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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