Mark
Casse wasn’t happy with Luis Contreras’ ride on Dynamic Sky in the Sam Davis
(G3) several weeks ago, so has named Joel Rosario the new jockey for the
upcoming Tampa Derby (G3). The trainer admitted that even a rider change might
not be enough to catch the likely short-priced favorite Verrazano. On a
conference call Tuesday, Casse also discussed Uncaptured, who remains on target
for the Spiral Stakes (G3) at Turfway Park March 23. The Grade 2 winner worked
in the morning at Ocala and Casse believes he’s matured physically and mentally
from his 2-year-old season// Gary Contessa confirmed that the plan of attack
for recent Palm Beach Stakes (G3) winner Rydilluc
is the Spiral// As I mentioned yesterday, the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn is
shaping up to be a popular race. For now, Oaklawn officials don’t foresee
splitting the race into two divisions, although a full field is very likely.
Bob Baffert all but confirmed Super Ninety Nine will return for the race with
Rafael Bejarano aboard, and D. Wayne Lukas will call on Mike Smith to ride
Oxbow. Both trainers will bring other likely entrants, as Baffert will ship
Den’s Legacy, while Lukas will send Smarty Jones Stakes winner Will Take
Charge. Other probables include Todd Pletchers’ Capo Bastone, Park City, and
Delhomme; Ron Ellis trainee Treasury Bill; recent stakes winner Departing; and
locals Texas Bling, Always In A Tiz, Carve, Big Lute, So Raise Yourglass and
Heaven’s Runway// Lukas also mentioned that recent allowance winner Channel
Isle will go in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Red Wings could go to the Spiral, and
Titletown Five may go to the Sunland Derby (G3) or Louisiana Derby// Omega Star
will be stepping into the deep end Saturday in the San Felipe, which will be
his graded stakes debut. Flashback and Goldencents headline the race, but
trainer John Sheriffs thinks the added distance will suit him. Dennis O’Neill
said in a conference call Tuesday that Goldencents could train up to the
Kentucky Derby if he earns enough points from the San Felipe. While many
trainers have taken the “less is more” theory heading into the Derby of late,
that would make Goldencents very light in seasoning heading into a much longer
and tougher race// You can read below for the story behind Verrazano’s name,
but I’ll warn you it’s not all that interesting// more…
Articles:
Rosario to ride Dynamic Sky in Tampa Derby (Bloodhorse)
Uncaptured now Spiral-bound after another strong
workout (Courier Journal Blog)
Turfway’s Spiral popular prep for Kentucky Derby
hopefuls (In The Money)
Call
it abridged version: How Verrazano got his name (Courier Journal Blog)
Where they’re going next (The Downey Profile)
Kentucky Derby Daily: March 5 (In The Money)
Watch
list for March (Horseracing Nation)
Derby Dreams: Ive Struck A Nerve (Paulick Report)
Triple Crown Nominations- Updated PPs (Brisnet)
Rankings:
Jerry Bossert’s Top 15 (NJ Daily News)
Florida Filly’s dark horse Derby picks part 2 (Horseracing Nation)
Workouts:
Will Take Charge- OP- 6F-
1.13:60- B- 1/2
Oxbow- OP- 6F- 1.13:80- B-
2/2
Code West- SA- 4F- 48:60-
H- 15/31
Hear the Ghost- HOL- 4F-
48:60- H- 3/21
Quotes and Tweets:
"Rydilluc came back
bouncing out of the Palm Beach so barring any steps backward we are on track
for the Spiral on March 23rd"- Gary Contessa via Twitter
"Super 99 now
definite for Rebel. Bejarano retains mount. That means Shakin It Up to Sunland
Derby 3-24 for Baffert"- Jay Privman via Twitter
"Mark Casse says
we've only seen about 75-80% of Dynamic Sky's ability, but cautions that even
at 100% he may not be able to beat Verrazano"- ABR Live via Twitter
"Java's War will be
entered in Tampa Bay Derby tomorrow and is doing "super" according to
Kenny McPeek"- Sid Fernando via Twitter
"Casse: Gunderman
could go in Sunland Derby, to Oaklawn or (sounds more likely) Illinois
Derby"- Jennie Rees via Twitter
"Dennis O'Neill says
that if he has enough points @TheGoldencents will skip the @santaanitapark
Derby and train up to the #KYDerby"- ABR Live via Twitter
"Winning 3yo Beyers
last week: Departing-97; Clearly Now-96; Vyjack-93; Coolusive-91; Fordubai
& Rydilluc-89; Gunderman-87"- DerbyContenders via Twitter
