Chasing The Derby: Drill

Showing posts with label Drill. Show all posts

Derby contenders arrive at Churchill// Trinniberg unlikely, Drill ruled out// Reveron will sit out Lexington// Bodemeister gets Beyer bump

With all major prep races out of the way, the focus from mid-April to Derby focuses on workouts, defections, rumors of defections, jockey assignments, and arrivals of horses to Churchill Downs. Sunday and Monday following the Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass brought all five of those things. Wrote and Drill were both ruled out officially when they failed to join their stablemates on flights to Kentucky. That opens spots in the gate for Rousing Sermon and Mark Valeski. It seems the chances of Trinniberg entering the Derby shrink with each passing day. That’s good news for Todd Pletcher’s El Padrino who is next in line to join the field. Just behind him in the standings is Reveron, who was scheduled to race in Saturday’s Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland solely for the purpose of accruing more earnings. His connections opted to not force the issue and take the chance more will drop out// Still no decision on whether to run Prospective in the Derby, and it’s hard to guess when Mark Casse puts the chances at 50-50// Alpha, 2^nd last out to Gemologist in the Wood Memorial (G1), did not ship as planned to Churchill Downs Monday due to an infection from cuts incurred in the race. Although trainer Kiaran McLaughlin says the son of Bernardini is still on target for the Kentucky Derby, you don’t like to hear of any hiccups this close to May 5^th. Instead of two workouts at Churchill ahead of the Derby, Alpha may only have one at Belmont// As for jockey assignments, everyone is waiting to hear from Ramon Dominguez who faces the tough choice between riding Hansen or Alpha. Considering the recent news on Alpha, you would have to think he’s leaning towards the 2-year-old champion// Sunday it was confirmed that Mike Smith will stay on Bodemeister and Garret Gomez will ride Smith’s previous engagement Daddy Nose Best// Speaking of Daddy Nose Best, the colt blazed 5-furlongs on the Churchill surface Monday morning in 1.00:20. That was the fastest time of 20 workers and pleased trainer Steve Asmussen, who has penciled in subsequent workouts for the next two Mondays before the Derby// The top 3 finishers from the Arkansas Derby arrived safely at Churchill Downs Monday afternoon// Bodemeister’s Beyer speed figure from the Arkansas Derby was increased from 105 to 108, which not only makes him the fastest 3-year-old to run in 2012, but also the second fastest North American horse of 2012, period. Steven Crist from DRF proclaims Bodemeister is “head and shoulders above his contemporaries”// more…

Kentucky Derby News and Opinion

Alpha staying home for now (DRF)

Daddy Nose Best works; Arkansas Derby stars set to arrive (Churchill Downs)

Saturday winners back in Louisville (The Sports Network)

Battaglia will go to overtime before choosing Derby favorite (TTimes)

Bodemeister: Start of something special? (DRF Blog)

Can Bodemeister snap a 130-year-old Kentucky Derby jinx? (Miami Herald)

Bodemeister jumps into spotlight (DRF)

Maker continues to impress in Blue Grass (DRF)

Graded Earnings updated list; who still has a chance? (The Bleacher Report)

Needhams enjoying the Dullahan experience (Bloodhorse)

Behind the scenes with Dullahan [video] (Behind The Scenes Blog)

Under the radar: Went the Day Well (DRF)

Lexington Stakes unlikely to produce Kentucky Derby starter (DRF)

UPI thoroughbred racing roundup (UPI)

KY panel: Ban race day meds from Derby (AP)

Photos

Sabercat walks shedrow at Churchill Downs barn (Churchill Downs)

Daddy Nose Best grazing at Churchill Downs (Churchill Downs)

Boedmeister in stall at Churchill Downs (Churchill Downs)

Rankings

Steve Haskin’s Derby Dozen 4/16 [with video] (Bloodhorse)

AP Top 10 4/16 (AP)

Works

Daddy Nose Best CD- 5F- 1.00:20- B- 1/20

News and Quotes from Twitter

“Trinniberg doubtful for Derby. Hero of Order must be supplemented; can't knock out a nominee. Looks good for El Padrino to get in”- Jay Privman via Twitter

Bob Baffert says Liaison to ship to CD "sometime next week" & Baffert will travel then, too. Drill back in CA, not in #KyDerby picture”- Derby Media via Twitter

“Alpha did not ship to Ky this morning. Had infection as a result of cuts suffered in Wood. Connections still targeting Derby; ship on 4-30”- David Grening via Twitter

“Hamilton Smith reports Done Talking will work twice at Laurel (21 & 28) & van to CD on 29th. Sheldon Russell rides in #KyDerby”- Derby Media via Twitter

Spotlight on Union Rags ahead of Florida Derby// Buzz builds for Cigar Street// Bodemeister going to Arkansas// Secret Circle, Drill work

You can tell from the sheer number of linked stories below that the Derby Trail is getting serious. Many of the articles and videos have a singular focus on Union Rags, who will be the short priced favorite in Saturday’s Florida Derby (G1). All handicapper picks so far have him on top. Somewhat surprising is that several are trying to beat Todd Pletcher-trained El Padrino in the second spot. Take Charge Indy or News Pending seem to be the choices for the bottom half of the exacta. In any event, most everyone is hoping for a dominating performance from Union Rags to spark hype going into the Triple Crown season// Javier Castellano describes El Padrino as “laid-back” and seems accepting of the fact he gave up the mount on Union Rags to ride for Pletcher instead// Buzz is picking up for Cigar Street in Sunday’s Louisiana Derby (G2). It will be just his third race, but Cigar Street is coming off a 13 3/4 length maiden romp at the Fair Grounds which was as visually impressive as any win from the other Louisiana Derby entrants// Alpha is still on course for the Wood Memorial (G1)- as of now. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin hasn’t switched the plan in almost a week, which is a nice respite from the once frequent changes to the horse’s schedule. McLaughlin thinks Gemologist is the one to beat in the Wood. He and Alpha will most likely face Casual Trick, My Adonis, Street Life, The Lumber Guy, and Tiger Walk// Bob Baffert is out of the hospital in Dubai, where he suffered a heart attack earlier in the week. His assistant Jimmy Barnes said Bodemeister, who finished second last time out in the San Felipe (G2), will ship to Oaklawn for the Arkansas Derby (G1). Baffert’s Secret Circle and Drill put in official workouts Thursday, with the former posting a bullet move in 5-furlongs and the latter going an extended 1 mile// Lucky Chappy continues to be the center of attention for the UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai. Much of that has to do with his Derby winning connections Graham Motion and Team Valor. He faces a tough challenge Saturday against several successful horses, includes Aidan O’Brien’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) winner Wrote// more…

Articles

All eyes on Union Rags (Bloodhorse Blog)

Union Rags a Brothers/IEAH pinhooking star (Bloodhorse)

Union Rags set to tackle all comers (Graded Stakes Blog)

Union Rags an imposing challenge for El Padrino in Florida Derby (DRF)

Race likely a preview of Kentucky Derby (Miami Herald)

Neck ‘n Neck a cause of own trouble (The Downey Profile)

Castellano rolls with the punch (The Downey Profile)

How far can Cigar Street go? (Zipse at the Track Blog)

Cigar Street wise guy horse? Arm Force scratched (The Downey Profile)

Alpha heading back to New York for Wood Memorial (DRF)

Bodemeister looks headed to Arkansas Derby instead of Santa Anita Derby (DRF)

Prospective is tough on Triple Crown Trail (Bloodhorse)

Lucky Chappy faces stiff test in UAE Derby (DRF)

Lucky Chappy set for UAE Derby (MichaelCompton.com)

Thursday’s UAE Derby notes (The Downey Profile)

Rosie goes for another rosy bayou win (Miami Herald)

Secret Circle drills sharp 5F at Santa Anita (Bloodhorse)

Field of 10 expected for Santa Anita Derby (Miami Herald)

Scatman works at Oaklawn (Bloodhorse)

Scouting the top horses and key prep races (DRF)

Searching for answers (ESPN)

For Triple Crown series to remain popular, a star must emerge soon (Washington Post)

Usual suspects train top Kentucky Derby contenders (Graded Stakes Blog)

Jake Mo nominated for Triple Crown (Arkansas News)

Usually reliable mutuel field may fail to cash in Kentucky Derby Future Wager (DRF)

Zoldan-owned horse to again run Derby (Cleveland Plain-Dealer)

HRRN gears up for big weekend (Bloodhorse)

Weird foreign Kentucky Derby horse name meanings (Yahoo!)

Hollywood plans big boost for Juvenile Stakes (Bloodhorse)

Picks

Florida Derby: Dick’s Picks (The Downey Profile)

Florida Derby: That Handicapping Show (Bloodhorse)

Florida Derby: Gary Stevens Picks (Monster’s and Critics)

Florida Derby and Louisiana Derby preview [video] (TwinSpires Blog)

Louisiana Derby: Commish’s Picks (The Downey Profile)

Rankings

Super Six Derby Pix (They Are Off Blog)

Works

Secret Circle SA- 5F- 58:40- H- 1/37

Drill SA- 1M- 1.38:00- H- 1/1

Longview Drive- HOL- 7F- 1.27:20- H- 2/5

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #2
Live odds (Churchill Downs)

Articles
NYRA Notes 3/2 (NYRA)
All about the Gotham (Bloodhorse Blog)
Horses line up to challenge Hansen at Gotham (USA Today)
Casse thinks Stealcase has Derby potential (Toronto Sun)
Whiting thinking of Derby with Cyber Secret (Bloodhorse)
Pletcher loses a Derby favorite but retains hope (NY Times)
Countdown to the Crown 3/2 (DRF)
A guide to a winning Kentucky Derby Future Wager (A Leg Up Blog)
Drill part of Danzig revival (Bloodhorse)
Union Rags setting hard-to-match standard (Lexington Herald Leader)
Union Rags new top Kentucky Derby contender (Yarkbarker)
Union Rags no bargain in Pool #2 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager (DRF)
Keeneland connections spotlight: El Padrino (Keeneland)
The future is in 9 weeks (TwinSpires Blog)
Bluegrass attracts 180 nominees (Bloodhorse)
New trend for Kentucky Derby websites: A fan's view (Yahoo!)

Works
Reveron- CRC- 4F- 1.00:80- H- 1/14
Prospective- PMM- 4F- 48:80- B- 2/18
Howe Great- PMM- 5F- 1.03:44- B- 7/14
Castaway- SA- 5F- 1.01:20- H- 20/36

News and bits from the web and Twitter
"Creative Cause barreling through his gallop. Bounces out of his 1:11.80 the right way"- ClockerDH 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

Drill back on track in San Vicente// Southwest racing tactics for 2 revealed// 11 drawn for Risen Star, El Padrino adds spice// Union Rags ready

Seemingly past his prime, not many really thought Drill could put in a winning effort in Sunday’s San Vicente (G2) at Santa Anita. He did just that in a hard fought stretch duel with runner-up American Act covering the 7-furlong distance in 1:21.28. Before fully proclaiming Drill as a serious Kentucky Derby contender one needs to look at his past performances first. He was entered in four route races as a two-year-old and beaten by a combined 46 lengths. Even trainer Bob Baffert was quoted as saying “I wouldn’t run out and buy a future book bet on him”. The semi-disappointment in the race was 1-2 favorite Creative Cause, who trailed the small four-horse field in the early stages before racing wide into the stretch and finishing a late closing third. There’s no doubt he was doing his best running late and a stretch out in distance, most likely in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn, will only help. Trainer Mike Harrington said it was just what they were looking for in Creative Cause’s return race. American Act ran very admirably in only his second race and just missed his first graded stakes victory by a nose. He set quick fractions and seems to do best when he’s on the lead, but that tactic is not recommended for Derby-caliber horses. His pedigree also suggests 10-fulrongs could be too long.

The horseracing spotlight will be on the two Southwest Stakes (G3) races at Oaklawn Park on President’s Day. For articles, PPs, and picks check out the upcoming page here. It was reported Sunday that trainer Allen Milligan has been working on a more aggressive running style for King Corral who started well behind in the Smarty Jones Stakes. The trainer has also been leaning harder on Jake Mo and plans are for the horse to set the pace Monday.

Entries were drawn well in advance of Saturday’s running of the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at the Fair Grounds. 11 colts and geldings will vie in the $300,000 Derby prep including Mr. Bowling, winner of the LeComte Stakes (G3) on the same track. He will not only face five horses from that race again, but also a formidable new shipper in El Padrino, who will carry four less pounds. Full entries can be viewed here

Union Rags put in final preparations for next Sunday’s Fountain of Youth (G2) with a 4-furlong breeze from the gate at Palm Meadows. Michael Matz says with a little more gate training this week the horse should be ready for his return// El Padrino apparently had an excellent 4 panel move for Todd Pletcher while stablemate Gemologist tired in his 5-furlong breeze. That’s probably not too worrying at this point considering it was only his third work since a layoff and the longest of the year// Hansen fired a bullet move at Gulfstream breezing 5-furlongs in 59 flat, the quickest of 31 others at the distance// Delta Jackpot (G3) winner Sabercat is continuing his steady workout routine at Santa Anita ahead of the San Felipe (G2).

Upcoming:

Monday- Southwest Stakes (G3)- for PPs, articles, and picks click here

Saturday- Risen Star Stakes (G2)- entries

San Vicente (G2)

Winner: Drill

Jockey: Martin Garcia

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Chart: Equibase Chart

Replay: YouTube

Wrap-up Articles: DRF / TTimes / Brisnet / Bloodhorse

Beyer Speed Figure: 94 (Preliminary)

Articles

The Morning Line(s): Southwest Stakes (The Derby Post)

Oaklawn Barn Notes 2/19 (Oaklawn Park)

Union Rags among three Kentucky Derby prospects busy working (DRF)

Union Rags ‘ready to go’ for Fountain of Youth (TTimes)

Risen Star Preview articles: DRF / Brisnet / Bloodhorse

Sabercat remains on target for San Felipe (DRF)

Dullahan resumes working out for Palm Beach (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby Trail: red, white, and Godolphin blue (Bloodhorse Blog)

Toby Keith eyes Kentucky Derby, sending a horse to Oaklawn (Tulsa World)

March Madness meets racing in Santa Anita online contest (Brisnet)

Works

2/19:

Power World- PAY- 3F- 36:40 -B- 2/7

Sabercat- SA- 5F- 1.01:80- H- 23/37

Midnight Transfer- SA- 7F- 1.25:20- H- 2/4

Hansen- GP- 5F- 59:00- H- 1/31

Currency Swap- GP- 4F- 47:00- H- 2/32

Gemologist- PMM- 5F- 1.03:88- B- 29/32

Dan and Sheila- PMM- 5F- 1.01:56- B- 9/32

Midnight Serenade- CRC- 3F- 37:00- B- 2/9

Union Rags- PMM- 4F- 48:81 B- 7/18

El Padrino- PMM- 4F- 48:91- B- 14/18

2/18:

Chips All In- SA- 4F- 46:80- B- 1/8 (Turf)

Empire Way- HOL- 5F- 1.01:80- H- 30/50

Isn't He Clever- SUN- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 2/21

Shkspeare Shaliyah- BEL- 4F- 49:66- B- 49/98

My Adonis- BEL- 5F- 1.00:27- B- 1/22

Friscan- FH- 5F-1.01:00- B- 3/10

Hakama- FH- 4F- 50:40- B- 4/5

Hogy- HAW- 4F- 50:40- B-17/49

Gold Megillah- PMM- 5F- 1.02:05- B- 12/23

Casual Trick- PMM- 5F- 1.00:41- B- 3/23

Prospective- PMM- 5F- 1.01:62- B- 6/23

Motor City- PMM- 4F- 51:12 B- 32/39

Hello Prince- CRC- 4F- 51:00- B- 42/71

Hammers Terror- FG- 4F- 48:80- B- 14/62 (Good)

Ted's Folly- FG- 4F- 51:20- B- 48/62

Dullahan- GP- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 14/26

Mr. Prankster- TP- 4F- 49:20- B- 6/13

Creative Cause to face 5 in San Vicente// Official Graded Earnings list released// No dye for Hansen// Optimizer the best in Southwest?

One of the big questions along the Kentucky Derby Trail seems to always be how promising juveniles will fare in their sophomore year. Recent conventional wisdom suggests they don’t hold up well. Just last year we saw the descent of early favorites Uncle Mo and To Honor and Serve, although both bounced back somewhat after the Derby. There seems to be something about the slow period of mid-November to February that either causes a horse to grow, mature, and progress or become a shadow of his own self through regression, injury, or ailment.

Sunday should give somewhat of an answer to that question for Creative Cause, currently #2 in the CTD Top 5, who makes his 3-year-old debut in the San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita. However, we may not get a definitive answer on where he stands off a three-and-a-half month layoff for a host of reasons. Creative Cause is only facing five other sophomores and only one is a stakes winner. That would be Drill, who has run off the board in his last four starts and seems to be past his prime. The San Vicente is also only one-turn, which means it could benefit other horses that may not be Derby material but are more suited to sprinting. Nonetheless, it will be telling to witness Creative Cause’s demeanor, motion, and effort. For details on his competition there are links to several preview articles below. Also, PPs, race videos, and picks are available on the race page here.

Churchill Downs released the first Official Graded Earnings list today. The top 20 after April 28^th are eligible to enter the Kentucky Derby. As it stands now- and the list will change drastically over the coming months- there is a three-way tie for spots #18 through #20. Those horses currently have $120,000 in earnings, which is the exact same amount Derby Kitten had in 2011 to fill the final spot in the Derby gate. The average amount for spot #20 in the past five years has been $132,650. I’ve been keeping an unofficial Graded Earnings list for the 2012 Kentucky Derby for several weeks and there are some inconsistencies and question marks between it and the official version. Two horses are absent from the rankings- She Digs Me and Seven Lively Sins. One would then assume they are off the trail although it has not been reported to the public. Furthermore, Todd Pletcher’s Overdriven made the list despite recent quotes from the trainer indicating it’s nearly impossible the colt can make it May 5^th.

Trainer Kenny Smith thinks Reckless Jerry is sitting on a big effort in Monday’s Southwest as long as he gets a better trip than he did in the Smarty Jones Stakes. D. Wayne Lukas believes Optimizer is the best horse in the probable Southwest field, but says the colt needs more distance. Even if the race were 10 furlongs I have a feeling bettors would disagree with his statement, seeing as Optimizer has been off the board in his last three races// According to both trainer and jockey of Lady of Fifty, the filly does not necessarily need the early lead to win the El Camino Real// Nice feature on My Adonis, who will meet Hansen again, this time in New York in the Gotham Stakes (G3). Steve Haskin thinks My Adonis is a serious threat to pass Hansen in the stretch at Aqueduct.

Speaking of Hansen and the Gotham, the Aqueduct stewards ruled against the dyeing of his mane and tail. In my opinion the whole idea and buzz surrounding it amount to nothing. I’m all for promoting the sport in unique ways and don’t consider myself too much of a traditionalist, but the idea to color the horse would not bring new permanent fans to the sport or attract positive attention. Frankly, would anyone aside from a four-year-old that likes carousels really care to vote on a color? Hopefully the story will now go away…

Upcoming Graded Races:

El Camino Real Derby (G3)- PPs, race videos, picks and more here

San Vicente (G2)- PPs, race videos, picks and more here

Articles

San Vicente Previews: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Shippers offer stern test for Hollendorfer pair in El Camino (DRF)

Lady of Fifty runs with males in El Camino Derby (San Francisco Chronicle)

A Derby candidate in Pegram’s stable? (Princeton Daily Clarion)

Oaklawn Barn Notes 2/16 [news on Reckless Jerry, Optimizer, and Atigun] (Oaklawn Park)

New York stewards deny color request [for Hansen] (Courier Journal Blog)

More on Hansen’s color rejection (TTimes)

I’ll Have Another earns his first [pedigree profile] (Bloodhorse)

Haskin’s Derby Trail: My Adonis to take on Hansen again in Gotham Stakes (Bloodhorse Blog)

More added to Union Rags’ readiness (The Downey Profile)

Stepping in the gate (ESPN)

Updated Ragozin numbers for Derby preps (TTimes)

Hutcheson Stakes review [video] (TwinSpires)

Kentucky Derby fantasy picks (Forbes Online)

The Kentucky Derby’s confusing gambling options (Yahoo!)

Graded Earnings

Official list (Churchill Downs)

Handicapper Picks:

The Commish’s picks- El Camino (The Downey Profile)

Works

Reckless Jerry- OP- 4F- 49:80- B- 10/38 (Good)

Majestic Stride- OP- 3F- 36:00 B- 1/12 (Good)

Right to Vote- PMM- 4F- 48:40- B- 2/27

Mr. Style- PMM- 4F- 49:23- B- 9/27

Fort Loudon- CRC- 6F- 1.14:40- B- 1/3 (reported late, occurred 2/15)

Stoney Fleece- HOL- 4F- 50:20- H- 16/18

Union Rags quick in work, Take Charge Indy quicker// Stephanoatsee off the trail// Sam F. Davis & Southwest get interests

The arduous Derby trail claimed another contender with the injury announcement of Stephanoatsee. Last year’s Kentucky Derby winning trainer Graham Motion said “It’s disappointing. I was starting to get a little excited”. The Count Fleet runner-up and half-brother to Preakness winner Shackleford should be back in training in 2 months// Union Rags seems to be rounding into form quickly. His third move since the layoff was a snappy 1 minute and 4/5 seconds for five furlongs. The bullet went to another CTD Contender Take Charge Indy who was more than a full second quicker// It was confirmed that San Pedro Stakes winner Midnight Transfer will stretch out next in the San Felipe (G2) in early March, a race which should also draw Sham (G3) winner Out of Bounds. Bob Baffert blamed a bad ride for Drill’s poor effort in the San Pedro, which is not unusual for the trainer to do. I don’t think it mattered, as the colt has clearly not shown any gameness down the stretch in his last four races// Jeff Bonde confirmed Majestic Stride will try the two-turn Southwest (G3) next. He believes the son of Trippi can handle the added distance, while many believe pedigree says no// The Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs always draws some sneaky horses just below the radar- often ones with trainers that want to avoid the tough Gulfstream circuit. The race is less than two weeks away, but there haven’t been many indications of who will make the field… until now. Neck n’ Neck and Chief Energy, two maiden winners, are pointing for the race along with Grade 3 winner Prospective// I’m always a sucker for Kentucky Derby trends, and Jeff Scott at the Saratogian reveals 4 of the past 5 winners started their sophomore campaigns in March. They are among a group of only 18 Kentucky Derby entries in the past 5 years to do so, with the other 82 entries starting in January or February. Looking even further back, famous Derby winners Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Alysheba, and Sunday Silence all started their 3-year-old campaigns in March as well. Makes you wonder about the January and February graded stakes we pay so much attention to…

Articles

Stephanoatsee off Derby trail with pastern injury (DRF)

Union Rags has sharp work prepping for Fountain of Youth (DRF)

Midnight Transfer to go long in San Felipe (DRF)

Dan Illman: Midnight Transfer thoughts (DRF Blog)

Majestic Stride targets Southwest Stakes after maiden win (DRF)

Two [Neck n’ Neck and Chief Energy] headed to Tampa for Sam F. Davis (DRF)

Derby trail’s late starters (The Saratogian)

3-year-olds to watch 1/24 (In The Money Blog)

Liquidity Trap tries again at same level (DRF)

Mr. Bowling game in LeComte Stakes [pedigree profile] (Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds]

Rankings