Sections

Hear the Ghost ruled out of Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby// Handicapper picks for Wood and SA Derby// Falling Sky leaning towards Ark Derby

We may become jaded along the Derby Trail, but it’s always a surprise nonetheless when an injury is reported out of nowhere. Thursday afternoon it was announced Hear the Ghost, winner of the San Felipe (G2) and second favorite in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby (G1), had a “small injury” to his front leg. He’ll need around 90 days to heal, thus is officially ruled off the trail. His absence is truly unfortunate, as it appeared Hear the Ghost was on an upward trajectory and was not only a real threat at Santa Anita, but also in the division overall// Selections are beginning to trickle in for the two big Saturday preps. Although most handicappers are deciding between Verrazano and Vyjack in the Wood Memorial, they’re not on top of everyone’s ticket.
Ellis Star believes Elnaawi is primed for an upset// I side with Byron King in thinking Super Ninety Nine could be the value play in the Santa Anita Derby. Although he calls his last race “a clunker”- something I don’t completely agree with- King feels Baffert would not run Super Ninety Nine against tough company and two stablemates if he didn’t believe in his ability// more…   


Upcoming Kentucky Derby Point Races:

Wood Memorial (G1)
Aqueduct
1 1/8 Miles
Time: 6:28PM ET
TV: NBC Sports

Santa Anita Derby (G1)
Santa Anita
1 1/8 Miles
Time: 7:00PM ET
TV: NBC Sports


Articles:
Wood Memorial loftier than Santa Anita Derby (The San Luis Obispo Tribune)


Quotes and Tweets:
"[Crop Report] no bluegrass. Peter Pan then Belmont"- Bradley Weisbord via Twitter

"John Terranova says final decision on FallingSky comes over weekend. Has MartinGarcia secured if current ArkDerby lean gets locked in"- Rolly Hoyt via Twitter