To Honor and Mott featured// PrePeg shoots a bullet for Santa Anita Derby// Florida Derby picks

Summary:

I’ve posted a lot of handicapper picks for the Florida Derby over the last several days.  In a profession geared towards taking a stance even if it means ignoring other reasonable possibilities, it’s refreshing to read Gary West’s analysis. With young three-year-olds still maturing, going new distances, and experiencing different pace scenarios he says it would be best if experts sometimes said, “I don’t know”.  He still makes his picks in the end, like any handicapper should, but it illustrates the numerous angles one can take in the Florida Derby// Several nice background articles on To Honor And Serve and Bill Mott today// A decision has finally been made for Jaycito. Trainer Bob Baffert has opted to stay home in the Santa Anita Derby.  He’ll face Premier Pegasus who worked a brisk 5 furlongs in 59:20 today.  It was the fastest of all works at the distance. Trainer Myung Cho says the long delay between his last race and first work was by design seeing as the horse routinely gallops 2 miles.  There are some really striking photos of PrePeg and other Santa Anita Derby contenders this morning taken by Alex Evers. I’ve put the link below// Watch Me Go, who didn’t enter the Florida Derby as planned due to a scope with mucus, may go the Illinois Derby route. That race’s field is questionable- yes, both in field size and overall Kentucky Derby potential// more…

Pletcher, Uncle Mo pull Derby Trail strings // Runflatout does just that in bullet ahead of San Felipe, other contenders work// Baffert uncertain of Jaycito’s attitude adjustment//

Summary:

As if we needed a reminder that it’s Todd Pletcher’s world and we’re all just living in it (as his alter ego on Twitter tells us), today’s articles proved just how much he has dominated the Derby trail so far. Not only does he train 3 of the top 10 Derby prospects on most rankings, but he and Unlce Mo are also causing quite a muddled picture for this weekend’s preps in Florida.  The Tampa Bay Derby field could range from five horses to an almost full field depending on if Mo ends up there or the Timely Writer stakes at Gulfstream. Speaking of the Timely Writer: that may not even fill because of Mo (although the racing secretary is willing to bend protocol because it’s Pletcher and Mo). And speaking of races not even filling: the prestigious $750,000 Grade I Wood Memorial may also have difficulties with entries… again due to Mo.

2^nd place in the Gotham Norman Asbjornson is most likely going to the Illinois Derby with the main target being the Preakness, which you don’t hear often. The Illinois Derby could also be 3^rd place Toby’s Corner’s next race// Baffert admits he’s uncertain if Jaycito’s behavior has changed// Steve Haskin has a new dozen and tells why Stay Thirsty’s prep was a good one// Scott Dicks gives pedigree background on 3 contenders.

Dialed In can’t catch up// Top contenders work including Uncle Mo// Stay Thirsty gets 89 Beyer and will head to Florida Derby// Baffert pulls audible and points The Factor to Rebel

Summary:

Dialed In’s late surge couldn’t catch Zito’s other entry Equestrio in today’s allowance.  While it wasn’t a bad race by any means, I think it proved how tricky it is to time his late burst and how green he still runs// Stay Thirsty gets a low 89 Beyer in the Gotham which puts him a notch below other likely Derby starters.  Florida Derby next for him// Baffert is now leaning towards the Rebel for The Factor, which should have a stronger field than the Borderland// Uncle Mo led a slew of contender workouts today. Pletcher still hoping the Timely Writer fills//

To Honor And Serve gets all the attention in Fountain of Youth, Gourmet Dinner ready, Hutcheson should be hot, more on past weekend runners

Summary:

The Fountain of Youth drew 8 entries, including #2 CTD Ranked To Honor and Serve.  Can’t wait to see his 3YO form against some promising up-and-comers.  Gourmet Dinner fires a bullet for it as well// The Hutcheson is also looking like an interesting race with a mix contestants either cutting back in distance or moving up in class.  I have a sneaky feeling one of Pletcher’s will make a statement// Yesterday’s decision on racing Uncle Mo in the new Timely Writer continues to be debated//

Entries:

Fountain Of Youth and Hutcheson Stakes entries, videos, articles and a link to PPs can be found here

Borderland Derby entries can be found here

Archarcharch takes odd Southwest (video), To Honor And Serve blazes, The Trail loses one and possibly two others

Summary:

What a weird Southwest. Horses crammed on the rail (Caleb’s Posse), horses going 6 wide (Elite Alex), horses getting cut off (J P’s Gusto). On top of that, one of the worst race calls I’ve heard in quite some time// The Trail lost one, maybe three today.  Clubhouse Ride is out, Tiz Blessed is being examined, and indications are that Bind will not be pointed// To Honor and Serve fires a bullet in an unreported work from yesterday//Mucho Macho Man back in Florida with FLA or Louisiana Derby next//Zito not pointing for Preakness (and the 5.5 mil bonus) specifically for Dialed In, who is skipping the Fountain of Youth.