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The Cliff's Edge Derby Trial at Churchill Downs

The Cliff's Edge Derby Trial runs April 30, 2011 at Churchill Downs. It’s a Grade3 one-mile race for $200,000.Once a strong prep for the Kentucky Derby, the Derby Trial in recent years has been more a prep for the Preakness Stakes, held three weeks after the Derby Trial at Pimlico in Maryland. It will be run under the lights for the first time ever on April 30.
The Kentucky Derby 137 Graded Stakes Earnings will likely determine the participants in the 137th running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby (Grade I) on Saturday, May 7. The Kentucky Derby field has been limited to 20 starters since 1975, and graded stakes earnings accumulated in prestigious races on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” have helped determined the field for the 1 ¼-mile classic since 1986.
This year’s track includes in alphabetical order: 
Animal Kingdom, a turf-oriented pedigree that features plenty of stamina on the dam's side, bred in Kentucky by owner Team Valor. 
Anthony’s Cross was bred in Pennsylvania by George Strawbridge Jr. and is by Indian Charlie, who is also the sire of early Kentucky Derby favorite Uncle Mo, but Anthony’s Cross has a more favorable pedigree for the 1 ¼-mile distance than the juvenile champion due to his female family.  
A versatile, class-infused pedigree on both sides of his family is the major highlight of Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Archarcharch’s background, rather fitting for a colt who is a stakes winner at both six furlongs and 1 1/8 miles.
Despite his name, Brilliant Speed's pedigree is strongly suited to the 1 1/4-mile distance. The Live Oak Plantation homebred is by the prolific Dynaformer, sire of 2006 Kentucky Derby (G1) legend Barbaro and two Derby third-placers.  
Comma to the Top was bred in Florida by Richard and Linda Thompson he is from the second crop of sprinter Bwana Charlie and is bred for speed on both sides of his pedigree. 
Decisive Moment was bred in Florida by owner Ruben Sierra and accumulated the bulk of his graded earnings from second-place finishes in the Delta Jackpot S. (G3) and Spiral S. (G3), is one of only two stakes winners in the last three generations of his female family.
Dialed In was bred in Kentucky by W.S. Farish, Madeleine Pickens and Skara Glen Stable and is the offspring of a late-maturing, distance-loving sire and a speedy, precocious dam; he hopes to inherit the best qualities of both.
J P's Gusto was bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm. Bred for speed top and bottom, J P’s Gusto doesn't have a favorable pedigree for the 1 1/4-mile Derby distance.
Master of Hounds is by the outstanding European miler Kingmambo, bred along one of the most potent crosses in international racing, the blueblood colt must answer the question of whether he can adapt to dirt.
Midnight Interlude was bred in Kentucky by owner Arnold Zetcher, a product of a top-class miler and a staying mare has a pedigree more often associated with the turf.
A limited number of black-type performers in recent generations and a conspicuously high number of speed influences highlight Mucho Macho Man’s pedigree who was was bred in Florida by John D. and Carole A. Rio.
With two strong Kentucky Derby (G1) preps at 1 1/8 miles, by a sire whose runners have really shined the last couple of seasons, and by a dam that has already thrown two graded stakes performers, Nehro has a lot going for him entering the May 7 Run for the Roses.
Pants on Fire was bred in Kentucky by K & G Stables and hails from a respectable female family and has the bloodlines on both sides of his pedigree to perform well at the 1 ¼-mile Kentucky Derby distance.
Santiva was bred in Kentucky by Paget Bloodstock and possesses a strong dose of stamina from his paternal side and class from his female line.
Soldat was bred in Kentucky by Brookfield Stud. Because a fair amount of Soldat's pedigree is laced with speed, he must rely on some residual stamina further back to negotiate the 1 1/4-mile trip.
Stay Thirsty was bred in Kentucky by John D. Gunther & John Darren Gunther. His pedigree features stamina on both top and bottom, signifying that 1 1/4 miles should be well within his scope.
The Factor was bred in Kentucky by H & W Thoroughbreds; his pedigree tilted toward speed raises questions about the ability to handle 1 1/4 miles.
Toby's Corner was bred in Florida by owner Dianne Cotte. Toby's Corner will try to earn the roses that eluded his sire and grandsire, both beaten favorites in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Twice the Appeal is by Successful Appeal, who isn’t a preferable sire for Kentucky Derby hopefuls, but broodmare sire Cormorant is a stamina influence capable of providing foundation for the 1 ¼-mile distance.
Uncle Mo was bred in Kentucky by D. Michael Cavey. Balanced blend of speed and stamina suggests, but does not prove conclusively, the ability to handle 1 1/4 miles.
Watch Me Go was bred in Florida by owner Gilbert Campbell. He entered the Kentucky Derby picture with an upset victory in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), hails from a relatively low-profile family.
Three horses to keep your eye on are favorite, Uncle Mo who’s looking for acomeback after his loss at the Wood, Dialed in and Soldat, although, I wouldn’t rule out Arkansas Derby winner Archarcharch. The $200,000 Gr. 3 Cliff's Edge Derby Trial at Churchill Downs is technically a last-chance race for Kentucky Derby.