Blue Grass and Arkansas Derby PPs and previews// Velazquez makes his decision, will he be ready?// Orb gets Rosario// Bad press rolls in// New Top 5// more…

Summary:

The Blue Grass (G1) drew a full field as expected with Uncaptured installed as the 7-2 lukewarm favorite. A link to PPs and previews can be found below// The Arkansas Derby (G1) will have ten in the gate. Somewhat surprisingly, recent allowance winner War Academy is the 2-1 favorite over graded stakes winner Oxbow. I don’t like the price on the favorite at all, however feel he’s ready for a huge performance Saturday at Hot Springs. PPs and previews are also below// John Velazquez initiated a little version of musical chairs Wednesday with the announcement he will ride Verrazano in the Kentucky Derby. That decision gives the mount on Florida Derby (G1) winner Orb to Joel Rosario thus leaving a temporary jockey vacancy for Vyjack// We knew Velazquez would not return to action until Derby week, but now we know the exact day won’t be until Wednesday. That means Velazquez will have just three days of riding before the Kentucky Derby- and that’s if everything goes according to plan// It wouldn’t be a modern day Kentucky Derby without a little negative publicity going in. This year’s targets (rightfully so or not) are Hall of Famer Bob Baffert and Vyack trainer Rudy Rodriguez. Full reports in the article links below// A new CTD Top 5 and other rankings// more…

Upcoming Kentucky Derby points races:

Blue Grass (G1)

Keeneland

1 1/8 Miles

Time: 5:40 PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

PPs: Click here

Previews: Keeneland / Keeneland- Quotes / Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Arkansas Derby (G1)

Oaklawn Park

1 1/8 Miles

Time: 6:28 PM ET
TV: NBC Sports

PPs: Click here

Previews: Oaklawn Park / DRF / Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Articles:

Velazquez commits to Verrazano, Rosario regains mount on Orb (DRF)

Bruno with the works: Rydullic in focus (TwinSpires Blog)

Blue Grass: Several contenders have good connections (DRF)

Interview: Gary Contessa [video] (Bloodhorse)

Oxleys hoping Cards karma spills over to Uncaptured in Blue Grass (Courier Journal Blog)

Velazquez plans Derby week return (Bloodhorse)

Underdog role suits Wes Welker’s horse [Undrafted] (ESPN)

Kevin Krigger is racing for history (Men’s Journal)

Krigger looking to end Derby draught (ABR Live)

Waiting for a star not to fall (TwinSpires Blog)

Kentucky Derby horse foaled by Manitoba mare [Goldencents] (Global News)

Black Onyx joins Kentucky Derby trail (Spirit of Jefferson)

Kentucky Derby Daily April 10 (In The Money)

Kentucky Derby’s new numbers game an interesting exercise (DRF)

Kentucky Derby history is more than past performances (Morning Clocker Report)

Who’s hot, who’s not for April 10 (DRF)

Rick Pitino has real shot at NCAA championship-Kentucky Derby double (DRF)

Departing expected to be part of full field for Illinois Derby (DRF)

Rodriguez faces review by Kentucky licensing committee (DRF)

Sudden equine fatalities spike in California, Baffert barn (Paulick Report)

Rankings:

CTD Top 5 (CTD)

ESPN Top 10 (ESPN)

DRF Top 20 (DRF)

Orb gets the best of Lucky in Florida Derby// Revolutionary by a neck in Louisiana Derby// Lines of Battle joins Derby cast via Dubai

Kentucky Derby Point Races:

Florida Derby (G1)

Winner (pts): Orb (100)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Itsmyluckyday(40), Merit Man(20), Narvaez(10)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 97/97

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Louisiana Derby (G2)

Winner (pts): Revolutionary (100)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Mylute (40), Departing (20), Golden Soul (10)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 93/105

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

UAE Derby (G2)

Winner (pts): Lines of Battle (100)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Elleval, Secret Number, SnowBoarder

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Recaps: Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Articles:

Wood Memorial: Verrazano delivers bullet five furlongs before leaving for Aqueduct (DRF)

Verrazano, Normandy Invasion post sharp works (Bloodhorse)

Santa Anita Derby comeback spot for Power Broker (DRF)

Power Broker turn in snappy four-furlong workout (DRF)

O’Neill tries tactical change with for Goldencents (Bloodhorse)

Revolutionary will stop at farm before settling in at Churchill (DRF)

Orb will head to Kentucky Derby in peak form (DRF)

Countdown to the Crown: Week 13- March 29 (DRF)

Works:

Sunday

Power Broker- SA- 4F- 47:40- H- 4/43

Dewey Square- GP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 10/14

Overanalyze- PMM- 5F- 1.01:53- B- 9/17

Verrazano- PMM- 5F- 1.01:17- B- 1/17

Normandy Invasion- PMM- 4F- 47:95- B- 1/35

Falling Sky- PMM- 6F- 1.13:43- B- 1/2

Saturday

Elnaawi- BEL- 5F- 59:80- B- 1/35

Vyjack- AQU- 6F- 1.12:63- B- 1/2

Dynamic Sky- PMM- 5F- 1.00:66- B- 2/26

Honorable Dillon- PMM- 4F- 48:59- B- 9/53

Clearly Now- PMM- 5F- 1.01:63- B- 10/26

Java's War- GP- 4F- 48:30- B- 6/45

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 5F- 1.02:00- H- 2/2

Friday

Goldencents- SA- 6F- 1.14:00- H- 1/6

Weekend Review: Govenor Charlie breaks track record at Sunland// Black Onyx surprises in Spiral// Key workouts for Florida, Louisiana Derbies// KDFW Pool #3 closes with ‘all others’ favored

Point Races:

Sunland Derby (G3)

Winner (pts): Govenor Charlie

2nd, 3rd, 4th, (pts): Show Some Magic (20), Abraham (10), Shakin It Up (5)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 95/99

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

CTD Analysis: Surely it’s sickening for other trainers to see the number of serious Bob Baffert Derby prospects increase on a seemingly daily basis. While his Southern California export operation took a little bump in the road in last week’s Rebel Stakes, it was back on track with Govenor Charlie for Sunday’s Sunland Derby (G3). The son of Midnight Lute was close to the pace in the first half mile before displaying his true class in the latter stages by pulling away to an easy 5-length score.

One point of annoyance that I feel must be stated (again): Can we agree that any quarter mile time that begins with 22 seconds (followed by whatever) and any half mile in 46 (followed by whatever) for a race over a mile should not be called “modest”? In fact it’s quick, especially for a 1 1/8 mile race. I’m not sure what’s happened over the last several years but there is no uniformity in race calling or reporting when it comes to pace.

With that out of the way, it’s impressive Govenor Charlie could sit just behind the hot pace set by Saint Prado and have more than enough to dominate the race. I was surprised to see the Beyer Speed figure come back only 95 considering he set a Sunland Park record, but the track was playing fast all day. The Sunland Derby field was not ultra impressive on paper either, with only three entrants having won a race other than a maiden, and none of those races longer than a mile.

Still, Govenor Charlie should be a solid mid-to-upper tier choice in the Kentucky Derby (G1) based on his connections, speed figures, proven ability, and pedigree (second dam is Silverbulletday, a Grade 1 winner at 1 1/4 miles among other notable accomplishments).

Spiral Stakes (G3)

Winner (pts): Black Onyx

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Uncaptured (20), Giant Finish (10), Taken by the Storm (5)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 90/96

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

CTD Analysis: While the Sunland Derby winner could end up on a lot of Derby tickets, it’s hard to see the same happening for the Spiral Stakes (G3) winner Black Onyx. Sent off at 15-1 odds, Black Onyx will enter the Derby sporting low speed figures and a lone stakes win that came on a synthetic track. Nonetheless, he should be respected for making a strong closing move in a modestly set pace and for holding off multiple stakes winner Uncaptured in the stretch. Although his only win on dirt was just a maiden, that 2 1/4 lengths victory and his closing running style could be enough to make me second guess leaving Black Onyx off some superfecta combinations.

Second place Uncaptured should not be written off either. Not only was the Spiral his first race in four months and the longest he’s ever gone, but he’s already made it known the Churchill surface suits him. Uncaptured’s 30 points for the Kentucky Derby might be enough to make the field regardless of how he does in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland.

Updated Full Kentucky Derby Point Standings (CTD)

Non-point races:

Rushaway Stakes

Winner: Crop Report

Chart: Equibase

Beyer/BRIS: 85/94

Recaps: Bloodhorse  

Articles:

Kentucky Derby next start for Black Onyx (DRF)

Departing, Mylute breeze for Louisiana Derby (Bloodhorse)

Hear the Ghost posts Santa Anita drill (Bloodhorse)

Shanghai Bobby in final Florida Derby tuneup (Bloodhorse)

Florida Derby contender Shanghai Bobby works with Louisiana Derby prospect Palace Malice (DRF)

Itsmyluckday posts final Florida Derby work (Bloodhorse)

Are You Kidding Me to point to Florida Derby (Bloodhorse)
Verrazano gallops out powerfully after half-mile breeze (Brisnet)

“The Ballad of the Killer V’s” to take center stage at the Wood Memorial (New Jersey Newsroom)

Verrazano to face Vyjcak in Wood Memorial (Bloodhorse)

Maiden winners Storm Fighter, Summer Exclusive earn a shot [for Santa Anita Derby] (DRF)

Conflicted Derby fans favor ‘all others’ in tight final future pool [pdf] (Churchill Downs)

Rankings:

Top 10 (Star-Ledger)

Workouts:

Friday

Demonic- HOL- 5F- 1.01:20- H- 7/20

Golden Soul- FG- 6F- 1.12:60- B- 1/2

Frac Daddy- GP- 5F- 1.00:24- H- 2/16

Vyjack- AQU- 5F- 59.07- B- 1/7

Saturday

Elnaawi- BEL- 5F- 1.02:54- B- 8/32

Speak Logistics- CRC- 4F- 47:20- H- 1/63

Itsmyluckyday- CRC- 4F- 49:40- B- 19/63

Dynamic Sky- PMM- 5F- 1.00:88- B- 7/31

Honorable Dillon- PMM- 4F- 50:04- B- 45/55

Clearly Now- PMM- 5F- 1.01:84- B- 18/31

Rydilluc- PMM- 7F- 1.30:18- B- 1/1 (Turf)

Positively- PMM- 4F- 49:66 B- 3/6 (Turf)

Clawback- AQU- 4F- 49:04- B- 4/19

Java's War- GP- 4F- 49:07- B- 20/53

Sunbean- FG- 4F- 49:20- B- 12/70

Sunday

Dewey Square- GP- 5F- 1.00:81- B- 4/24

Belvin- SA- 5F- 59:60- H- 1/61

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 6F- 1.13:60- H- 5/14

Code West- SA- 5F- 1.00:20- H- 3/47

Departing- FG- 4F- 47:20- B- 1/64

Mylute- FG- 4F- 50:00- B- 43/64

Mountain Eagle- PMM- 3F- 37:12- B- 1/6

Normandy Invasion- PMM- 5F- 1.00:22- B- 1/34

Overanalyze- PMM- 4F- 48:20- B- 4/43

Revolutionary- PMM- 4F- 48:20- B- 4/43

Palace Malice- PMM- 5F- 1.00:82- B- 6/34

Shanghai Bobby- PMM- 5F- 1.00:82- B- 6/34

Verrazano- PMM- 4F- 49:79- B- 20/43

Praise continues for Vyjack// Super Niney Nine blazes 4-furlongs// Probables for Tampa Derby and San Felipe// more…

Vyjack was still the hot Kentucky Derby trail topic a few days after his decisive come-from-behind victory in the Gotham (G3). Trainer Rudy Rodriguez thinks the relative seclusion at Aqueduct during training hours has paid dividends for Vyjack as opposed to the hustle and bustle of southern Florida mornings. Bad behavior has always been an issue for Vyjack, even after he was gelded, but he has shown slight improvement// Super Ninety Nine is all but confirmed for the Rebel (G2) March 16. The dominating Southwest (G3) winner worked a blistering 4-furlongs Monday morning in 46:40 and has apparently “bounced back quickly” from that race according to DRF’s Jay Privman. He also mentioned Todd Pletcher’s Delhomme and Ron Ellis’ Treasury Bill are headed to the Rebel, which is shaping up to be a crowded race// As expected, Al Stall’s Departing will move up to a Derby points race next time out. Most likely it will be the Louisiana Derby (G2), with the Sunland Derby (G3) or Rebel (G2) as possible alternatives. Departing earned a 97 Beyer speed figure for his easy win in the Texas Heritage Stakes Saturday, which puts him right in the mix of top contenders// Two big Kentucky Derby points races are on tap for Saturday- the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) at Tampa Bay and San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita- and each features highly regarded contenders with low Kentucky Derby Future Wager odds. Current individual favorite Verrazano (9-1) will try two turns for the first time in Tampa over a surface that has proven to be challenging for many shippers in the past. 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver finished 3rd in the race along his route to Louisville, and 2007 Derby winner Street Sense won the race only by a nose. Verrazano will face a minimum of six horses including Purple Egg, Dynamic Sky, Falling Sky, Honorable Dillon, and Java’s War// Flashback (12-1 in KDFW #2) and Goldencents (24-1) are both on target for a showdown in the San Felipe (G2) Saturday. Other probables include Hear the Ghost, Kochees, Omega Star, Salutos Amigos, and Tiz A Minister// Balance the Books, who was penciled in for Sunday Palm Beach (G3) before spiking a fever, will point instead for the Spiral (G3) at Turfway. The Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) third place finisher would enter the Kentucky Derby having never raced on dirt before// Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Nick Zito will serve a 15-day suspension for a clenbuterol positive from a winner at Aqueduct over a year ago// more…

Articles:

Vyjack makes big jump with victory in Gotham [with interview video] (Courier Journal)

Vyjack- a prime Kentucky Derby player (Miami Herald)

Vyjack benefiting from extended stay in New York (DRF)

The unlikely story of Vyjack (Bloodhorse)

Departing ready for bigger stakes after easy win in Texas Heritage (DRF)

Kentukcy Derby Under the Radar: Departing (DRF)

Tampa Bay Derby a major prep for Kentucky Derby (DRF)

Spiral Stakes at Turfway next for Balance the Books (DRF)

Flashback drills for Saturday’s San Felipe [with probables] (Santa Anita)

Kentucky Derby Daily: March 4 (In The Money)

Zito to serve 15-day suspension for clenbuterol positive (DRF)

Rankings:

Steve Haskin’s Derby Dozen 3/3/13 (Bloodhorse Blog)

HRI’s Triple Crown power rankings (Horseracing Insider)

Workouts:

Proud Strike- FG- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 12/24

Mylute- FG- 4F- 51:40- B- 25/35

Super Ninety Nine- SA- 4F- 46:40- H- 1/44

War Academy- SA- 4F- 46:80- H- 2/44

Quotes and Tweets:

"Tiz the Truth, Baffert mdn winner 2-2, missed training time with 1/4 crack. Back training now, but next start delayed"- Jay Privman via Twitter

"Baffert could send Super 99 back to OP for Rebel 3-16. He's bounced back quickly from Southwest. Den's Legacy going there for sure"- Jay Privman via Twitter

"Baffert will run both Flashback and Carving in San Felipe Saturday, he said this morning"- Jay Privman via Twitter

"Delhomme set for 2013 debut in Rebel 3-16. Garrett Gomez has picked up mount, Pletcher said"- Jay Privman via Twitter

"San Vicente runner-up Treasury Bill, heading to Rebel for next start, worked 6f in 1:14.80 for R. Ellis at BHP this am"- Jay Privman via Twitter

"Pletcher "can't find a pimple" on Overanalyze, 5th in Remsen Saturday. He's back at Palm Meadows. Next start undecided. Leading options for Overanalyze are Wood, Ark. Derby, Pletcher said, but won't know for sure until he returns to training"- Jay Privman via Twitter\

"More Pletcher: Revolutionary, Withers winner, heading to LA Derby 3-30. Wood, Fla Derby had been considered, too"- Jay Privman via Twitter

"Exciting Palm Beach winner Rydilluc will make his next start in the Spiral Stakes"- Steve Haskin via Twitter

"Long-forgotten Power Broker worked 6f at SA yesterday. He, Tiz the Truth, could make Hail Mary play for Derby in Wood or SA Derby"- Jay Privman via Twitter

Overanalyze gets outside post, Repole calm// Entries for 4 other stakes// Odds set for Pool #2 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager// more…

Summary:

Entries were drawn for five Saturday races that could each carry Kentucky Derby implications. The obvious headliner is the Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct, which will award 50 Derby points to the winner. That amount will most likely guarantee a spot in the Kentucky Derby gate. Overanalyze is the best on paper, but will start from the far outside in a 12 horse field. Previews and a link to free PPs can be found below// Departing, scratched from last weekend’s Risen Star (G2) due to a bad post position is going with option B in the Texas Heritage Stakes at Sam Houston// The Gazebo Stakes at Oaklawn features a small but intriguing cast including impressive maiden winner Titletown Five, undefeated Colorado bred Get Happy Mister, and the former hyped allowance winner Malibu High// The John Battaglia Stakes at Turfway serves as a prep for the Spiral (G3) and drew horses that have raced in Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, New York, Florida, California and its own backyard// It’s tough seeing any of the contenders in the Swale (G3) being able to stretch out on the trail and make their way to Louisville for the Derby. It was already reported that Merit Man will scratch due to the post// Opening odds were announced for Pool #2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.  ‘All others’ are favored again at 3-1 with Verrazano and Super Ninety Nine the 10-1 co-favorites for individual selections. Overanalyze (15-1), Vyjack (30-1), and Titletown Five (30-1) are particularly susceptible to fluctuating odds following their performances this Saturday// A nice article from Paul Moran at ESPN on the “mystique” of the Kentucky Derby with fantastic observations from novelist John Steinbeck when he attended the race in 1956// There was a small outcry over a DRF story explaining the reasoning behind the Beyer speed figures given to last Saturdays stakes races at the Fair Grounds. Once you actually read the article it seems to make sense that final time alone does not tell the whole story// more…   

Articles:

The return of Overanalyze (ESPN Blog)

Q&A: Mike Repole on Overanalyze, Derby, etc. (Courier Journal Blog)

Mike Repole more at ease this time around (DRF)

Fever knocks Balance the Books out of Palm Beach (Gulfstream Park)

Kentucky Derby prep horses to watch (allhorseracing)

In the Money: 3-year-olds to watch Feb 27 (In the Money)

Who’s hot, who’s not for Feb 27 (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Report Feb 28 (Brisnet)

The Kentucky Derby mystique (ESPN)

Horse Racing’s top bachelor [Tapit] (The Wall Street Journal)

Beyer figures not always based just on final time [Risen Star] (DRF)

Rankings:

Kentucky Derby Top 20 (DRF)

ESPN Top 10 (ESPN)

Jerry Bossert’s Top 15 (NY Daily News)

Top 10: Kevin’s best bets (Sports Chat Place)

Workouts:

Zeewat- GG- 4F- 49:60- H- 5/14

Pataky Kid- TB- 5F- 1.00:80- B- 1/6

Little Jerry- HOL- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 7/23

Quotes and Tweets:

"GP alw winner Capo Bastone headed to Rebel 3-16, with John Velazquez to ride, reports Aron Wellman of owner Eclipse Thoroughbreds"- Jay Privman via Twitter

“Trainer Bob Hess Jr. says Merit Man almost certain to scratch out of Saturday's Swale after drawing post 2 ini 13 horse field” - Mike Welsch via Twitter

Departing will scratch from Risen Star// More picks and news for Risen Star and FOY// Carried Interest set for 3YO debut// Frac Daddy behind schedule// more…

Upcoming Points Races:

Fountain of Youth (G2)

Gulfstream Park

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park2 [Violence] Gulfstream Park3 [McGaughey Interview] / DRF DRF2 DRF3 / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / Impact of post positions [ABR Live] / HR Nation / In The Money / In The Money2 / Churchill Downs Video

Picks: Downey Profile / Bloodhorse THS / DRF [Video] / DRF Weekend Warrior / Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds

Risen Star (G2)

Fair Grounds

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Brisnet / DRF DRF2 DRF3 DRF4/ Bloodhorse / The Times-Picayune / Churchill Downs Video

Picks: Downey Profile / DRF [Video] / DRF Weekend Warrior / ABR Blog / Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds

Articles:

Departing to skip Risen Star for Texas stakes (Courier Journal Blog)

Carried Interest set for Gulfstream allowance (Bloodhorse)

New points leader is guaranteed (Horseracing Nation)

Weekend Stakes action (SB Nation)

Pletcher rolls out another duo of Derby contenders this weekend (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Will this be Pletcher’s turn in the Derby trail spotlight? (Louisville.com)

Countdown to the Crown: Week 8- Feb 22, 2013 (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Daily: Feb 22 (In The Money Blog)

Derby Watch Feb 22 [Video] (DRF)

Kentucky Derby point system- a vote in favor (DRF)

Can Brad Kelly bring Calumet back to the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle? (Forbes Online)

Churchill Downs’ Jill Byrne rates Derby prospects on how they run fast, not how fast they run (Insider Louisville)

Shanghai Bobby talks! (Horseracing Nation)

Keeneland Select contest begins Feb 23 (Bloodhorse)

Workouts:

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 7F- 1.26:00- H- 1/1

Goldencents- SA- 6F- 1.10:40- H- 1/14

Avare- SA- 6F- 1.13:80- H- 4/14

Quotes and Tweets:

"Departing to be scratched fro Risen Star. To go next week in HOU stakes"- Marcus Hersch via Twitter

“Frac Daddy slow progress on throat ulcer issue. Behind Eight Ball a bit. Schedule may point him to @Turfway Mar23rd. Assuming all goes well”- Kenny McPeek via Twitter

Scratches inevitable in Risen Star, Fountain of Youth// Uncaptured thriving// Rebel gets early probables// more…

Summary:

There is a good possibility neither of Al Stall’s runners will enter the gate for the Risen Star (G2) on Saturday. Sunbean will most likely go in the undercard Gentilly Stakes on the grass, while Stall mentioned there needs to be quite a few scratches to bring Departing closer to the rail from his outside post// The Fountain of Youth (G2) is also guaranteed a scratch with news that Sky Captain will instead go in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway or Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct March 2. Trainer Mark Casse didn’t like the 7 post due to the speed bias and short run to the first turn at Gulfstream// Casse also mentioned that Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner Uncaptured is doing very well and will start next in the Spiral (G3) at Turfway. Uncaptured breezed four furlongs at Ocala Training Center yesterday and Casse said he galloped out another furlong all in 1:00// Next race plans are already set for some Southwest (G3) runners who had to deal with the mud flying behind dominating winner Super Ninety Nine Monday. Always in a Tiz, who was found to have a lung infection following his fifth in the race, will point for the Rebel as will 9th place finisher Texas Bling// The Rebel will also get undefeated Park City, whose honest owner said “Derby Fever” played a part in the aggressive placement for the recent allowance winner// more…

Upcoming Points Races:

Fountain of Youth (G2)

Gulfstream Park

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Gulfstream Park/ DRF DRF2/ Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Risen Star (G2)

Fair Grounds

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Brisnet / DRF DRF2 / Bloodhorse

Articles:

Sunbean serves as pride of Louisiana (Fair Grounds)

He’s Had Enough getting acclimated (DRF)

Sky Captain seems likely to pass Fountain of Youth (DRF)

McLaughlin testing Elmutahid in Fountain of Youth (DRF)

2-for-2 Park City’s next target: Oaklawns’ Rebel (Courier Journal)

Big Brown’s son 3YO colt Darwin switches from Pletcher to O’Brien (Aiden O’Brien Fan Site)

Kentucky Derby points quest begins in earnest (DRF)

Always in a Tiz found to have lung infection (DRF)

Big weekend for two of Pletcher’s Lucky 7 (Horseracing Nation)

Who’s hot, who’s not Feb 20 (DRF)

3-year-olds to watch 2/20 (In The Money Blog)

Kentucky Derby Daily: Feb 20 (In The Money Blog)

Kentucky Derby Report 2/21/13 (Brisnet)

They’re Off [video includes discussion on Violence, Falling Sky] (Bloodhorse)

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile follow-up (Thoghts On Racing, Life, & More Blog)

Gary Stevens’ dilemma: Ride or talk in Kentucky Derby? (USA Today)

Pitino is running for unusual double (ESPN)

Famous trainers already prepping for Kentucky Derby (The Record)

Triple Crown races to air again on HRRN (Bloodhorse)

Rankings:

Top 20 (DRF)

Workouts:

Uncaptured- OTC- 4F- 47:80- B- 1/4 (Tuesday)

Little Distorted- CRC- 4F- 49:00- B- 3/15

Titletown Five- OP- 6F- 1.14:80- B- 1/1

Clawback- AQU- 1 Mile- 1.46:75- B- 1/1

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