The process trainers and jockeys go through in figuring out riding assignments
for Kentucky Derby contenders is always intriguing. Even when explanations are given, oftentimes experts and fans
have their own opinions on what really went down. On Monday it was announced
Ramon Dominguez chose Hansen over Alpha. The reason given by Dominguez’s agent
was that Hansen is proven at Churchill Downs based on his victory in the
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), a race in which Alpha finished 7th. Seems logical enough, however earlier
Monday it was reported Alpha took a somewhat surprising day off from the
track. His “strong gallop” from
Sunday is now called a “work day” by assistant trainer Art Magnusun meaning
Alpha will probably not breeze for the rest of the week and only have one
official move before the Derby.
Ever since it was reported Alpha took a few days off to recover from an
infection following the Wood Memorial you get the growing feeling he might not
make it to Kentucky at all. Even if he does enter the Derby gate, you can’t
blame Dominguez for doubting the colt’s fitness. Alpha’s trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said they tried to secure
Rafael Bejarano for the mount Monday but Bejarano already committed to ride El
Padrino for Todd Pletcher//
There are always a few standout workers at Churchill Downs just before
the Derby that turn a one-time sleeper into a backside darling. This year it could be Daddy Nose Best,
who went an extended 6 furlongs under Garret Gomez beneath the Twin
Spires. According to DRF’s Mike
Welsch, Daddy Nose Best was asked for a stiff move and appears to be “peaking at the right time”// Steve
Asmussen sent two other contenders for official works, including recently
acquired Isn’t He Clever who worked a slow 4 furlongs. Isn’t He Clever, along with another
Monday worker Optimizer, current sit at #21 and #22 on the graded earnings list
and need a few more defections to make the Derby. Asmussen mentioned the Preakness or Woody Stephens is more
likely for Isn’t He Clever, but no final decision has been made. Asmussen’s other contender
Sabercat was not asked for a lot Monday morning as the trainer thinks the
recent Arkansas Derby (G1) did a lot for the colt’s fitness// Mark Valeski
breezed a quick 5 furlongs with Rosie Napravnik aboard. Welsch said it appeared
Mark Valeski liked the track, but his gallop out was a little
discouraging. While most of
Monday’s key workouts occurred at Churchill Downs, Trinniberg did go 6 furlongs
at Calder in 1.15:40. Official times, videos and workout reports for Monday can
be viewed below//
Coolmore’s Daddy Long Legs was confirmed for the Kentucky Derby Monday
as expected. He will ship into Louisville early next week. Colm O’Donoghue retains the mount on
the son of Scat Daddy. Anyone looking for an angle to back Daddy Long Legs in
the Derby, aside from his recent UAE Derby (G2) victory in Dubai, can point to
the fact O’Donoghue did not ride the colt in his dismal 12th place
finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill// more…
Works
Daddy Nose Best- CD- 6F- 1.14:00- B- 1/2
Isn't He Clever- CD- 4F- 51:60- B- 36/45
Optimizer- CD- 4F- 48:60- B- 6/45
Mark Valeski- CD- 5F- 59:60- B- 2/31
Sabercat- CD- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 19/31
Trinniberg- CRC- 6F- 1.15:40- B- 1/1
Workout Videos
Optimizer video
(Churchill Downs)
Mark Valeski video
(Churchill Downs)
Sabercat video (Churchill
Downs)
Workout Reports
Mark
Valeski works sharp 5 furlongs for Derby [also Optimizer, Trinniberg, Isn’t He
Clever (Bloodhorse)
Asmussen
pair work for Kentucky Derby (Bloodhorse)
Morning
Training with 12 days to go (Courier Journal)
Kentucky Derby News and Opinion
Kentucky
Derby barn notes 4/23 (Churchill Downs)
Dominguez
to ride Hansen (DRF)
Daddy
Long Legs confirmed for Derby (Bloodhorse)
It’s
12 days until Run for the Roses. Where is your Derby horse? (In The Money
Blog)
Dr.
Hansen pledges funds for Thorofan (Bloodhorse)
Bodemeiser
hails from home of Sir Barton (Bloodhorse)
Best
of juvenile boosts field (Courier Journal)
Coverage
of every horse and interview (Behind the Scenes)
Kentucky
Derby 2012: Picking the winner (Bleacher Report)
Kentucky
Derby contenders at a glance (Churchill Downs)
Kentucky
Derby: U.K/U.S. odds comparisons (And Down The Stretch They Come)
Lexington winner could be sold (Miami Herald)
Lexington winner could be sold (Miami Herald)
Classic
Equine offering Triple Crown contest (Bloodhorse)
Mary
J. Blige to sing National Anthem at Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs)
Rankings
Haskin’s
Derby Dozen 4/23 (Bloodhorse)
Triple
Crown poll 4/23 (TTimes)
News
and Quotes from Twitter
After a strong gallop Sun a.m. at Belmont,
Alpha just walks shed Monday. "We're treating yesterday like a work
day," said asst Art Magnuson.- David Grening DRF
As of today, 3 of top 20 Derby horses need
a rider: Alpha or Hansen (depending on Dominguez pick), El Padrino, Rousing
Sermon- Jay Privman DRF
Agent Steve Rushing confirms that Ramon
Dominguez will ride Hansen in Kentucky Derby. David Grening DRF
Rafael Bejarano will ride El Padrino in
the Kentucky Derby, according to trainer Todd Pletcher.- Jay Privman
Names on bottom of I'll
Have Another's pedigree: Pleasant Colony, Nijinsky, Stage Door Johnny,
Sea-Bird. That's 1 1/4 mile firepower.- Marcus Hersch DRF
