyed Entry, $205,000: Three triumphs in five starts and has never run a bad race.

13. Showing Up, $201,500: He's 3-for-3 since starting his career Feb. 11. Trained by Barclay Tagg of Funny Cide fame.

14. Point Determined, $200,000: Baffert trains well-bred colt with good California credentials.

15. Cause to Believe, $192,500: Distant third in Illinois Derby after winning California Derby and El Camino Real Derby in northern California.

16. Deputy Glitters, $163,750: Tampa Bay Derby winner regressed to sixth in the Wood Memorial.

17. Storm Treasure, $155,000: Only win in six starts was a 7 1/4-lenth maiden race triumph at Churchill Downs on Nov. 6.

18. Jazil, $150,000: Also 1-for-6 but was a fast-closing second in the Wood.

19. Seaside Retreat, $125,807: Won 3 of 4 in Canada but 0-for-3 since moving to U.S.

20. Flashy Bull, $109,000: His dad, Holy Bull, sired Giacomo. He's 1-for-9 but often in the money.

Bet on the Kentucky Derby here

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Gambling911.com News Wire and Chicago Tribune

Originally published May 1, 2006 11:21 pm EST