Chasing The Derby: Spotlight on Hollendorfer for El Camino, 10 entered// Liaison to ship// 6 work for Southwest// Even more rankings

No surprises with the release of entries for Saturday’s El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields. Jerry Hollendorfer is grabbing all of the early headlines given he has two entered- a filly Lady of Fifty, and the favorite Russian Greek- and he’s going for his sixth El Camino trophy. The same connections of 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom have entered Lucky Chappy, who will make his first start off turf. Handsome Mike, 4^th last time out in the Sham (G3), will try a supposed easier spot up North and Steve Asmussen ships in Daddy Nose Best. The rest of the field along with past performances and race replays (coming soon) can be viewed on the upcoming page here// Eoin Harty seems extremely pleased with Sham winner Out of Bounds in recent training and is still pointing for the San Felipe (G2)// Liaison, who was the victim of a very troubled trip in the Sham where he clipped heels and dumped his rider, returned to the work tab Wednesday. Trainer Bob Baffert revealed the colt will most likely ship to the Fairgrounds or Oaklawn Park for his next effort// The Southwest Stakes, which may have to be plural considering a possible split race scenario, continues to grab tons of headlines. Six contenders worked at Oaklawn including three with Kentucky Derby winning trainers- Lynn Whiting, 1992 winning trainer, worked Cyber Secret for 4-furlongs; John Servis of Smarty Jones fame in 2004 has Adirondack King, who also worked 4 panels; and four-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer D. Wayne Lukas sent Optimizer to the track for a quick 5-furlong breeze. Full workout details below// Nice article from Gary West at ESPN who covers some of the trials, tribulations, theories, questions, and unknowns of the Derby Trail// more…

Articles

El Camino Real Derby Previews: Bloodhorse /Brisnet / Sports Network

Oaklawn barn notes 2/15 [Southwest news round-up] (Oaklawn Park)

Southwest sees return of Servis, Elliott (DRF)

Whiting back with another shot 20 years after victory (DRF)

Baffert goes after another Southwest at Oaklawn (Miami Herald)

Harty taking it easy with Out of Bounds (TTimes)

Liaison back to work, looking out of town (DRF)

On the bumpy road to the Derby (ESPN)

Union Rags, Algorithms top Fountain of Youth nominations (The Downey Profile)

Union Rags remains at top of the Kentucky Derby list (DRF)

Who’s hot who’s not Feb 15 (DRF)