Chasing The Derby: Entries drawn for Robert Lewis, Withers// Groovin' Solo, King Kid sleepers?// Swag Daddy works// more

Eight Kentucky Derby hopefuls will line up for the Robert Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Saturday. As expected, five colts are from the CashCall Futurity (G1), including winner Liaison and runner-up Rousing Sermon. Many feel Bob Baffert’s Sky Kingdom can redeem himself from the 5^th place finish in the CashCall, based on the rough trip he had as well as his strong comeback allowance victory less than three weeks ago at Santa Anita. Some spice was added to the Robert Lewis with the addition of Isn’t He Clever, who dominated in his last stakes effort at the supposed lesser circuit Sunland Park. We’ll now know how he stacks up with some of the bigger names on the Kentucky Derby trail. Groovin’ Solo could surprise- apparently he was eased in the CashCall based on a broken bridle. He broke his maiden next out at Santa Anita, and is trained by Myung Kwan Cho, who some may remember as the trainer of last year’s surprise San Felipe winner Premier Pegasus// Alpha leads the cast of seven in the Withers (G3) at Aqueduct on Saturday. The much-hyped son of Bernardini is the even-money favorite and needs the win to validate his place among the elite contenders for the Derby. King Kid, trained by Dale Romans, could improve in his third start based on recent quick works. Hakama figures to set the pace and will go for his third consecutive victory// For detailed information like PPs, race videos, articles, and picks for the Withers and Robert Lewis go here// The 7-furlong Hutcheson (G2) on February 11^th will most likely have two Todd Pletcher runners, Thunder Moccasin and Spring Hill Farm, in addition to Jonathan Sheppard trained Ever So Lucky// Interesting background story on Algorithms and how with a little more behavior cooperation the colt could have gone for a lot more money in the sales ring...

Upcoming Stakes:

Robert Lewis S. (G2)- Santa Anita- entries

Withers S. (G3)- Aqueduct- entries

Needles Stakes- Gulfstream Park- entries

Articles

Robert Lewis Previews: TTimes / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Withers Previews: NYRA / Bloodhorse / TTimes / DRF / Brisnet

McLaughlin pleased with progression of ‘Derby Horse’ Alpha (TTimes)

Kentucky Derby hopes hard to break (DRF)

Motor City returns to worktab (The Downey Profile)

Pletcher duo pointed to Hutcheson (The Downey Profile)

Algorithms: Putting the horse first pays off (Bloodhorse)