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Napravnik assigned to Mylute/ Prado likely on Charming Kitten/ Rodriguez cleared to train/ more…


Summary:
Rosie Napravnik, who fell short in the “contest” to ride Revolutionary by WinStar and Todd Pletcher, picked up a Derby mount nonetheless on Mylute. The Tom Amoss trainee will be a big price May 4th, but Napravnik is definitely pleased to be going to the big dance for the second consecutive year// Pletcher mentioned on Steve Byk’s radio show Tuesday that Edgar Prado is the likely rider for Charming Kitten, another probable Derby starter who will go off at long odds// Gary Stevens will retain the mount on Oxbow, despite a poor ride in the Arkansas Derby (G1). Trainer D. Wayne Lukas thinks Stevens learned a lot from the experience and will keep Oxbow more forwardly placed in the Derby// Trainer Rudy Rodriguez appeared in Lexington Tuesday for his hearing in front of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. He was approved for a training license despite recent medication violations, but his Derby contender Vyjack will be under video surveillance 24/7 while stabled at Churchill Downs// Word came Tuesday that the connections of Tiz A Minister, currently right on the cusp of qualifying for the Derby, are strongly considering pointing for the race. Tiz a Minister was 4th last time out in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) with no apparent excuse// Speaking of the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, there is some confusion over the last few spots. Several sources, including the latest official standings submitted by Churchill Downs, still have Super Ninety Nine and Code West at spots #18 and #21 respectively. However, Santa Anita has Bob Baffert quoted as stating “and then there was one”, which suggests Govenor Charlie is his lone entrant and Super Ninety Nine is out. Also, the official Kentucky Derby website has both Code West and Super Ninety Nine removed from the list. So, while most signs point to their absence, no official statements have been issued// According to Trakus data, Java’s War’s wide trip in the Blue Grass (G1) resulted in the colt traveling 52 additional feet compared to runner-up Palace Malice. That margin equates to a six-length victory if both would have traveled the same distance// For Saturday’s Lexington Stakes at Keeneland (G3) we’re hearing more about horses NOT pointing for the Kentucky Derby instead of trainers making last ditch efforts to get in. The filly Pure Fun is going against males just to get in a race before her main target of the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Examen’s trainer Tom Proctor essentially said he could care less about the Derby and instead will focus on the Swaps (G1) as a long-term goal. Todd Pletcher’s lone Lexington Stakes entrant Winning Cause will also likely skip the ‘Run for the Roses’ even with a good result Saturday. Other probables for the Lexington Stakes include Cerro, Hip Four Sixtynine, Johnny Handsome, Pick of the Litter, Title Contender, and Where’s Dominic// more…  

Articles:


Rankings:
Top 15 (NY Daily News)


Quotes and Tweets:
"Todd Pletcher tells ATR listeners that Edgar Prado the leading candidate to ride Charming Kitten for the Ramseys in Kentucky Derby"- Steve Byk via Twitter

“Paul Aguirre, the trainer of Tiz a Minister, said owner Stephen Young is still contemplating a Derby start” - Jay Privman via DRF