Chasing The Derby: El Camino Real to get 5// More next race plans from Pletcher// Kentucky Derby Future Odds updated

A small field of just five is expected for the El Camino Real Derby (G3) February 18^th. Kentucky Derby winning trainer Graham Motion will most likely ship graded stakes-placed Lucky Chappy who has only raced on turf in previous tries. The other four probable runners are Russian Greek, Rockinarz Recruit, Unveiled Heat, and Cahill Chrome// Dale Romans revealed Grade 1 winner Dullahan has been absent from the work tab due to a cough. Luckily he already has $375,000 in graded earnings, so there is no rush to squeeze him into a race. The Palm Beach (G3) on turf and then Bluegrass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland is still the tentative plan// While the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn is expected to draw some familiar entries from the Smarty Jones Stakes held in mid-January, there will also be some intriguing additions. Not only could Bob Baffert ship Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint winner Secret Circle, but several impressive Oaklawn-based maiden and allowance winners could join the fun too. Cyber Secret (who was mistakenly left off the list of early Triple Crown nominations), Apprehender, and Pee H Dee are expected to push the field to at least eight deep// Even more next race plans were announced for Todd Pletcher contenders, albeit mostly from his B-team. Dan and Sheila, 4^th in the Lecomte (G3) last out, will head to New York for the Gotham (G3) along with recent maiden breaker Raconteur. Big Blue Nation will step down to an allowance before being considered for another stakes. Pletcher is not giving up on Our Entourage who will be moved to turf in his next start, and the trainer also just attained Declaration of War from Coolmore who will get a try on the trail as well. Gemologist wouldn’t be considered a B-team player based on his KY Jockey Club (G2) win at Churchill Downs in November. He’s tentatively scheduled to take a two prep schedule similar to 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver that starts off in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) or Rebel (G2)// I’ve listed some recent speed figures from Kentucky Derby preps over the last few days, but a particular maiden winner at the Fairgrounds Friday went unnoticed. Bourbon Courage earned a whopping 103 Beyer speed figure in his debut, which is the second highest in his class. The son of Lion Heart went off at 15-1 odds and flew home with a final time just over a tick off the track record for 6-furlongs. No news yet on where he’ll end up next// The latest Kentucky Derby futures from Wynn Las Vegas were released late Monday. Alpha, winner of the Withers Saturday, jumped all the way to 11-1, just behind 10-1 co-favorites Union Rags and Algorithms. Other interesting changes were Sam Davis winner Battle Hardened at 30-1 (from 125-1) and Robert Lewis victor I’ll Have Another 65-1 (from 200-1)// Paul Moran comes down hard on owner Dr. Hansen’s decision to color the mane and tale of his horse- likening the visual to a carousel horse among other things…

Articles

Russian Greek among 5 probables for El Camino Real (DRF)

Colt [Cyber Secret] added to Triple Crown nominations list (Bloodhorse)

Big Beyer propels Cyber Secret to Southwest (DRF)

Romans not pressing Dullahan (DRF)

Creative Cause will take on Drill and Secret Circle in his seasonal debut (Bettor.com)

Ho-hum, Pletcher loaded again (Bloodhorse Blog)

Todd Pletcher’s plethora of Kentucky Derby contenders (Louisville.com)

Triple Crown: O’Brien pair among the entries (Betting.Betfair)

2012 Kentucky Derby analysis: The Withers Stakes (G3) (Bleacher Report)

Kentucky Derby future wager pool 1 set to open Friday (DRF)

Alpha lives up to his name (The Derby Post)