Giant Finish crashes Fear the Kitten’s party// Carving not likely to be AE// Albarado to ride Golden Soul// No blow out for Itsmyluckyday

Summary:

Hopefully the connections of Fear the Kitten kept the receipts for their Derby hats as they may be of no use Saturday. In a near-last minute decision, owner Andy Cohen decided to throw Giant Finish, 3rd last time out in the Spiral (G3) at Turfway, into the Kentucky Derby mix. Giant Finish’s 10 points trump Fear the Kitten’s 6, which force the latter to enter as an also-eligible and hope for a defection before Friday. It appeared a second also-eligible was possible with the connections of Carving (2 points) showing interest to enter their colt during Wednesday’s scheduled draw. However, trainer Mike Puhich didn’t seem keen on the idea of waiting for two to drop out// It was also announced late Tuesday that Dallas Stewart has chosen Robby Albarado as the rider for Golden Soul. The team will be among the longest shots in the race, but if they happen to pull off a miracle get ready for the onslaught of stories on Albarado’s fairly recent transgressions// Somehow news that Ryan Moore was named to ride Lines of Battle was labeled “breaking” today but we actually knew that Friday. Lines of Battle arrived on the Churchill grounds early Wednesday morning// Eddie Plesa confirmed that Itsmyluckyday will not have a ‘blow out’ or short breeze between now and the Derby. Itsmyluckyday’s last work was Thursday and his overall time was a very slow 4-furlongs in 53 seconds flat// No serious workouts took place at Churchill Tuesday, but several people noted Falling Sky’s strong gallop. It is safe to assume he will be fairly aggressive in the early stages of the Derby. For gallop videos and interviews see the links below// Andrew Beyer theorizes that Todd Pletcher’s 1-for-31 record in the Kentucky Derby can be attributed to his training methods producing horses that perform better in races well spaced apart as opposed to the compact prep and Triple Crown schedules// Features on Kevin Krigger, Vyjack, Kelly Breen, Golden Soul, Joel Rosario, Orb, and much more below…

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings

Updated Contender Page- featuring PPs, pedigree info, race replays and more

Articles:

Giant Finish joins field on eve of draw (DRF)

Giant Finish owner: ‘You only live once’ (Bloodhorse)

Derby update 4/30 (Churchill Downs)

Itsmyluckyday gallops strongly [Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Falling Sky gallops briskly (DRF)

Falling Sky looks to set the pace in Kentucky Derby (Washington Post)

Pletcher horses visit the track; Orb walks shedrow day after workout (Brisnet)

Pitino to watch Goldencents train; Plesa ready to wear ‘gameface’ (Brisnet)

Kentucky Derby news minute 4/30 (Bloodhorse)

Churchill Downs, TwinSpires.com raise guaranteed pick 6 pools for Oaks and Derby (Brisnet)

Ramseys hoping for Charming Derby result (Bloodhorse)

The Kentucky Derby through the eyes of Molly Jo Rosen (Insider Louisville)

Inspired Gary Stevens chasing Kentucky Derby like it’s 1999 (WDRB-TV)

Riding high, Rosario readies for Derby on Orb (Bloodhorse)

Itsmyluckyday thrives in cooler climate at Churchill Downs (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby Report: Oh, happy day (Bloodhorse Blog)

Golden Soul gets chance to prove he belongs (DRF)

Kevin Krigger “embracing the opportunity” to make Derby history (Sports Illustrated)

Krigger’s journey hits peak with Goldencents (DRF)

Tale of how Pitino got small slice of Goldencents (DRF)

Kelly Breen, an Old Bridge native, changes leads in search of a dream (NJ.com)
Kentucky Derby full of intrigue with Pletcher’s pack, O’Neill’s return (The Baltimore Sun)

Female families and the Kentucky Derby (Horse Racing Nation)

Rodriguez stays focused on Vyjack amid controversy (DRF)

Vyjack would love to follow Funny Cide’s path (Bloodhorse)

Derby Dreams: Mylute (Paulick Report)

Victory starts on the backside (ESPN)

The Kentucky Derby: handicapping the field (Up The Track)

Why does Midas touch desert Pletcher on Kentucky Derby day? (DRF)

Stevens trades in NBC mike to ride in Kentucky Derby (USA Today)

Pedigree: Bringing the battle to Kentucky (Bloodhorse)

Performance trends at the Kentucky Derby [video] (NY Times)

Breaking down every horse and jockey in the race (Bleacher Report)

No lack of buzz on Churchill Downs backside (Business First Louisville)

Videos:

Verrazano gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Normandy Invasion gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Mylute gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Charming Kitten gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Frac Daddy gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Vyjack gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Chad Brown on Normandy Invasion [video] (Bloodhorse)

Alan Garcia on Fear the Kitten [video] (Bloodhorse)

Ken McPeek on Frac Daddy and Java’s War [video] (Bloodhorse)

Shug McGaughey on Orb [video] (Bloodhorse)

Eddie Plesa on Itsmyluckyday [video] (Bloodhorse)

Krigger talks about Goldencents in Kentucky Derby [video] (Courier Journal)

Rankings:

Haskin’s Derby Dozen 4/30 (Bloodhorse Blog)

Quotes and Tweets:

"Just got a text from Dallas Stewart naming Robby Albarado to ride Golden Soul in the Ky Derby"- Jay Privman via Twitter

“Trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. confirms Itsmyluckyday will not have a blow out before Derby. ‘No upside but downside if he went too fast’ ” - Mike Welsch via Twitter

Dice Flavor upsets El Camino// Southwest entries and PPs

El Camino Real Derby (G3)

Winner (pts): Dice Flavor (10)

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Nina’s Dragon (4), Counting Days (2), Carving (1)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: Bloodhorse

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Upcoming:

2/17/13

San Vicente (G2)

Santa Anita

7 Furlongs

PPs: Click here

Previews: Brisnet / Bloodhorse

Picks: DRF

2/18/13

Southwest Stakes (G3)

Oaklawn Park

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

9 set for El Camino// Capo Bastone returns Saturday// Uncaptured gearing up// Stall confirms 2 for Risen Star// San Felipe probables// more…

Summary:

Entries closed for the El Camino Real Derby (G3), which will be held Saturday at Golden Gate Fields. Nine sophomores will load the gate, with California Derby winner Zeewat and Bob Baffert colts Carving and Manando highlighting the field. Previews and PPs can be found below// Slowly but surely we are checking off key 3-year-old debuts. Uncaptured, last seen barely winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill in November, registered his first official workout at Ocala Training Center. He’s on target for the Rushaway Stakes or tougher Spiral Stakes (G3) both at Turfway Park March 23// Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) 3rd place finisher Capo Bastone will return this Saturday at Gulfstream in an allowance. He’s now under the care of Todd Pletcher after being transferred from the barn of John Sadler// As I alluded to last week, trainer Al Stall has now confirmed both Sunbean and Departing will start next in the Risen Star (G2) at the Fair Grounds Feb 23// Jockey Kevin Krigger apparently hot walked Goldencents after his 6-furlong bullet workout at Santa Anita Wednesday. You don’t see that often from a jockey, but you can’t blame Krigger for trying to get as much face time as he can with the colt and trainer Doug O’Neill seeing as top jockeys and their agents have probably pitched O’Neill to dump the lesser-known rider. Goldencents is still on track for a start in the San Felipe March 9th, where he’ll face the much-hyped Flashback// Sunday’s San Vicente (G2) is expected to draw Mudflats, Belvin, Shakin’ It Up, War Academy, Cabello del Cielo, and Treasury Bill// Eddie Kenneally said he will move recent maiden winner Gombey Dancer up to stakes company in the Swale (G2) March 2nd, and will also stretch out Hutcheson (G2) winner Honorable Dillon in either the Gotham (G3) or Tampa Bay Derby (G3)// Gulfstream Park released a video interview with Todd Pletcher in which he discusses the strategy for Violence in the Fountain of Youth (G2), Verrazano’s post-Tampa Derby plans, the delay of training on Delhomme, and the status of Revolutionary and Overanalyze// It looks as if He’s Had Enough has had enough of Flashback and will most likely ship out of California for his next start in either the Gotham or Tampa Derby//

I’m always interested in Kerry Thomas’ behavioral profiling of Kentucky Derby starters. He studies emotional conformation and other behavior of the contenders to determine which horses will react best in a crowded 20 horse field going 10 furlongs. It’s an unorthodox handicapping angle that I fully believe has just as much merit as speed figures and pedigree analysis. However, let’s set the record straight on the recent proclamation that he has picked the winner of the Derby the last two years. Last year, he listed eight(!) horses that possessed the potential winning formula– that’s 40% of the field. While he did say in an online interview that I’ll Have Another was towards the top, he also mentioned 7th and 4th place finishers Union Rags and Went the Day Well right alongside him. In 2011 he liked Animal Kingdom, but put him on even terms with Dialed In who finished 8th. It is impressive he has mentioned the winners, but there have never been clear choices in his analysis. I will still wait anxiously for his 2013 Derby run-down…// more…

Upcoming

2/16/13

El Camino Real Derby (G3)

Golden Gate Fields

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Brisnet /

Articles:

Goldencents gearing up for San Felipe Stakes (DRF)

Uncaptured on road toward Kentucky Derby prep (DRF)

Stall plans to run two in Risen Star (DRF)

Elmutahid pointed to Besilu Fountain of Youth [plus news on Gombey Dancer, Honorable Dillon, Majestic Hussar] (Gulfstream Park)

Super Ninety Nine looks to keep Baffert’s Oaklawn streak going [and news on Officer Alex] (Oaklawn Park)

Take note of Treasury Bill when distances increase (Santa Anita)

Todd Pletcher talks about Violence, Shanghai Bobby, and more [video] (Gulfstream Park)

Gulfstream races feature Capo Bastone, [others] (Bloodhorse)

Haskin’s Derby Trail: Big two locked and loaded (Bloodhorse Blog)

De Kock hopeful Soft Falling Rain can get distance (The Downey Profile)

Where they’re going next: Next-race plans (The Downey Profile)

Kentucky Derby contenders have sketchy profiles (DRF)

Compiling Kentucky Derby lists a foolhardy exercise (DRF)

Wheeling and dealing in search of the big score (DRF)

Who’s hot, who’s not: Feb 13 (DRF)

‘Horse Whisperer’ beats handicappers, using behavior profiling to pick last two Derby longshots (Insider Louisville)

Kentucky Derby Daily Feb 13 (In the Money Blog)

Kentucky Derby Report Feb 14 (Brisnet)

In the Money: 3-year-olds to watch (In The Money Blog)

Bruce Zoldan, swimmer Michael Phelps have stake in Kentucky Derby 2013 prospect (The Plain Dealer)

Casino expected to sponsor Spiral Stakes (Bloodhorse)

Workouts:

Oxbow- OP- 5F- 1.02:60 B- 2/6 (Good)

Goldencents- SA- 6F- 1.13:40- H- 1/20

Clawback- AQU- 4F- 48:90- B- 2/14

Uncaptured- OTC- 3F- 35:60- B- 1/7

Rankings:

Kentucky Derby Top 20 (DRF)

Quotes and Tweets:

"He's Had Enough likely to travel for next start, to Gotham or TB Derby, according to Dennis O'Neill. San Felipe slight option, too"- Jay Privman via Twitter

“Graham Motion on Cerro: "Most likely we’ll be going to the Palm Beach, but we’ll take a look at the Fountain of Youth as well’ ”- J.J. Hysell via Twitter

Pletcher, Baffert plan invasions of Southwest, El Camino, Risen Star, Tampa Derby// List of prep probables// Key workouts// more…

Summary:

A strong hint yesterday has turned into fact with the announcement Bob Baffert will send recent Santa Anita allowance winner Super Ninety Nine to Oaklawn for the Southwest (G3) Monday. The son of the Pulpit will most likely be favored, even though he will face Smarty Jones Stakes winner Will Take Charge and runner-up Texas Bling. Always in a Tiz and Brown Almighty are other Smarty Jones runners returning to the Southwest, while sprint stakes winner Tour Guide was officially ruled out due to shin issues// Bob Baffert not only plans to send an invader to Oaklawn, but could send one or two to Golden Gate Fields for the El Camino Real Derby (G3). Manando and Carving are being considered, with the latter the possible favorite if he joins the cast. Others considered probable for the El Camino are California Derby winner Zeewat; runner-up Wildcat Moon; locals Nina’s Dragon and North Pacific; and Southern California shippers Counting Days and Dice Flavor// My current top choice to win the Kentucky Derby, Verrazano, will make his stakes and two-turn debut in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) March 9. Todd Pletcher chose the race over others due to spacing, avoiding stablemates, and keeping the colt in Florida// Pletcher will also give Palace Malice his first stakes try in the Risen Star (G2) at the Fair Grounds Feb 23. The Fountain of Youth was also under consideration, but the connections say the fact Rosie Napravnik is available to ride at the Fair Grounds tipped the balance. I’m expecting a big effort from Palace Malice in the Risen Star seeing as his recent 2^nd in an allowance at Gulfstream was his first race in over five months and a stunted six furlongs. Others probable for the Risen Star include Oxbow, Normandy Invasion, Code West, Proud Strike, and Golden Soul. It was announced Tuesday that Gary Stevens picked up the mount on Proud Strike. While many were excited over the news, I’m sure Brian Hernandez Jr. has a different take on being pushed out// Delhomme, unraced since a 3rd in the Remsen in November, will return most likely in the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn March 16// A busy worktab Tuesday with Flashback, Super Ninety Nine, Orb, Den’s Lagacy and others hitting the track. Full details below// more…

Articles:

Pletcher pointing Verrazano to Tampa Bay Derby [and news on Delhomme] (DRF)

Baffert sending in Super Ninety Nine for Southwest Stakes (DRF)

Palace Malice confirmed for Risen Star (Brisnet)

El Camino Real Derby highlights holiday weekend (DRF)

Demonic unlikely for San Vicente (DRF)

Park City on the upswing (Courier Journal)

Fortify will try to stop the ‘Rain’ at Meydan (Bloodhorse)
Kentucky Derby Daily- Feb 12 (In The Money Blog)

Kentucky Derby pedigrees (The Saratogian)

‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ TV schedule announced (Bloodhorse)

Workouts:

Orb- PAY- 4F- 49:20- B- 8/17

Flashback- SA- 4F- 47:80- H- 4/34

Den's Legacy- SA- 4F- 48:00- H- 6/34

Code West- SA- 4F- 48:00- H- 6/34

Belvin- SA- 4F- 47:40- H- 2/34

War Academy- SA- 4F- 47:80- H- 4/34

Super Ninety Nine- SA- 4F- 47:60- H- 3/34

Zeewat- GG- 4F- 49:40- H- 2/9

Quotes and Tweets:

"Flashback just breezed 1/2 in 47.4 cruising"- Bob Baffert via Twitter

"Gary Stevens has picked up the mount on Steve Asmussen's impressive MDN winner Proud Strike in the G2 Risen Star 2/23"- Steve Byk via Twitter

Code West, second to Super 99 in SA alw, heading to FG for Risen Star 2-23, Bob Baffert says. He worked 4f in 48 at SA today- Jay Privman via Twitter

Oxbow jogged about a mile then galloped the same distance after break @ #Oaklawn, preparing for Grade 2 Risen Star @ #FairGrounds on 2/23.- Mary Rampellini via Twitter

Power Broker dominates, Steeler gets 10 in first 'Road' races

FrontRunner Stakes (G1)

Winner: Power Broker (10pts)

2nd, 3rd, 4th: Know More (4pts), Capo Bastone (2pts), Carving (1pt)

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Rafael Bejarano

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Recaps: Bloodhorse / Brisnet / USA Today

Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2)

Winner: Steeler (10pts)

2nd, 3rd, 4th: Artigiano (4 pts), Al Waab (2pts), Birdman (1pt)

Trainer: Mark Johnston

Jockey: Kieren Fallon

Chart: Sporting Life

Replay: Sporting Life

Recaps: Sporting Life / Brisnet