The Factor goes the distance// Rouge Romance off the Trail// Dance city noses out hyped stablemate…

Summary:

The Factor answered the two turn question in the Rebel Stakes today. Now the question will be added distance, but let’s give credit where credit is due.  You can’t deny he was impressive by setting honest fractions, feeling a little breath from Saratoga Red, and pulling away to win by over 6 lengths against a competitive field.  He’s legitimate (although some critics below will note his final fractions).  On the not-so-impressive side we had a no show from Sway Away.  As his trainer insisted, he had a bad trip, but serious Derby horses need to settle at some point and he never looked comfortable. Also disappointing was the scary scratch of Alternation. Luckily, it sounds like everything is ok, but I was looking forward to his move up// Bandbox wins easily in the Private Terms Stakes at Laurel.  Trainer Rodney Jenkins says he could very well be pointed to the Preakness (no Derby)// Rogue Romance is the latest casualty on the Derby trail. He’s out with a fractured foot// Dance City held off his much-hyped stablemate Cal Nation in an allowance at Gulfstream.  What will Pletcher do with them next?// Loads of works today including Louisiana Derby contenders Left and Mucho Macho Man. Macho Man also gets a nice background article from the Atlanta Journal Constitution// more…

Results:

The Factor wins the Rebel Stakes: chart/ video

Bandbox wins Private Terms: chart/ video

Dance City wins key allowance race at Gulfstream: chart/ video

Articles:

·       The Factor wins the Rebel Stakes (DRF) (Bloodhorse) (TTimes) (Brisnet) (AP) (Courier Journal) (Zipse At The Derby) (And Down The Stretch They Come)

·       Bandbox wins Private Terms (Bloodhorse) (TTimes)

·       Dance City edges stablemate Cal Nation (Brisnet)

·       Elite Alex to bypass Rebel and run in Louisiana Derby (DRF)

·       Rogue Romance off Derby Trail (TTimes)

·       Louisiana Derby taking shape (Bloodhorse)

·       Howard, Stall look forward to Louisiana Derby (Brisnet)

·    Atlanta-area owners have Kentucky Derby Hopeful [Mucho Macho Man] (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

·       Sunland Park prepares for Sunland Derby [with video] (KTSM-TV)

Works:

·       Manicero: CRC- 4F- 48:60- B- 1/65

·       Bind: FG- 4F- 48:40- B-17/86

·       Sour: FG- 4F- 47:80- B- 6/86

·       Left: FG- 4F- 47:80- B- 6/86

·       Santiva: PMM- 4F- 50:90- B- 39/49

·       Mucho Macho Man: GP- 5F- 1.02:60- B-18/25

·       Shackleford: GP- 6F- 1.15:60- B- 1/2

·       Indian Winter: SA- 5F- 1.00:60- H- 2/8

·       Monzon: SF- 4F- 48:20- B- 1/4

·       Smoke It Right: OP- 4F- 48:60- B- 8/44