finding the golden goose for Kentucky Derby exotics

[ShadowRoll]

This analysis of the prep patterns for past Kentucky Derby winners (http://www.jessicachapel.com/railbir...the_derby.html) got me thinking about what patterns, if any, exist for those high-odds in-the-money finishers who can boost the exotic payouts.

For example, one of the conclusions drawn by the Railbird blogger is that KD winners don't have significant regressions before the Derby. This doesn't seem to hold true for high-odds in-the-money finishers.

What comes to mind is Bluegrass Cat's prep for the 2006 Derby, the Blue Grass Stakes, where he finished 4th, well behind the winner, an apparent significant regression (and I realize that maybe this isn't the best example because it was an odd race, with Sinister Minister's freakish performance, but you get the idea). Bluegrass Cat then finished second to Barbaro in the Derby, with an exacta payout of $587. (And let me give Steve his props because, just prior to the Derby on ATR, Steve did report how good BC looked).

What do you look for when trying to identify a Derby dark horse to key in the exotics, who you don't expect to win, but who'll return a big payoff if he finishes in the money?