2018 Kentucky Derby field: Ranking the horses by name

10. Instilled Regard – I like this name, don’t really know why. Hopefully his competitors will have some regard for him?

9. Bravazo – Like Bravado, but not. I think that in order to succeed on a stage like racing (and especially in the Derby) everyone needs to have a little bravado and confidence to them.

8. Vino Rosso – Italian for red wine. Both foreign and sophisticated. And I think the horses looks (but possibly not his attitude) match. The name also suggests almost a little bit of arrogance,e which could stand him in good stead in a competition like this.

7. Bolt d’Oro – I know this isn’t actually his name, or even really in his name, bit the name makes me think ‘lightning bolt.’ The actual name means bolt of gold. Neither would be a bad thing for a racehorse

6. Enticed – This is just a cool word. It’s like being tempted, but doesn’t have the same negative connotations. Like for a good thing rather than a bad thing.

5. Flameaway – Well, it you’re going to be on fire (metaphorically speaking of course,) the Kentucky Derby would be a good place for it. This also implies that the horse will be allowed to burn (up the racetrack or the competition) which would also be a good thing.

4. Firenze Fire – There is a second Italian in the field! This one owes his name to a few things other than wine:the city Florence and (possibly) a few composers. Also Harry Potter, which is great even though I know that’s not where the name came from.

3. Mendelssohn – Though the horse is not German, his name undeniably is, which is cool. This is actually the second horse (in a row!) on here who might be named after a composer. Which I had no idea about when first constructing the list.

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2. Justify – This is a cool word, and a good description for how this horse has treated his owners/trainers expectations. The least experienced horse in the field, Justify is currently the favorite, and has justified all those who believed in him

1. Combatant – This is my favorite name of the bunch. It aptly describes the attitude you need form a horse (and rider) to compete in the Derby, as well as the horses real status in the field. Any hotly contested event, no matter the sport, is a conflict. There’s a reason sports teams talk about going to battle together.