Rousing Sermon, Prospective confirmed for Derby// Lexington and Jerome entries drawn// ‘Apollo curse' talk heats up for Bode

This time of year is rife with Derby fever, and we saw two instances of it today.  Both Prospective and Rousing Sermon were once questionable for the Kentucky Derby, but their connections’ decided Wednesday to take a chance.  Owner Larry Williams has realistic expectations and hopes Rousing Sermon can finish in the top half of 20 finishers.  The colt will probably be around 50-1 in odds and is a closer from the West, much like Giacomo in 2005.  He will need a blistering pace and good trip to get in the money. Prospective will be long odds as well based on his no factor 6^th place finish in the Blue Grass (G1).  However, his prior 3 starts on dirt in 2012 resulted in a win in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby and Pasco Stakes, and a troubled second place in the Sam Davis (G3).  If you’re willing to toss out his polytrack try at Keeneland, Prospective could have a fighting chance// Entries were drawn Wednesday for the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland and Jerome (G3) at Aqueduct. Castaway would qualify for the Derby with a win in the Lexington, while a victory by Morgan’s Guerilla or Golden Ticket would put them on the also-eligible list for now.  In the Jerome, Stirred Up needs a victory to make the also-eligible list, but Bob Baffert seems focused on the Preakness regardless.  Past performances and preview articles for both Derby preps can be found below// Bill Finley argues Bodemeister will not win the Derby based on the fact no horse has won without racing as a 2-year-old since 1882.  The “Apollo Rule” as it’s called is the only remaining rule that has not been broken in recent years.  While seasoning contributes to being able to handle the rigorous 1 1/4 mile race with 19 other horses, I don’t believe it’s a prerequisite.  Finley points out Curlin’s 3^rd place finish in 2007, but fails to mention he came from the inside #2 post and steadied several times throughout the race.  A combination of factors contributes to winning the Derby, not the least of which is luck and a clean trip// Liaison worked Wednesday at Hollywood Park.  No word on how well he went or Baffert’s Derby decision for the horse// The Wynn Las Vegas future book now lists odds for Derby contenders sweeping all three legs of the Triple Crown.  Union Rags is favored at 18-1 followed closely by Bodemeister at 20-1// Paul Moran from ESPN writes about all of the potential to win serious money in the Derby, yet comes off sounding like a disgruntled guy who hasn’t cashed a ticket-- ever// more…

Future Odds

Wynn Las Vegas 4/16

Lexington Stakes (G3)

Entries

Past Performances: Click here (look for April 21 Castaway)

Preview articles: Bloodhorse / Brisnet / Miami Herald

Jerome Stakes (G3)

Entries

Past Performances: Click here (look for April 21 Stirred Up)

Preview articles: NYRA / Bloodhorse / DRF

Kentucky Derby News and Opinion

Parma-raised Rousing Sermon will race in Kentucky Derby (Idaho Statesmen Blog)

Prospective is a definite to run for the roses (Courier Journal)

Churchill Downs barn notes 4/18 (Churchill Downs)

Bodemeister unlikely to buck history (ESPN)

Arkansas Derby winner Bodemeister aims to end 130 year drought (TTimes)

Matz unsure where Union Rags should work this weekend (DRF)

Went the Day Well hoping to follow in stablemate’s footsteps (TTimes)

Desormeaux likes Dullahan’s versatility (Horse Racing Nation)

Hansen’s earliest education (Hansen Blog)

New favorite in Derby watch (DRF Blog)

Consider the possibilities (ESPN)

And they’re off: End of the Derby trail [video] (Bloodhorse)

Who’s hot, who’s not April 20 (DRF)

Kentucky Derby report 4/19 (Brisnet)

Poll: Who is your preliminary Derby pick? (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby’s large field remains a challenge for bettors (SportsMemo Blog)

Kentucky Derby 138 update with Jill Byrne (Churchill Downs)

Churchill Downs launches Kentucky Derby mobile app (Churchill Downs)

Hansen’s body double and those who are fickle (Hansen Blog)

Contender Photos and Video

Union Rags: A Love Story: Chapters 1 and 2 (Track Pack PA)

Dullahan on Churchill Downs track (Churchill Downs)

Bodemeister on Churchill Downs track (Churchill Downs)

Rankings

Kentucky Derby Top 20 (DRF)

Works
Liaison- HOL- 6F- 1.13:00- H- 3/19

News and Quotes from Twitter

Bode went back to track today ... Very very happy - Ahmed Zayat

Alpha gallops easy 1 1-8 miles under motionless exercise rider over Belmont main track. Seems to be easing back into routine- David Grening

Dullahan caution: Keeneland went Polytrack in 2006. Since then, five Blue Grass winners Poly combined 2-for-47 graded stakes.- Brad Free

Castaway may sneak in Derby gate// Creative Cause works, blinkers off for Derby// Romans not worried about dirt// New graded earnings list

Just when things seemed to settle on the Kentucky Derby graded earnings list, there is a new shooter that could shake things up.  Castaway, winner of a division of the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn and a dull 7^th in the Sunland Derby (G3), could have enough earnings for the Derby starting gate with a win in Saturday’s Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland.  He was a late addition to the probable Lexington field Tuesday, yet trainer Bob Baffert said the decision had nothing to do with trying to squeeze into the Derby.  Rather, the race was chosen to simply earn some money, although racing two weeks later at Churchill was not ruled out.  Morgan’s Guerilla, Stirred Up, and News Pending are also scheduled for the Lexington Stakes, and could move into the also-eligible slots for the Derby// Creative Cause worked 5-furlongs at Hollywood Park Tuesday.  He wore cheater blinkers, which only block a small amount of vision as opposed to regular blinkers.  Trainer Mike Harrington seemed happy with the work, and said blinkers will most likely be off for Creative Cause in the Derby, just as they were for his 2^nd place finish in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Creative Cause will work once more at Hollywood next Tuesday before shipping to Churchill Downs and working May 1^st. There were reports that Creative Cause was very ‘washy’ from the work, but apparently that’s normal// Jerry Hollendorfer was non-committal on the plan for Rousing Sermon’s next race.  He said a decision will be made soon on whether to go to the Derby or stay for a restricted stakes race in California// In other notes, Take Charge Indy will have his first breeze since the Florida Derby (G1) on Thursday at Palm Meadows// Illinois Derby (G3) victor Done Talking will work at Laurel Park twice before shipping to Louisville// Mark Valeski arrived on the Churchill Downs grounds Tuesday afternoon in good order// Barry Irwin, president of Team Valor International, said Spiral Stakes (G3) winner Went the Day Well is always dull in morning works and there was nothing to be concerned about from his Saturday breeze at Keeneland. He also said John Velasquez will retain the mount, however Todd Pletcher could give Velasquez the option to ride El Padrino seeing as Javier Castellano is committed to Gemologist// Alpha has recovered from an infection and jogged at Belmont Park Tuesday. He could ship to Churchill as soon as Friday or as late as April 30// Santa Anita Derby winner I’ll Have Another will work the next two Thursdays at Hollywood Park before flying to Louisville// Dale Romans is confident Dullahan will handle the Churchill surface just fine, and has the proper acceleration needed to win the 1 1/4 mile contest// New rankings and an updated graded earnings list from Churchill Downs with good notations below…

Updated Graded Earnings List

Official List 4/17 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby News and Opinion

Creative Cause works at Hollywood Park in ‘cheater blinkers’ (DRF)

Dozen 3-year-olds possible for Lexington (Bloodhorse)

Baffert putting Castaway in Lexington (DRF)

Churchill Downs barn notes 4/17 (Churchill Downs)

Hollendorfer still in decision process with Rousing Sermon (DRF)

Romans: Dullahan likes Churchill Downs dirt (Bloodhorse)

Donegal prepares for another Derby experience (Bloodhorse)

Connections of Derby contenders give Bodemeister rave reviews (TTimes)

Lane’s End weekender pedigree: Bodemeister (Paulick Report)

2012 Kentucky Derby contenders: who’s your favorite? (ABR Blog)

Kentucky Derby Barn List 4/17 (Churchill Downs)

Who’s the favorite? (Bloodhorse Blog)

Kentucky Derby criteria (Trackside with Trackman Blog)
Point/Counterpoint: Bodemeister vs Dullahan (Horse Racing Nation)

A few minutes with Hamilton Smith [Done Talking] (That’s Amore Stable Blog)

TCI weekend wrap up: lovin’ the winners [with video] (TwinSpires Blog)

The tail end of the prep season (NTRA)

Time out from Derby trail to talk about Derby memories (Racing at the Jersey Shore Blog)

Photos and Video

Mark Valeski arrives for Kentucky Derby (YouTube)

Rankings

Top 10: A new leader (And Down The Stretch They Come)

Paulick Derby Index 4/17: Loud and Clear (Paulick Report)

Works

Creative Cause- HOL- 5F- 1.01:20- H- 16/37

News and Quotes from Twitter

“On quiet Tuesday morning at HOL, I'll Have Another (SA Derby winner) looked super galloping mile and half for Doug O'Neill.” - Brad Free DRF

“I will be taking I'll Have Another out on Thurs for his work, come out and take photos of me, I mean him. I like being asst coach”- IamLavaMan

“I’ll Have Another to work Thursday at Hollywood; final work April 27 at Hollywood; then fly to Kentucky April 28.”- TTimes

“Creative Cause very washed out per work today. Rank going off, last quarter in 24:4. 101:1 for the 5/8ths. Not what I expected”- Gary Mandella HRTV

“Yes, Creative Cause got very hot Tues work at HOL. Not the first time”- Brad Free

“Fit horses don't need to work that often, long strong gallops can be more effective at this point. [Take Charge Indy] will work soon at Palm Meaodws”- Jill Byrne

“Take Charge Indy will work Thurs. at Palm Meadows crack of dawn trainer Pat Byrne confirmed just minutes ago”- Mike Welsch DRF

“Romans compares Dullahan to Ferdinand. Can see him coming up rail and making last 1/8 of a mile run @KentuckyDerby” - MDoche

“Irwin on Went The Day Well breeze Saturday: ‘He’s a lousy work horse…This is not a horse that’s ever gonna inspire anybody in the morning’”- TTimes

“Irwin says John Velazquez keeps mount on Went The Day Well for Derby”- TTimes

Interesting bunch in Sunland Derby// Drill to try 2 turns again// I’ll Have Another goes long// Dominguez optimistic on making the Wood

A field of eight will contest Sunday’s $800,000 Sunland Derby (G3).  The cast is diverse and varied; 2 graded stakes winners, 3 listed stakes winners, and 3 maiden winners.  Most have hopped to and from various tracks including Gulfstream, Golden Gate Fields, Santa Anita, Oaklawn, Churchill Downs, and Saratoga to name a few.  Southwest (G3) winner Castaway heads the field and drew the rail, while El Camino Real (G3) victor Daddy Nose Best makes his return in lane 6.  Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert could spoil things (possibly for themselves in Baffert’s case) with maiden winners Ender Knievel and Stirred Up respectively.  Isn’t He Clever takes another stab at graded cash on a track where he has fared well. The full field with a link to free PPs can be found below// Aside from Sunland Derby entries, there is an interesting allowance at the Fair Grounds on Saturday featuring Bourbon Courage, a maiden winner who garnered a whopping 103 Beyer Speed figure in his debut.  That figure is the second highest number of all current 3-year-olds, just behind the 105 by Algorithms who is off the Derby Trail. Bourbon Courage is definitely behind the 8-ball in making it to the Derby, but could be wheeled back in 3 weeks for the Louisiana Derby (G2). Not sure how likely that is however, given his pedigree and the fact Saturday’s race is only 6-furlongs// The sheer number of articles for the Spiral Stakes (G3)- a race where entries haven’t even been drawn yet- is bordering on obsessive.  The once quirky little Derby prep that drew a cast of mostly B-list prospects now suddenly gets all the attention based on the fact Animal Kingdom graduated from the race last year before wearing the Roses// I’ll Have Another continued his steady workout routine with a 7-furlong move at Hollywood Park.  The surprise Sham (G3) winner is still gearing up for the Santa Anita Derby (G1)// Drill will try two-turns once again.  Although Bob Baffert has intimated sprinting is probably best based on his dull efforts in routes, there still appears a strong need to point for the Kentucky Derby.  He will most likely go to Keeneland for the Bluegrass (G1)// Gemologist was confirmed for the Wood Memorial (G1)// Ramon Dominguez says that doctors are very optimistic on his recovery time from a dislocated collarbone and the jockey should be able to ride Hansen in the Wood…

Sunland Derby (G3)

Entries

Link to PPs (look for Sunday 3/25/12 Castaway)

Articles

Sunland Derby (G3) preview articles: DRF / Bloodhorse / TTimes / Brisnet

I’ll Have Another posts solid 7-furlong move (Bloodhorse)

Drill will stretch out for Keeneland’s Bluegrass (DRF)

Eight listed for Wood Memorial; Possible or probable (The Downey Profile)

Nine now likely for Louisiana Derby (The Downey Profile)

Pletcher looking for third win in Spiral (Brisnet)

Handsome Mike has plenty to prove in Spiral Stakes (DRF)

Motion, Team Valor follow familiar path with Went the Day Well (DRF)

Gemologist confirmed for Wood Memorial (Brisnet)

Dominguez expected to miss 2 weeks (Bloodhorse)

Who’s hot who’s not 3/21 (DRF)

Kentucky Derby report 3/22 (Brisnet)

Late Triple Crown nomination deadline March 24 (Bloodhorse)

And They’re Off [video, discussion of Rebel] (Bloodhorse)

CNBC to provide live coverage of the Toyota Bluegrass (Bloodhorse)

Track horticulturist says tulips may miss Derby (AP)

Works

Brother Francis- SA- 6F- 1.12:00- H- 5/17

Castaway- SA- 4F- 50:00- H- 29/36

I'll Have Another-r HOL- 7F- 1.26:20- H- 1/1

Drill- SA- 6F- 1.13:00- H- 4/7

Right to Vote- PMM- 4F- 51:03- B- 18/19

Summer Front- PAY- 5F- 1.03:40- B- 1/2

Rankings

Kentucky Derby Top 20 (DRF)

Take Charge Indy to scratch from Tampa Bay Derby// 14 possible for Rebel// More news for Saturday Derby preps

Articles

Tampa Bay Derby losing Take Charge Indy, who will wait for Florida Derby (DRF)

Dullahan taking different Derby path, but hopes for same result as big brother (Courier Journal)

Dullahan starts path to Kentucky Derby on turf in Palm Beach Stakes (DRF)

Bodemeister may bid adieu to foes (Courier Journal)

Harrington hopes to double his pleasure in San Felipe (Santa Anita Stable Notes)

San Felipe field could deliver top Derby contender (Lexington Herald Leader)

El Padrino is sophomore rising star (Bloodhorse)

Southwest winners to work for possible Rebel showdown (Brisnet)

Gemologist among 14 probables for Rebel (DRF)

Hansen headed to Trackside in Louisville (DRF)

Knowing your Kentucky Derby preps (ESPN)

Countdown to the Crown March 9 (DRF)

Derby, Oaks admission prices steady for online advance purchase, higher for event day walk-up (Brisnet)

Picks

Palm Beach Stakes- How great is Dullahan? (The Downey Profile)

Works

Motor City PMM- 3F- 37:22 B- 1/2

Thoughts on Hansen's Gotham win// Key workouts for the Rebel, Tampa Bay Derby, San Felipe// State of Play bounces back

According to his owner, 2-year-old Champion Hansen was not happy after his first defeat nearly five weeks ago in the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream.  A flight to New York and an authoritative win in the Gotham Stakes (G3) Saturday at Aqueduct hopefully will make Hansen easier to deal with around the barn.  Plagued with the misfortune of post 12 in a 13-horse field, many handicappers (including myself) felt the colt was vulnerable as the short-priced favorite, especially considering his apparent need to set the pace.  When the gates flung open and Hansen was forced to both race wide and sit off a couple early leaders, it was immediately apparent he was going to be tested.  Trainer Michael Maker had made adjustments to Hansen’s bit and also decided to shed blinkers completely. Whether it was those tweaks or the mere fact the colt is maturing, the fifth race of the Champ’s career proved to be a revelation.  Jockey Ramon Dominguez was able to hold Hansen back and get him to relax along the backstretch just off pacesetter King and Crusader.  The winning move came on the far turn when Dominguez loosened the reigns, passed the leader on the outside, and navigated an easy stretch run along the rail.  The final margin was 3-lengths over My Adonis who was another 6-lenghts clear of Finnegan’s Wake, and the final time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:43.84.

It is of no fault to Hansen who ended up behind him, but the Gotham field was questionable.  Only two horses were open Stakes winners (both ungraded) while 9 challengers only graduated from either maiden or allowance company. This scenario was intentional for Hansen’s connections, who fled from the tough Florida circuit for an easier spot to boost his confidence.

Nonetheless, Hansen showed toughness, poise, and professionalism in his Gotham win.  His ability to now rate off the lead will cause many previous doubters to rethink their opinion on his chances in the Kentucky Derby.  His next and final race before the Derby will most likely be the Wood Memorial (G1) at the same track, which could set an intriguing matchup with Alpha//       

State of Play was back to winning ways Saturday with a photo finish victory in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway.  The Spiral (G3) will most likely be his next race, which would be fitting for connections Team Valor and Graham Motion, who used the same race to launch Animal Kingdom into the Derby last year// After trainer Mike Harrington was quoted multiple times saying he was trying to separate his two Derby contenders Creative Cause and Empire Way, it seems there is now a good possibility they will face each other in the San Felipe (G2)// The Kentucky Derby is still a possible target for the filly On Fire Baby// Ever So Lucky, who had some foot bruising recently, fired a bullet workout move at Gulfstream.  He’s still likely for the Swale (G2) next Saturday// I’ll Have Another had his public workout Saturday at Santa Anita, and according to DRF it was good one. Many other key workouts occurred Saturday for contenders Dullahan, Currency Swap, Alpha, Battle Hardened, and Gemologist.  All times are below// The Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #2 is still open and as of Saturday night ‘All Others’ were still the favorite at 5-2 followed by Union Rags at 4-1.   Hansen dropped from 12-1 to 8-1 following his Gotham victory…

 

Gotham Stakes (G3)

Winner: Hansen

Trainer: Michael Maker

Jockey: Ramon Dominguez

Chart: Equibase Chart

Video: YouTube

Wrap-up articles: NYRA / AP / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

Beyer: 95 (Preliminary)

John Battaglia Memorial Stakes

Winner: State of Play

Trainer: H. Graham Motion

Jockey: Victor Lebron

Chart: Equibase Chart

Wrap-up articles: DRF / Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Beyer: 83 (Preliminary)

Articles

‘All Others’, Union Rags hold steady in Derby futures (Churchill Downs)

Triple Crown possibles work at Oaklawn Park (Bloodhorse)

I’ll Have Another blitzes six furlongs in 1:10 (Brisnet)

Creative Cause may join stablemate Empire Way in San Felipe (DRF)

Battle Hardened in fighting shape for Tampa Bay Derby (DRF)

Ever So Lucky works toward possible Swale start (The Downey Profile)

Soutwest victor Castaway back to work (Bloodhorse)

Works

Empire Way HOL- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 24/54

Consulado HOL- 4F- 46:00- H- 1/48

Hakama FH- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 2/7

Hogy HAW- 5F- 1.04:60- B- 9/11

Scatman OP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 10/42

Atigun OP- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 6/42

Hammers Terror FG- 5F- 1.00:40- B- 7/53

Dullahan GP- 5F- 1.00:60- H- 2/19

Ever So Lucky GP- 5F- 58:80- H- 1/19

Currency Swap GP- 5F- 1.03:80- B- 17/19

Alpha PMM- 4F- 49:83- B- 31/48

Battle Hardened PMM- 5F- 1.02:04- B- 3/9

Thunder Moccasin PMM- 4F- 49:70- B- 25/48

Gemologist PMM- 5F- 1.00:22- B- 1/9

I'll Have Another SA- 6F- 1.10:00- H- 1/4

Union Rags in good order, News Pending may get rematch// Updated Kentucky Derby future odds, rankings

Union Rags photo by Julien Leparoux

Michael Matz reported Union Rags was none the worse for wear the day after his Fountain of Youth (G2) score.  The Florida Derby (G1) still remains the next target and will be the only race for Union Rags between now and the Kentucky Derby.  Dale Romans was praising the effort by second place finisher News Pending and said the Florida Derby is a strong consideration as well. A decision on what to do with Algorithms, who scratched from the race with a splint injury, will not be made until later in the week// More news for Saturday’s Gotham Stakes (G3). DRF features Mark Casse’s Stealcase, who has already raced against several stakes winners in his maiden tries, including Hutcheson victor Thunder Moccasin.  Check out the Todd Simmons piece from the Staten Island Advance about a morning stroll at Belmont that offers a different flavor and beat to your normal thoroughbred reporting// Updated future odds were released by Wynn Las Vegas.  Not surprisingly, Union Rags plummeted to 4-1 as the favorite.  Can’t see why anyone would take those odds in February, but many do// Out of Bounds had an extended workout at Hollywood Park Monday.  He’s still on track for the San Felipe (G2)// Updated rankings from Steve Haskin as well as myself// I’ve also updated the CTD Contender page here.  If you like updates to the site on Twitter you can follow CTD here or on Facebook here.

Kentucky Derby Futures

Wynn Las Vegas 2/27

Articles

Union Rags standing tall after Fountain of Youth triumph (DRF)

How high should we be on Union Rags? (Zipse at the Track Blog)

Union Rags Kentucky Derby favorite (Forbes Online)

After the wire 2/26 [video] (Bloodhorse)

Home sweet home page (ESPN)

Petals on the Path: On the way to the Gotham (Staten Island Advance)

Stealcase jumping from maiden to Gotham Stakes (DRF)

Spiral nominations spike up (The Downey Profile)

Tampa Bay Derby lands 38 nominations (The Downey Profile)

Under the radar: Scatman (DRF)

Castaway got better and better as a yearling (Bloodhorse)

Weekend review (And Down The Stretch They Come)

The Roses Challenge (Thorough-Graphics)

In Kentucky, 2015 Kentucky Derby winner could arrive any day now (NPR Blog)

Rankings

CTD Top 5

Haskin’s Derby Dozen [with video] (Bloodhorse)

Works

Rousing Sermon- HOL- 6F- 1.13:20- H- 1/2

Out of Bounds- HOL- 7F- 1.25:60- H- 1/2

Ender Knievel- PMM- 5F- 1.02:90- B- 9/13

Swag Daddy- AQU- 4F- 48:55- B- 2/8

Notes and bits from web and Twitter:

“Fractions for Out of Bounds. 48.80 to top. 112.80 at wire. Out to the bottom in 125.60. Best part move was absence of real pressure”- Donald Harris via Twitter

Speed figures from Southwest, Rebel already looks crowded// Union Rags vs. Algorithms looms// New Kentucky Derby futures, rankings

As the dust settles from a recent string of Kentucky Derby prep races - four in just three days - writers, handicappers, and fans are observing the trips of the also-rans, looking for a silver lining and clues as to which horses could improve next time out.  Adirondack King, 3^rd place in the second division of the Southwest (G3), fits the bill of a sneaky good performer or possible future “wise guy” horse.  Jockey Stewart Elliott claimed he had nowhere to run in the far turn and was forced to sit and wait in second-to-last place.  Once Adirondack King got through the turn he was able to make a fast closing move for 3^rd, although still 6 lengths behind the winner Secret Circle due to the short stretch.  Trainer John Servis will point the son of Lawyer Ron to the Rebel (G2).  Also pointing for the Rebel will be 2^nd place Scatman, who set the pace in the Southwest and gave Secret Circle all he could handle in the stretch.  Bob Baffert said he’ll also send a horse or two to the Rebel, but which one from his long list of Derby contenders will not be revealed anytime soon// Beyer Speed figures came back for the Southwest.  Secret Circle bested his stablemate Castaway by a 10 point margin (102 to 92)// Wynn Las Vegas published updated future odds just after the Southwest.  Castaway dropped to 35-1 and Secret Circle to 22-1// Trainer Larry Jones commented that both of his charges in the Risen Star (G2), Mr. Bowling and Mark Valeski, will hopefully sit just off the pacesetters Saturday at the Fairgrounds// Buzz is building for Sunday’s Fountain of Youth (G2), which will feature arguably the top two Derby contenders in Union Rags and Algorithms.  Some nice humble quotes from Algorithms owner Jack Wolf who admits his horse benefitted from Hansen’s bad break and Consortium not taking to the track in the Holy Bull (G3).  Michael Matz is very pleased with Union Rags’s physical and mental growth, but reveals the screws will not be fully tightened Sunday because the colt already has enough Graded Earnings for the Derby// Some updates on Steve Asmussen contenders Z Dager, Sabercat, and Daddy Nose Best from the Bloodhorse// Steve Haskin has a new Derby Dozen, yet still has recent San Vicente (G2) 3^rd place finisher Creative Cause at #1.  Reading the description, I’m not sure Steve even agrees with himself// more…

Articles

Baffert will return for Rebel (DRF)

Adirondack King likely to stay for Rebel (DRF)

Scatman probable for Rebel (DRF)

Jones’s trio of 3-year-olds gear up for stakes (DRF)

Algorithms: Formula for success (Courier Journal)

Algorithms vs. Union Rags in 3YO showdown (Bloodhorse)

Union Rags earned luxury of easing into 2012 season (TTimes)

High energy Drill stood out as a yearling (Bloodhorse)

Three of a kind [Steve Asmussen contenders] (Blooodhorse Blog)

Looking back at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (DRF Blog)

An early look at the Kentucky Derby picture (Sports Nola)

23 races and we’ll make a big fuss (TwinSpires)

Tailgate-Illinois Derby and Hawthorne thinking blue (Hansen Blog via Courier Journal)

Futures

Wynn Las Vegas (2/20)

Rankings

Haskin’s Derby Dozen 2/21 [with video] (Bloodhorse)

TTimes Triple Crown poll (TTimes)

Works

Ever So Lucky- GP-5F- 1.00:65- H- 7/11

Big Screen GP- 5F- 59:60- H- 2/11

Optimizer- OP- 3F- 36:20- B- 1/2

Rousing Sermon- HOL- 5F- 1.01:80- H- 5/8

Stoney Fleece- HOL- 5F- 1.02:80- H- 7/8

Weekly Speed Figures 2/13-2/19*
Top 3yo winning BRIS figs last week: Drill-104; Daddy Nose Best-101; Sir Bond-100; Bling King-99; Scatter Joy-97; Points Offthebench-96

3yo winning Beyers last week: Drill-94; Daddy Nose Best-92; Sir Bond-91; Bling King-85; Scatter Joy-85; Points Offthebench-87

*Source: DerbyContenders via Twitter