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Palm Beach runners may have Derby aspirations// He’s Had Enough headed to Dubai// Picks for Gotham// more…


Summary:
A field of 11 will line up in the Palm Beach (G3) Sunday at Gulfstream, with several owners and trainers hoping they can move to Derby points races next time out. Ken Ramsey thinks Charming Kitten could be a Derby starter, while Gary Contessa will point Rydilluc to the Spiral (G3) if all goes well// More previews and picks rolled in for upcoming weekend stakes races. Links can be found below// He’s Had Enough, recently fifth in the Fountain of Youth (G2), will be shipped to Dubai to try the UAE Derby. Trainer Doug O’Neill didn’t mention whether a trip back to the Kentucky Derby is certain if all goes well, but one would assume that’s the plan// more…    

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #2
News release (Churchill Downs)
PPs: Brisnet / DRF PPs


Articles:
Weekly Update Feb 28 (Churchill Downs)


Rankings:


Workouts:
Hear the Ghost- HOL- 7F- 1.25:40 H- 1/1


Quotes and Tweets:
“Fans of Overanalyze may take comfort in knowing Hansen won last year's Gotham from post 12”- David Grening via Twitter

Overanalyze gets outside post, Repole calm// Entries for 4 other stakes// Odds set for Pool #2 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager// more…


Summary:
Entries were drawn for five Saturday races that could each carry Kentucky Derby implications. The obvious headliner is the Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct, which will award 50 Derby points to the winner. That amount will most likely guarantee a spot in the Kentucky Derby gate. Overanalyze is the best on paper, but will start from the far outside in a 12 horse field. Previews and a link to free PPs can be found below// Departing, scratched from last weekend’s Risen Star (G2) due to a bad post position is going with option B in the Texas Heritage Stakes at Sam Houston// The Gazebo Stakes at Oaklawn features a small but intriguing cast including impressive maiden winner Titletown Five, undefeated Colorado bred Get Happy Mister, and the former hyped allowance winner Malibu High// The John Battaglia Stakes at Turfway serves as a prep for the Spiral (G3) and drew horses that have raced in Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, New York, Florida, California and its own backyard// It’s tough seeing any of the contenders in the Swale (G3) being able to stretch out on the trail and make their way to Louisville for the Derby. It was already reported that Merit Man will scratch due to the post// Opening odds were announced for Pool #2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.  ‘All others’ are favored again at 3-1 with Verrazano and Super Ninety Nine the 10-1 co-favorites for individual selections. Overanalyze (15-1), Vyjack (30-1), and Titletown Five (30-1) are particularly susceptible to fluctuating odds following their performances this Saturday// A nice article from Paul Moran at ESPN on the “mystique” of the Kentucky Derby with fantastic observations from novelist John Steinbeck when he attended the race in 1956// There was a small outcry over a DRF story explaining the reasoning behind the Beyer speed figures given to last Saturdays stakes races at the Fair Grounds. Once you actually read the article it seems to make sense that final time alone does not tell the whole story// more…   


Articles:
Horse Racing’s top bachelor [Tapit] (The Wall Street Journal)


Rankings:
ESPN Top 10 (ESPN)
Jerry Bossert’s Top 15 (NY Daily News)
Top 10: Kevin’s best bets (Sports Chat Place)


Workouts:
Zeewat- GG- 4F- 49:60- H- 5/14
Pataky Kid- TB- 5F- 1.00:80- B- 1/6
Little Jerry- HOL- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 7/23


Quotes and Tweets:
"GP alw winner Capo Bastone headed to Rebel 3-16, with John Velazquez to ride, reports Aron Wellman of owner Eclipse Thoroughbreds"- Jay Privman via Twitter

Trainer Bob Hess Jr. says Merit Man almost certain to scratch out of Saturday's Swale after drawing post 2 ini 13 horse field” - Mike Welsch via Twitter

Vyjack gets new rider for Gotham// Stall hoping Sunbean makes Louisiana Derby field// Oxbow might have tight schedule// Opinions on Pletcher// Updated Wynn odds// more

Owner David Wilkenfeld seems to be enjoying the ride along the Derby trail so far with Vyjack. He was instrumental in the decision to switch riders from Cornelio Velasquez to Joel Rosario for the upcoming Gotham (G3) on Saturday. Wilkenfeld believes Rosario is better with handling aggressive horses like Vyjack// Sunbean could be on the outside looking in again if the Louisiana Derby (G2) overfills. The son of Brahms still hasn’t raced in open company, which goes against him when entering any of 3-year-old graded stakes at the Fair Grounds// Oxbow would likely make the Louisiana Derby (G2) field, and trainer D. Wayne Lukas revealed he could be forced to also run in the Arkansas Derby (G1) two weeks later if the colt needs more points for the Kentucky Derby. That’s an aggressive game plan asking for three races totaling 3 1/2 miles in a five-week span// There’s a pretty damning article from the Examiner on Todd Pletcher “running many talented Derby prospects into the ground”. Not only is the piece disjointed and hard to follow, but it is extremely light on proof// A post on the TwinSpires Blog is both properly validated and more positive on Todd Pletcher and the Kentucky Derby. Ed DeRosa argues there’s another side of the 1-for-31 story and backs it up with probability percentages and general common sense// Updated future odds from Wynn Las Vegas were released with Flashback a solid favorite at 8-1 followed by Verrazano 11-1 and Revolutionary 12-1. Links to the full list and PPs can be found below// Uncaptured continued his workout regimen with a five-furlong breeze in preparation for his sophomore debut in the Spiral (G3) at Turfway Park March 23// more…


Articles:
Where they’re going next (The Downey Profile)


Wynn Las Vegas Future Odds: List / PPs


Rankings:
AP Top 10 (AP)
Sweet 16 (Horseracing Nation)


Workouts:
Will Take Charge- OP- 4F- 48:80- B- 3/7
Titletown Five- OP- 4F- 48:00- B- 1/7
Stormy Holiday- OP- 5F- 1.02:20- B- 2/4
Carving- SA- 3F- 36:40- H- 4/12
Belvin- SA- 4F- 48:40- H- 5/26
War Academy- SA- 4F- 48:20- H- 2/26
Uncaptured- OTC- 5F- 59:80- B- 1/4


Quotes and Tweets:
"Looks like Uncaptured right on target for return in Spiral on March 23. Worked 5f in 59.80 at Ocala this morning"- Jay Privman via Twitter

Normandy Invasion returning to Aqueduct with new rider// Pletcher, Baffert contenders hit work tab// Rosie’s tough choice// New Top 5// more…

While the top four finishers of Saturday’s Risen Star will most likely continue on to the Louisiana Derby (G2), fifth place Normandy Invasion will go next in the Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct where trainer Chad Brown says he has raced his best. Jennie Rees reported the colt will get a new rider in the Wood, although a name has yet to be announced. Owner Rick Porter is convinced Normandy Invasion was “so much the best horse” in the Risen Star. You can excuse an owner’s blind faith in his horse, but we also know breaking well from the gate and tractability play just as much of a role in winning a race than a good closing run. The latter trait especially is difficult to train, and it was apparent Normandy Invasion was a handful for a good portion of the race// Rosie Napravnik may have to make a tough decision on where to race March 30. Palace Malice will most likely return to the Fair Grounds for the Louisiana Derby (G2) along with other stakes horses Napravnik rode this past Saturday, however that’s the same day Shanghai Bobby is scheduled to run in the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream// Todd Pletcher had to postpone scheduled workouts for his Florida string Sunday due to the track having too much moisture. Conditions were better Monday and several of his charges zipped through their breezes. Verrazano was the quickest of 38 going five furlongs in 59:21. For complete times on Shanghai Bobby, Revolutionary, Park City, Delhomme, and Overanalyze see below// Apparently trainer Shug McGaughey didn’t know the 50 points earned in Saturday’s Risen Star were likely enough to make the Kentucky Derby until Jennie Rees told him so. I know the point system is new and McGuaghey prides himself on being old school, but I would think any trainer with a prominent 3-year-old would do a little homework immediately following a victory in a key Derby prep. In any case, McGaughey is still leaning towards running in the Florida Derby next as opposed to shipping to New York for the Wood// In case you missed the list of probable runners for this Saturday’s Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct they are Grade 2 winners Overanalyze, Vyjack, and Honorable Dillon along with Escapefromreality, Siete de Oros, Ore Pass, Elnaawi, Sky Captain, West Hills Giant, Alcolite, and Champion Boy// On the West Coast trainer Bob Baffert sent out a trio of Kentucky Derby prospects for morning works at Santa Anita. Flashback led the charge as usual, with a bullet move going six furlongs in 1.11. Stablemate Den’s Legacy was just behind that while Power Broker continued his steady workout routine going four furlongs in a fast 47:80// A new CTD Top 5 with Super Ninety Nine making the cut// more…


Articles:
Pedigree Profile: Orb (Horseracing Nation)


Rankings:
CTD Top 5 (CTD)
Haskin’s Derby Dozen (Bloodhorse Blog)


Workouts:
Little Distorted- CRC- 4F- 49:20- B- 6/19
Malibu High- LAD- 4F- 49:00- B- 2/2
Delhomme- PMM- 5F- 1.00:09- B- 4/38
Verrazano- PMM- 5F- 59:21- B- 1/38
Shanghai Bobby- PMM- 4F- 49:61- B- 32/60
Overanalyze- PMM- 4F- 48:75- B- 17/60
Revolutionary- PMM- 4F- 48:43- B- 13/60
Park City- PMM- 4F- 48:43- B- 13/60
Flashback- SA- 6F- 1.11:00- H- 1/14
Den's Legacy- SA- 6F- 1.11:40- H- 2/14
Manando- SA- 5F- 1.00:00- H- 10/62
Clawback- AQU- 3F- 35:55- B- 1/1
Power Broker- SA- 4F- 47:80- H- 4/27


Quotes and Tweets:

"Will Take Charge galloped a mile and a half under wraps second set after the break Monday at #Oaklawn; pointing for Rebel, said Lukas"- Mary Rampellini via Twitter

"Frak Daddy back to track today. Throat looks much better and we have some forward motion. We have plenty of time to get him ready for Derby"- Kenny McPeek via Twitter

Weekend Review: Thoughts on Fountain of Youth, Risen Star// News on Gotham, Demonic, Violence, Dewey Square


Weekend Derby Points Races


Risen Star (G2)
Winner (pts): Ive Struck A Nerve (50)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts):  Code West (20), Palace Malice (10), Oxbow (5)
Chart: Equibase
Beyer/BRIS: 95/99
Replay: YouTube
Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet
CTD Analysis: Many critics are anxious to knock the Risen Star seeing as a 135-1 shot crossed the wire first. There was also nothing visually impressive with the top six finishers all ending up within 4 lengths of each other. Add the fact the race was held at the Fair Grounds, and many have already drawn a line through it.
There is another side to the coin. The speed figures were not slow- 95 Beyer and 99 BRIS- and you could make the argument the overall Risen Star field was actually stronger than the Fountain of Youth when looking at prior speed and accomplishments. The trip Ive Struck A Nerve endured starting last of the pack, pinballing from the outside to the rail and back to the outside, was especially remarkable considering the crowded field and slow fractions.  Whether or not he can duplicate that effort in the Louisiana Derby (G2) remains to be seen, but it was the kind of tough and diligent performance you must keep in mind when combing through this year’s Derby past performances.
Runner-up Code West missed out on the top prize by a nose and displayed determination when finding a second wind along the rail. He did appear to have the most ideal trip by starting quickly on the inside and being among the mild pace on the frontend. Palace Malice, who rounded out the trifecta, took a lot of dirt behind horses yet didn’t back down when an opportunity to split horses presented itself. He was a little erratic in the stretch, which may have cost him the race. Oxbow was in a prime spot into the stretch, but simply ran out of gas.  He did race wide for most of the 1 1/16 miles, but you have to wonder if he really wants the added distance.
The favorite Normandy Invasion had a terrible trip most of the way, starting with a slow break and bobbled start. It was nice to see him settle in along the backstretch and get to work late, but his lack of interest in the beginning stages of almost all of his races does not bode well for the future.   


Fountain Of Youth (G2)
Winner(pts): Orb (50)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Violence (20), Speak Logistics (10), Majestic Hussar (5)
Chart: Equibase
Beyer/BRIS: 97/102
Replay: YouTube
Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet
Violence injured, off Derby Trail: Bloodhorse
CTD Analysis: For now it seems the legacy of the 2013 edition of the Fountain Of Youth will unfortunately be the derailment of the once undefeated colt Violence. The Todd Pletcher trainee was very game off a two month layoff finishing 2nd after sitting close to a wicked pace. The following day it was revealed Violence suffered a fractured sesamoid and is officially off the Derby trail. HRTV reported he is retired from racing, however no other outlets have corroborated that development.
What to make of the winner Orb? Some were quick to point out he took advantage of the blistering pace and won’t see that kind of setup in the future, but you can’t fault him for running a winning race. Considering it was his stakes debut against a strong cast, the Beyer speed figure came back a very respectable 97, and the opening fractions of the Kentucky Derby are often torrid, I find no reason to ignore his performance. Trainer Shug McGaughey has not decided where to go next. If he chooses the logical Florida Derby (G1) we’ll get a good read on Orb against perhaps the strongest field prior to the Kentucky Derby. 
It was more than seven lengths back to third place finisher Speak Logistics, and that’s probably as close as he or any of the also-rans will be if they face more top Derby contenders along the trail. Majestic Hussar could learn to harness some of his early energy, but that’s easier said than actually training him to do so. He most likely doesn’t want to go farther in distance either.    



Weekend Non-Derby Point Races:

Saturday

Mine That Bird Stakes- Sunland Park
Winner: Dry Summer
Chart: Equibase
BRIS: 87
Recap: Bloodhorse


Gentilly Stakes- Fair Grounds
Winner: Sunbean
Chart: Equibase
Beyer: 88
Recap: DRF


Gulfstream Park Race 7- Allowance Optional Claiming (Turf)
Winner: Black Onyx
Chart: Equibase


Sunday
Gulfstream Park Race 3- Allowance Optional Claiming
Winner: City of Weston
Chart: Equibase
Recap: Bloodhorse


Articles:


Workouts:
Saturday
Get Happy Mister- OP- 4F- 50:60- B- 27/73
Dynamic Sky- PMM- 5F- 1.00:49- B- 1/16
Honorable Dillon- PMM- 5F- 1.00:56- B- 2/16
Itsmyluckyday- CRC- 4F- 48:80- B- 3/55

Sunday
Texas Bling- OP- 4F- 47:60- B- 1/84
Departing- FG- 4F- 48:20- B- 7/120
Falling Sky- PMM- 6F- 1.14:06- B- 1/1
Java’s War- GP- 5F- 59:30- 2/33
Dewey Square- GP- 5F- 1.00:80- B- 3/4 (Turf)
Purple Egg- TP- 5F- 1.00:00- B- 1/25


Quotes and Tweets:

"Work for Verrazano postponed until tomorrow. Too much moisture in the track for [Todd Pletcher] liking."- LGS Racing via Twitter

Orb times it right in Fountain of Youth, Ive Struck A Nerve shocks Risen Star




Fountain Of Youth (G2)
Winner(pts): Orb (50)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Violence (20), Speak Logistics (10), Majestic Hussar (5)
Chart: Equibase
Beyer/BRIS: 97/102
Replay: YouTube
Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Risen Star (G2)
Winner (pts): Ive Struck A Nerve (50)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts):  Code West (20), Palace Malice (10), Oxbow (5)
Chart: Equibase
Beyer/BRIS: 95/99
Replay: YouTube
Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Departing will scratch from Risen Star// More picks and news for Risen Star and FOY// Carried Interest set for 3YO debut// Frac Daddy behind schedule// more…


Upcoming Points Races:

Fountain of Youth (G2)
Gulfstream Park
1 1/16 Miles




Risen Star (G2)
Fair Grounds
1 1/16 Miles




Articles:
New points leader is guaranteed (Horseracing Nation)
Kentucky Derby Daily: Feb 22 (In The Money Blog)
Shanghai Bobby talks! (Horseracing Nation)


Workouts:
Hear the Ghost- HOL- 7F- 1.26:00- H- 1/1
Goldencents- SA- 6F- 1.10:40- H- 1/14
Avare- SA- 6F- 1.13:80- H- 4/14


Quotes and Tweets:
"Departing to be scratched fro Risen Star. To go next week in HOU stakes"- Marcus Hersch via Twitter

“Frac Daddy slow progress on throat ulcer issue. Behind Eight Ball a bit. Schedule may point him to @Turfway Mar23rd. Assuming all goes well”- Kenny McPeek via Twitter

Fountain of Youth and Risen Star picks and stories// Updates on Mac the Man, Dry Summer, Flashback, more…

Summary:
Tons of new articles and handicapper picks for Saturday’s Risen Star (G2) and Fountain of Youth (G2). Links can be found below under the race headings// While Verrazano was the narrow favorite after Pool #1 closed for the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, Las Vegas currently has Flashback as the most likely to wear the Roses// Recent maiden winner Demonic had a hiccup in training, but is still hopefully headed to the San Felipe (G2)// Mac The Man, winner of a minor stakes at Turfway will bypass the next race in the Northern Kentucky circuit and train up to the Spiral (G3) March 23// The newly named Mine That Bird Stakes at Sunland will be held Saturday, with the race serving as a prep for the Sunland Derby (G3). Dry Summer was installed as the favorite, but his stakes resume isn’t what you would call stellar. He finished 4th of 5 in the Sham (G3), 17 lengths behind winner Goldencents, and before that tried the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) where he finished 11th of 14// A possible key allowance race occurred at Gulfstream Thursday where impressive maiden winner Integrity was the overwhelming favorite. The Chad Brown trained colt was part of a speed duel and finished second by a length behind Divine Ambition. The winner finished 6th in his prior race in the Sam Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay. Given that performance and the fact he took advantage of a hot pace Thursday, there’s probably not much to get excited about in terms of the Kentucky Derby// more…  


Upcoming Points Races:

Fountain of Youth (G2)
Gulfstream Park
1 1/16 Miles


Risen Star (G2)
Fair Grounds
1 1/16 Miles


Articles:
Shakin It Up on silver alert (Bloodhorse Blog)
Derby preps get serious (Bloodhorse Blog)
Kentucky Derby Daily: Feb 21 (In The Money Blog)


Rankings:
ESPN Top 10 (ESPN) List of voters here


Workouts:
Vyjack- AQU- 6F- 1.15:13- B- 1/2

Scratches inevitable in Risen Star, Fountain of Youth// Uncaptured thriving// Rebel gets early probables// more…


Summary:
There is a good possibility neither of Al Stall’s runners will enter the gate for the Risen Star (G2) on Saturday. Sunbean will most likely go in the undercard Gentilly Stakes on the grass, while Stall mentioned there needs to be quite a few scratches to bring Departing closer to the rail from his outside post// The Fountain of Youth (G2) is also guaranteed a scratch with news that Sky Captain will instead go in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway or Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct March 2. Trainer Mark Casse didn’t like the 7 post due to the speed bias and short run to the first turn at Gulfstream// Casse also mentioned that Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner Uncaptured is doing very well and will start next in the Spiral (G3) at Turfway. Uncaptured breezed four furlongs at Ocala Training Center yesterday and Casse said he galloped out another furlong all in 1:00// Next race plans are already set for some Southwest (G3) runners who had to deal with the mud flying behind dominating winner Super Ninety Nine Monday. Always in a Tiz, who was found to have a lung infection following his fifth in the race, will point for the Rebel as will 9th place finisher Texas Bling// The Rebel will also get undefeated Park City, whose honest owner said “Derby Fever” played a part in the aggressive placement for the recent allowance winner// more…

Upcoming Points Races:

Fountain of Youth (G2)
Gulfstream Park
1 1/16 Miles


Risen Star (G2)
Fair Grounds
1 1/16 Miles
Previews: Brisnet / DRF DRF2 / Bloodhorse


Articles:
3-year-olds to watch 2/20 (In The Money Blog)
Kentucky Derby Daily: Feb 20 (In The Money Blog)
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile follow-up (Thoghts On Racing, Life, & More Blog)


Rankings:
Top 20 (DRF)


Workouts:
Uncaptured- OTC- 4F- 47:80- B- 1/4 (Tuesday)
Little Distorted- CRC- 4F- 49:00- B- 3/15
Titletown Five- OP- 6F- 1.14:80- B- 1/1
Clawback- AQU- 1 Mile- 1.46:75- B- 1/1