Chasing The Derby: Den’s Legacy, Super Ninety Nine out of Derby picture// Updated standings// Churchill activity from Frac, Java, Normandy// Derby Trial probables// more…

Summary:

Surprisingly, Bob Baffert did not allow the drama to build and wait until the last minute to announce his decision on Super Ninety Nine and Den’s Legacy. Tuesday, he told Churchill officials that both colts will not point to the Derby. All Baffert mysteries are not solved however, as we will have to wait a little while longer for his decision on Code West and Power Broker. That news should come later in the week when he’s on the Churchill grounds and looks over both horses, however even after that there will be lingering questions on the health of Govenor Charlie. The colt finally jogged around the Churchill track Tuesday- as opposed to just jogging (I erroneously reported yesterday he hadn’t yet made an appearance)- but Mike Welsch labeled his gallop just “average”// Welsch said Normandy Invasion was the “star of the show” before alluding to rumors the colt has lost weight since the Wood Memorial. Trainer Chad Brown didn’t seemed concerned and says, “I’m right where I want to be with him”// Frac Daddy continues to make a very good impression around the Churchill oval as does stablemate Java’s War// Vyjack was “sharp” but if you take note of trainer Rudy Rodriguez’s comments and the unconventional equipment they have to use, the colt is still a bit of a head case// Full reports and videos can be found below// As for upcoming official breeze announcements: Goldencents is scheduled for a 6-furlong breeze Thursday; Itsmyluckyday may or may not work Thursday; Java’s War and Frac Daddy will work Saturday; Palace Malice will work with blinkers and Mike Smith aboard Sunday// There are 8 or 9 probables for Saturday’s Derby Trial (G3), a race in which the winner receives 20 points towards the Kentucky Derby. Titletown Five is a definite starter, and his connections D. Wayne Lukas and Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung have every intention of going to the Derby if they get the requisite points. Other probables include Demonic, Officer Alex, Forty Tales, Ruble, Treasury Bill, and Zee Bros// Speaking of D. Wayne Lukas, there is a nice feature on him from the Courier Journal linked below// more…

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings 4/23

Articles:

Super Ninety Nine, Den’s Legacy declared from Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby update 4/23 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby workouts: Normandy Invasion has strong gallop [with Mike Welsch Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Frac Daddy gallop 4/23 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Java’s War gallop 4/23 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Trainer Rodriguez guides Vyjack at Churchill (Bloodhorse)

Derby backside buzz with Jill Byrne [video] (Churhcill Downs)

Kentucky Derby horses exercise Tuesday [video] (Courier Journal)

Todd Pletcher discusses his 5 Derby horses (Courier Journal)

Titletown Five among Derby Trial candidates (DRF)