Did somebody say...Derby?

Verrazano

Yup! It’s that time of the year again...and here are some of the Kentucky Derby contenders stretching their legs over the Churchill Downs surface on Friday, eight days before the big race. The colts (and gelding Vyjack) are shown in the order in which they are eligible to compete in the May 4 classic race.

Above and below, Orb (#1 Derby qualifier). Held here by trainer Shug McGaughey.

Above and below, Verrazano (#2 qualifier), trained by Todd Pletcher.

Java's War (#4), trained by Kenny McPeek.

Overanalyze (#5), trained by Todd Pletcher.

Revolutionary (#6), trained by Todd Pletcher.

Vyjack (#8), with trainer Rudy Rodriguez aboard.

Above and below, Will Take Charge (#9), trained by Wayne Lukas.

Black Onxy (#12), trained by Kelly Breen.

Black Onyx (right) and Oxbow.

Palace Malice (#13), trained by Todd Pletcher.

Normandy Invasion (#14), trained by Chad Brown.

Above and below, Frac Daddy (#15), trained by Kenny McPeek.

Above and below, Oxbow (#17), being led by trainer Wayne Lukas on the pony.

Falling Sky (#18), trained by John Terranova.

Golden Soul (#23), trained by Dallas Stewart.