Hard Spun

Trained by J. Larry Jones, Hard Spun was undefeated in three starts last year that were all at sprint distances—a maiden special weight, the $54,000 Port Penn Stakes at Delaware Park and the $50,000 Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes at Philadelphia Park.

In his first start of 2007, stretched out to a mile and won the $100,000 Lecomte Stakes (G3) at the Fair Grounds. However, ran a disappointing fourth in the $250,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Regained his status with a 3 1/4-length victory in the $500,000 Lane's End Stakes (G2) at Turfway Park.

Hard Spun's second-place performance in this year's Kentucky Derby was impressive. After bolting from the gates it seemed as though he would hang on for a win if not for the surging Street Sense who had an amazing finish. His third-place performance in the Preakness Stakes was equally impressive.