Tom Pedulla

I am a sportswriter for USA TODAY who has specialized in the coverage of the NFL and Thoroughbred racing since 1995.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Thought as 138th Derby closes in: Track playing for speed, speed, speed. Hard to imagine deep closer getting it done.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Liaison: Overshadowed by stablemate Bodemeister -- with good reason.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter I'll Have Another: Game winner of Santa Anita Derby. Would like him lot more if not for post 19.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Sabercat: The less talked about of trainer Steve Asmussen's two starters. Could close for a piece.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Done Talking: Distant 10th in Gotham before rebounding to win Illinois Derby. Look to be overreaching with him.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter El Padrino: Two of three lifetime wins on wet surface but it's dry and very fast right now. Play against.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Gemologist: Can't ignore perfection. He's 5-for-5. Always look for wins at Churchill and he's 2-for-2.Top contender.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Hansen: Didn't respond well to Ramon Dominguez at 1 1/8 miles in Blue Grass. Doesn't bode well for 1 1/4 miles.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Went the Day Well: Same owner, trainer, jockey combo got it done last year. Betting against two in a row.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Prospective: Last of 13 here in Breeders' Cup Juvenile, beaten more than 20 lengths. Impossible to ignore that.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Alpha: Bred for success. Can get distance. Didn't like it that Gemologist repelled him in Wood.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Daddy Nose Best: The buzz horse here. Working well. Looks the part. Still, I'm going against him.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Trinniberg: Tremendous seven-furlong horse who doesn't belong going a mile-and-a-quarer.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Creative Cause: In money all eight starts. Has a huge heart. Hard to imagine he won't be in the fray.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Rousing Sermon: Lost last five starts. Has had ample opportunity vs. other Derby starters and fell short.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Bodemeister: Trying to become first Derby champ unraced at 2 since Apollo in 1882. Too much history to overcome.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Dullahan: Touted him before Blue Grass and he delivered. Has yet to win on dirt, so much to prove here.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Derby starter Union Rags: Drawn to him since the start of his career. Think he can be special. Must prove it today.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Thoughts on Derby starter Take Charge Indy: Love Calvin Borel. Not impressed by Florida Derby. Was all speed that day.

[Tom Pedulla @tompusat]

Thoughts on Derby starter Optimizer: Hasn't won since last August for an eight-race losing streak. Nuf said.