Kentucky Derby 2015: Two Stars, Plenty of Supporting Talent

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Dortmund, ridden by jockey Martin Garcia, wins the Santa Anita Derby. Photo: Associated Press

Louisville, Ky.

The 2015 Kentucky Derby is so packed with talented performers it deserves comparison to a film filled with A-list stars: Welcome to The “Ocean’s Eleven” Derby.

Like the 2001 movie with co-leading men George Clooney and Brad Pitt, this Derby has two megawatt horses—American Pharoah (5-2) and Dortmund (3-1). And surrounding them is a supporting cast bright enough to potentially steal the show.

Churchill Downs CHDN 0.79 % ’ oddsmaker Mike Battaglia called the field one of the most competitive he has ever seen. “And I’m going back to Affirmed and Alydar,” he said, referring to the 1978 Triple Crown rivalry.

The hype around American Pharoah, who crushed the Arkansas Derby by eight lengths, has been relentless. “I have been doing this for 35 years and he might be the best horse I’ve ever seen,” clocker Gary Young said earlier this week.

American Pharoah’s trainer, three-time Derby winner Bob Baffert has contributed to the awe. “When he runs, he shows a dimension,” he said. “But he still needs racing luck.”

While American Pharoah makes it look effortless, the undefeated Dortmund, also trained by Baffert, is the gutsy street brawler, who has stared down every threat. As one of the larger horses in the field, his height and stature could be a tremendous advantage given his large stride. “I don’t know how good he is.” Baffert said on Thursday. “He loves this track. He’s tough.”

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Jockey Victor Espinoza stands up on American Pharoah after winning the $1 million Arkansas Derby. Photo: Associated Press

Beyond the two favorites, here’s a look at the horses that could spoil Baffert’s party.

If American Pharoah and Dortmund are Clooney and Pitt, then Carpe Diem (8-1) is our Matt Damon—the third-leading man, but a talent all his own. The winner of the Blue Grass Stakes, the colt has only lost once, a second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Carpe Diem breaks from gate position two, and Pletcher said Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero told him “not to worry about the two hole.” Cordero won from the spot with Cannonade (1974) and Bold Forbes (1976).

Pletcher’s Materiality (12-1), undefeated in three career races, showed explosive speed in his Florida Derby win. He’ll have to bring even more Saturday: Only Big Brown (2008) and Regret (1915) won the Derby after just three lifetime starts.

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Carpe Diem, right, ridden by jockey John Velazquez, draws away from runner-up Danzig Moon to win the Blue Grass Stakes horse race at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky. Photo: Associated Press

There’s a railbird line of thinking that says: If you like Dortmund, you have to like Firing Line (12-1), who nearly beat Dortmund twice this past winter. But from another perspective, Firing Line lost to the same rival twice. How is he going to beat Dortmund in an even tougher race?

The answer could be improvement, which is also an argument for Danzig Moon (30-1) and Tencendur (30-1). Danzig Moon lost back-to-back races to Carpe Diem. But after a fourth-place finish, 12 ½ lengths behind the Tampa Bay Derby winner, Danzig Moon improved to finish second in the Blue Grass, losing to Carpe Diem by just three lengths.

Trainer Mark Casse likes that his dark horse candidate has been creating buzz: “I certainly hope he has.”

Tencendur’s improvement took him from a fifth-place finish in the Gotham to second in the Wood Memorial. Trainer George Weaver said he doesn’t expect to chase the Derby pace: “I see him being a stalker, a mid-packer.”

In the Wood, Tencendur was run down by Frosted (15-1). The son of leading sire Tapit, Frosted has been a bit of a puzzle. After a promising, but uneven early season, his fourth-place run in the Fountain of Youth suggested that something was amiss.

“We changed everything,” said trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, listing off the jockey, the track and even a minor throat surgery for the horse. It worked, but the Derby will either show if the changes remained effective or not.

Mubtaahij (20-1) is the mystery horse from Dubai. He won the U.A.E. Derby, a race that has historically not been a stepping stone to winning the Run for the Roses. Trained by South-African born Mike de Kock said, “I probably found the worst year ever to attempt a try at the Kentucky Derby.”

Ken Ramsey is the winningest owner at Churchill Downs, but one thing is missing: a Derby win. International Star (20-1) could be the horse that gets Ramsey there after his three-race sweep of the prep races at New Orleans’ Fairgrounds.

Upstart (15-1) was the top horse in Florida this winter, before a gallant defeat to Materiality in the Florida Derby. He’s had his ups and downs, but he’s a durable horse who shouldn’t be counted out.

Trainer Rick Violette said the horse is enjoying the weather in Louisville. “The cold weather certainly is a big plus, getting out of the 90-degree heat in Florida,” he said.

Far Right (30-1) is exiled in post 20, which could leave him with a lot to do as he’s not the fastest in breaking from the starting gate.

Majority owner Harry Rosenblum isn’t worried. “The 20 is fine,” he said.

Itsaknockout (30-1) won in a controversial disqualification in the Fountain of Youth, before a subpar performance in the Florida Derby. It’s unlikely he’ll even have a fighter’s chance.

As for the rest of the Derby field, six horses haven’t won a race this year: Bolo (30-1), Frammento (50-1), Keen Ice (50-1), Mr. Z (50-1), Ocho Ocho Ocho (50-1) and War Story (50-1). In a race for winners, that isn’t going to get the job done.

The field was narrowed to 19 runners on Friday afternoon after El Kabeir was scratched. Earlier in the morning, his gallop was canceled after he took “a few cautious steps,” according to a release from Churchill Downs.

Pia: Dortmund, American Pharoah, International Star

Jim: American Pharoah, Danzig Moon, Carpe Diem

Write to Pia Catton at pia.catton@wsj.com and Jim Chairusmi at jim.chairusmi@wsj.com