Chasing The Derby: Frac Daddy

Showing posts with label Frac Daddy. Show all posts

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

4 ruled out of Kentucky Derby// Golden Soul, Fear the Kitten make the cut// Orb steals Monday workout spotlight// Oxbow posts bullet// Will Take Charge breezes

Summary:

Derby week kicked off Monday with a flurry of defections, additions, and workouts. Bob Baffert announced his Derby hand is empty after deciding Govenor Charlie is not ready and Code West will point for the Peter Pan (G2). Todd Pletcher quickly stated Lexington Stakes (G2) winner Winning Cause will bypass the Run for the Roses and the connections of Tiz a Minister also concluded it was too much to ask of their colt. Those decisions allowed Dallas Stewart’s Golden Soul and Mike Maker’s Fear the Kitten to take over the open spots #19 and #20 respectively. Alan Garcia was named to ride Fear the Kitten, while Stewart was still mum on the jockey for Golden Soul. Both colts will go off as big price long shots, but cases can be made for both to be part of the superfecta mix. Golden Soul should like the added distance and has closed well in most of his races. Fear the Kitten is undoubtedly bred for the grass, but has won at Churchill on the dirt and also closed strong in a majority of his contests// It’s no secret Daily Racing Form’s Mike Welsch favors Orb for the Kentucky Derby. After his official four-furlong breeze Monday he said it was “reminiscent of Barbaro and Street Sense” before they won the roses. Welsch wasn’t the only one heaping praise on the workout as the backside was abuzz over the potential favorite lighting up the track with ease// Oxbow’s bullet move in five-furlongs was overshadowed by Orb’s work, but the final time doesn’t tell his whole story. Apparently Oxbow bore out five or six wide when going through the turn, which was a cause for concern for Welsch. His stablemate Will Take Charge had an even more troubling breeze as he labored towards the end and was essentially “shut down” with no gallop out. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas didn’t seem too upset and was pleased the time was slow as opposed to fast so close to the Derby. For reports and video see below// Several handicappers are choosing Vyjack as their sleeper. If you can comfortably cross out his dull Wood Memorial (G1) effort, then a case can be made. However, I believe the Wood exposed him as a notch below Verrazano and Normandy Invasion// If you want to get excited about the potential of striking it rich Saturday, check out SB Nation’s chart on Derby payouts from the past twelve years// much more…

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings

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

Articles:

Trainer Baffert to sit out Kentucky Derby 139 (Bloodhorse)

Bob Baffert on not having any Derby horses [video] (Bloodhorse)

Pletcher not pointing Winning Cause to Derby (Bloodhorse)

Fear the Kitten brings field to an even 20 (DRF)

Clocker Report: Orb looks strong [plus Clocker video] (DRF)

Orb sizzles four furlongs in final Derby prep (Bloodhorse)

Orb workout video 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

McGaughey talks about Orb’s final work [video] (ABR Live)

In Orb, McGaughey brings real deal and perspective to Kentucky Derby (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby sees Rosario on hot streak aboard Orb (DRF)

New Derby favorite Orb might score elusive win for an old favorite (Insider Louisville)

Lukas contenders turn in final preparations (Bloodhorse)

Oxbow workouts video 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

Oxbow and Will Take Charge [video] (Bloodhorse)

Lukas, Stevens give Kentucky Derby another go (AP)

Itsmyluckyday gallop video 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

Frac Daddy thriving at Churchill (Brisnet)

Frac Daddy gallop video 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

Derby Update 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby news minute 4/29 (Bloodhorse)

O’Neill back under Kentucky Derby microscope (DRF)

Goldencents gives Doug O’Neill good feeling (AP)

Rick Pitino’s putting his lucky streak on the line with Goldencents (Courier Journal)

Rudy Rodriguez on Vyjack [video] (Bloodhorse)

Vyjack and a case of the flats (Pull The Pocket)

Vyjack is a riddle wrapped in an enigma (Zipse at the Track)

Derby works do the talking (ESPN)

Haskin: A mud-dled Derby (Bloodhorse Blog)

Kentucky Derby Historical payouts 2000-2012 Part 1 (SB Nation)

The quest for winning your first (Horse Racing Nation)

Derby Dartboard Race Preview [video] (NY Times)

How to handicap the big race (Horse Racing Nation)

Most interesting contenders in this year’s field (SB Nation)

Rosie Napravnik aces ’60 Minutes’ interview (DRF)

Behind the scenes with Rosie Napravnik (ABR Live)

NBC Sports group announces 14.5 hours of Kentucky Derby coverage (NBC)

The bullet train Derby platform 4/29 [video] (Brisnet via YouTube)

Works:

Orb- CD- 4F- 47:80- B- 5/43 (Splits 12, 23.80, 35.80. Out 5F in 1:00.80 & 6F 1:14.60)

Oxbow- CD- 5F- 59:80- B- 1/34 (Splits 11.80, 23.40, 35.20, 47.40. Out 6F 1:14.80)

Will Take Charge- CD- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 12/34 (Splits 11.60, 23.20, 35.20. 6F in 1:17.40)

10 contenders put in final works// Breeze videos and analysis// Goldencents arrives// more...

Articles:

Kentucky Derby workouts 4/27 [Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Derby update 4/27 (Churchill Downs)

Derby backside buzz with Jill Byrne 4/27 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Pletcher sends out all five prospects (DRF)

Verrazano workout video 4/27 (Churchill Downs)

Palace Malice and Overanalyze workout video (Churchill Downs)

Haskin’s Derby Report: Pletcher on parade (Bloodhorse Blog)

Kentucky Derby news minute 4/27 (Bloodhorse)

Normandy Invasion posts smooth final move (Bloodhorse)

Chad Brown on Normandy Invasion’s work [video] (Bloodhorse)

Mylute workout video 4/27 (Churchill Downs)

Mylute’s steady work no problem for Amoss (Bloodhorse)

Bravo flies in to work improving Black Onyx (Bloodhorse)

Solid works and no worries for McPeek duo (Bloodhorse)

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

Bath time for Frac Daddy and Java’s War [video] (Bloodhorse)

Black Onyx workout video 4/27 (Churchill Downs)

Kelly Breen and Black Onyx [video] (Bloodhorse)

Joe Bravo and Black Onyx work [video] (Bloodhorse)

Team O’Neill back for another (Bloodhorse)

139th Kentucky Derby is Pletcher-dominated affair (AP)

A horse names after controversial oil drilling method… (Business Insider)

Works:

Overanalyze- CD- 4F- 47:00- B- 1/70 (Splits: 12, 23.4, 35.2 out 59.6 & 1:13.4)

Palace Malice- CD- 4F- 47:20- B- 2/70 (Splits: 12, 23.6, 35.4 out 59.8)

Revolutionary- CD- 4F- 48:20- B- 6/70 (Splits: 24.80, 36.40, 48.20 out +1 1:00.60, 1:14.80)

Charming Kitten- CD- 4F- 48:40- B- 8/70 (Splits: 24.80, 36.40, 48.40)

Black Onyx- CD- 4F- 48:60- B- 12/70 (Splits 12.20, 24.20, 36.20. Out 5F 1:02.40)

Mylute- CD- 4F- 50:60- B- 59/70 (Splits 12.60, 25 & 37.60. Out 5F in 1:05.80)

Normandy Invasion- CD- 5F- 59:00- B- 2/52 (Splits 11.80, 23.20, 34.80 & 46.60. Out 6F 1:11.80

Verrazano- CD- 5F- 59:40- B- 6/52 (Splits: 11.80, 23.20, 35, 47. Out 1:13

Java's War- CD- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 32/52 (Splits: 12.40, 24.80 & 37, out in 1:16.60)

Frac Daddy- CD- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 32/52 (Splits: 12.40, 24.80 & 37, out in 1:14.80)

Falling Sky, Vyjack, Golden Soul breeze 5 panels// Ryan Moore to ride Lines of Battle// Training schedules altered// Standings still a mystery

Summary:

None of the three key workouts Friday impressed DRF clocker Mike Welsch. Both Vyjack and Falling Sky needed considerable encouragement late, while Golden Soul’s move was labeled simply “average”. Their times and splits can be found below. Orb had a stiff gallop along with gate schooling and “continued to impress” while Govenor Charlie had a troubling stride and difficulty changing leads. The McPeek pair of Frac Daddy and Java’s War meanwhile continue to thrive according to Welsch. His full report linked below// There’s been little news from across the pond on UAE Derby (G2) winner Lines of Battle. We finally know that Ryan Moore will retain the mount, but an arrival date and training developments have not been given// With the high probability of showers Saturday afternoon and evening, Todd Pletcher decided to move scheduled workouts for a majority of his likely Derby entrants from Sunday to Saturday. Falling Sky’s Friday work was also the result of trying to beat potential muddy conditions// Bob Baffert postponed his arrival to Kentucky a few days, so we will not hear the Derby status of Govenor Charlie, Code West, and Power Broker until at least Saturday. The latter two colts were not even mentioned by Jay Privman in his latest update so their chances don’t look good. Meanwhile, Privman also writes Tiz a Minister’s likelihood of shipping to Kentucky for the Derby after his stakes try Saturday is slim, which is different from what we heard just days ago// more…

Articles:

Kentucky Derby workouts [with Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Vyjack heads Derby works with strong move (Bloodhorse)

Orb gets familiar with Churchill starting gate (DRF)

Special bridle keeps Vyjack under control (DRF)

Kentucky Derby training plans shuffled (DRF)

Joel talks about Orb [video] (Bloodhorse)

D. Wayne Lukas figures his colts can set their own pace (Courier Journal)

Java’s War was declared in the Blue Grass (Bloodhorse)

Upcoming Kentucky Derby full of Todd Pletcher’s horses (Sports Illustrated)

Trainer Todd Pletcher holding full house (Silicon Valley Mercury News)

Countdown to the Crown: Week 17- April 26 (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby report: The players up close (Bloodhorse)

Contenders: Orb, Verrazano, Goldencents, Java’s War [video] (Graded Stakes)

Kentucky Derby odds ignore Wood Memorial jinx for Verrazano (Bleacher Report)

Derby prom (Brisnet Blog)

Kentucky Derby-winning trainers share some special memories (DRF)

News shows to profile Napravnik, O’Neill (Bloodhorse)

Works:

Falling Sky- CD- 5F- 59:60- B- 1/32 (Splits 12.40, 23.80, 35.40, 47.20, 59.60 out 6F in 1:13 & 7F in 1:28)

Vyjack- CD- 5F- 1.00:40- B- 3/32 (Splits 12.20, 24.20, 36, 48. Out 1:14)

Golden Soul- CD- 5F- 1.00:80- B- 7/32 (Splits 12.20, 24.40, 36, 48. Out 1:14.40)

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Points Race

Derby Trial (G3)

Churchill Downs

1 Mile

PPs: Click here

Previews: Churchill Downs / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Picks: Downey Profile / Bloodhorse THS / Equibase

Itsmyluckyday, Goldencents go slow// Velazquez on target// Videos, betting strategies, features, more…

Summary:

With just a little over a week to go until the Kentucky Derby, when every move and twitch your horse makes is crucial, the last thing you need is a tentative exercise rider. Trainer Eddie Plesa instructed his rider to take an easy 4-furlong breeze aboard Itsmyluckyday at Calder, but he didn’t mean to practically walk. The final time of 53 flat was unsurprisingly ranked the slowest time of the day. Now, Plesa will have to decide whether to give Itsmyluckyday a blowout just before the Derby// On the West Coast, Goldencents also posted a slow breeze, however trainer Doug O’Neill was pleased with the way he settled early and then picked up steam towards the end// Conditions were improved at Churchill Thursday with the track labeled as “good”. Mike Welsch noted Normandy Invasion looked “razor sharp” and other standouts included Orb and Falling Sky. He was also critical of Frac Daddy, noted improvement from Govenor Charlie, and said it was more of the same from the Pletcher contingent. His full report with video can be found below// A nice chart from the Courier Journal tracks the weather and track conditions of all previous Kentucky Derbies// Byron King lays out how he sees the Derby pace shaping up by placing likely entrants in four distinct groups: front-runners, stalkers, mid-pack closers, and deep closers// It’s that time of year when there’s too many features to mention in detail. Look below for stories on Kevin Krigger, Ken Ramsey, Rick Pitino, betting strategies, odds prognostications, the life of a clocker, and more…

Articles:

Kentucky Derby Update 4/25 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby Workouts: Normandy Invasion continues to impress [Clocker Report Video] (DRF)

Goldencents final workout at Santa Anita before Kentucky Derby [video] (Santa Anita via YouTube)

Goldencents works six furlongs at Santa Anita (Bloodhorse)

Velazquez expects to resume riding Wednesday (DRF)

Must-win situation for Titletown Five in Derby Trial (DRF)

No Kentucky Derby for Officer Alex (DRF)

Kentucky Derby pace scenario a matter of grouping (DRF)

TCI: Kentucky Derby preview 4/25 [video] (Bloodhorse)

‘Wild Card’ Derby Trial no a misnomer (Downey Profile)

Q&A Ken McPeek on his Kentucky Derby chances (DRF)

Pitino horse Goldencents attracting plenty of fanfare in Paris, beyond (KY Forward)

Verrazano and Govenor Charlie aim to change history (The Kentucky Derby Post)
Ken Ramsey’s Kentucky Derby 2013 dreams kindled with colt (Courier Journal)

Vyjack trainer Rudy Rodriguez [video] (Courier Journal)

Falling Sky owner shuttles between Goldman Sachs, prepping longshot Kentucky Derby entry (Insider Louisville)

Getting to know early favorites at Churchill Downs (Bleacher Report)

Derby dreams begain in St. Croix (ESPN)

Pros and cons of the contenders (NBC Sports)

For Kentucky Derby contenders, practice makes perfect (DRF)

Horse tales: A rundown of this year’s Kentucky Derby contenders (LEO Weekly)

Handicapping Kentucky Derby 2013 weather (Courier Journal)

How to take a BIG chance on the Kentucky Derby for less than the price of lunch (Insider Louisville)

2013 Kentucky Derby morning line (Zipse at the Track)

Thursday morning Derby notes and more (Left at the Gate)

A Clocker’s job isn’t easy, but often rewarding (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Contenders- PPs, pedigree info, race replays, more

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings 4/23

Works:

Itsmyluckyday- CRC- 4F- 53:00- B- 9/9

Goldencents- SA- 6F- 1.16:20- B- 7/7

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Points Race

Derby Trial (G3)

Churchill Downs

1 Mile

PPs: Click here

Previews: Churchill Downs / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Picks: Downey Profile / Bloodhorse THS / Equibase

Rankings:

ESPN Top 10 (ESPN)

Den’s Legacy, Super Ninety Nine out of Derby picture// Updated standings// Churchill activity from Frac, Java, Normandy// Derby Trial probables// more…

Summary:

Surprisingly, Bob Baffert did not allow the drama to build and wait until the last minute to announce his decision on Super Ninety Nine and Den’s Legacy. Tuesday, he told Churchill officials that both colts will not point to the Derby. All Baffert mysteries are not solved however, as we will have to wait a little while longer for his decision on Code West and Power Broker. That news should come later in the week when he’s on the Churchill grounds and looks over both horses, however even after that there will be lingering questions on the health of Govenor Charlie. The colt finally jogged around the Churchill track Tuesday- as opposed to just jogging (I erroneously reported yesterday he hadn’t yet made an appearance)- but Mike Welsch labeled his gallop just “average”// Welsch said Normandy Invasion was the “star of the show” before alluding to rumors the colt has lost weight since the Wood Memorial. Trainer Chad Brown didn’t seemed concerned and says, “I’m right where I want to be with him”// Frac Daddy continues to make a very good impression around the Churchill oval as does stablemate Java’s War// Vyjack was “sharp” but if you take note of trainer Rudy Rodriguez’s comments and the unconventional equipment they have to use, the colt is still a bit of a head case// Full reports and videos can be found below// As for upcoming official breeze announcements: Goldencents is scheduled for a 6-furlong breeze Thursday; Itsmyluckyday may or may not work Thursday; Java’s War and Frac Daddy will work Saturday; Palace Malice will work with blinkers and Mike Smith aboard Sunday// There are 8 or 9 probables for Saturday’s Derby Trial (G3), a race in which the winner receives 20 points towards the Kentucky Derby. Titletown Five is a definite starter, and his connections D. Wayne Lukas and Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung have every intention of going to the Derby if they get the requisite points. Other probables include Demonic, Officer Alex, Forty Tales, Ruble, Treasury Bill, and Zee Bros// Speaking of D. Wayne Lukas, there is a nice feature on him from the Courier Journal linked below// more…

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings 4/23

Articles:

Super Ninety Nine, Den’s Legacy declared from Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby update 4/23 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby workouts: Normandy Invasion has strong gallop [with Mike Welsch Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Frac Daddy gallop 4/23 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Java’s War gallop 4/23 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Trainer Rodriguez guides Vyjack at Churchill (Bloodhorse)

Derby backside buzz with Jill Byrne [video] (Churhcill Downs)

Kentucky Derby horses exercise Tuesday [video] (Courier Journal)

Todd Pletcher discusses his 5 Derby horses (Courier Journal)

Titletown Five among Derby Trial candidates (DRF)

D. Wayne Lukas still looking forward, not back (Courier Journal)

Mane character: Oxbow [with video] (Courier Journal)

Time is money when it comes to Kentucky Derby works (Insider Louisville)

Insider Louisville goes in search of the 2013 Kentucky Derby winner (Insider Louisville)

Shug McGaughey’s Derby Diary (ABR Live)

Bullet Train presents Derby Dreams: Frac Daddy (The Paulick Report)

Making the grade: Normandy Invasion (ABR Live)

Lightly raced 3-year-olds on Derby streak (The Saratogian)

Gary Stevens back at the Kentucky Derby (Idaho Statesmen)

Kentucky Derby jockey hopes to make history [with Krigger video interview] (KTTV)

Crucian Jockeys to tout V.I. at Kentucky Derby (St. Thomas Source)

Rankings:

Derby Top 10 (Left at the Gate)

Top 15 (NY Daily News)

Govenor Charlie’s bone scan negative, everything ok?// Goldencents works, continues to impress O’Neill// Churchill notes// Lexington Stakes PPs and previews// more…

Summary:

What would a Kentucky Derby be without a little injury mystique? This year’s one to worry about will be Govenor Charlie, who was sent to Rood and Riddle Equine hospital in Lexington Tuesday for a bone scan. Trainer Bob Baffert said the Sunland Derby (G3) winner’s “foot was bugging him a couple days ago” and the visit was just a precaution. The scan turned out negative and Govenor Charlie should be settled into his new stall at Churchill by Thursday. Still, you don’t like to hear a trainer say “we’ll play it be ear”// There is a slight possibility Baffert will point Code West, 6th in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and currently #21 in the standings, to the Derby but the colt is more likely to wait for the Peter Pan (G2) at Belmont// Goldencents put in a serious drill Wednesday at Santa Anita. Trainer Doug O’Neill is most concerned with the colt continuing to mature and relax in the early going. He believes Goldencents proved to have made great strides on that front in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), but the Kentucky Derby will surely be a tougher test. The son of Into Mischief is scheduled to have one more work on April 25 before shipping to Churchill// In other Churchill Downs news, Frac Daddy arrived on the grounds Wednesday morning and Chad Brown announced Normandy Invasion will have an official timed move on each of the next two Sundays. Dallas Stewart’s Golden Soul, currently #23 on the leaderboard, will work Thursday morning// The Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland drew 11 challengers, a majority of whom will not move onto the Derby even with a win and requisite points. Of course that’s what their connections say for now. Links to PPs and preview can be found below// more…

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Points Race:

Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3)

Keeneland

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Keeneland / DRF / Bloodhorse

Articles:

Govenor Charlie OK, heading to Churchill (Bloodhorse)

Frac Daddy arrives, Brown makes training plans, for Normandy Invasion (Churchill Downs)

Goldencents learning to relax early during Santa Anita drill (DRF)

Can a woman win the Kentucky Derby (New York Times Magazine)

Final prep races cut it close (DRF)

And they’re off: Trail tale edition [video] (Bloodhorse)

Who’s hot, who’s not April 17 (DRF)

Derby bouquets (ESPN)

Kentucky Derby Daily: April 17 (In The Money)

Derby field starts to congeal (NBC Sports)
Smith secures chance for second Derby win (Sports Network)

Jockey tries to make history at Kentucky Derby [Krigger audio interview] (The Beat of Sports)

McPeek’s busy meet (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby Report April 17 (Brisnet)

Kentucky Derby links past to present (Horserace Insider)

Derby Preview to benefit backside learning (Bloodhorse)

Rankings:

Top 20 (DRF)

Top 10 (ESPN)

Works:

Goldencents- SA- 4F- 48:40- H- 4/17

Titletown Five- CD- 4F- 47:00 B- 2/21 (Track: Good)

Weekend Review: Blue Grass & Arkansas Derby thoughts and figs// Arrivals, key works, defections// Code West goes for Wild Card// more...

Arkansas Derby (G1)

Winner (pts): Overanalyze (100)

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Frac Daddy (40), Carve (20), Falling Sky (10)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 88/96

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

CTD Analysis: Normandy Invasion’s strong runner-up finish in last week’s Wood Memorial (G1) went a long way to quiet all the Remsen (G2) bashers, but Overanalyze’s 4 1/4 length victory in the Arkansas Derby (G1) should all but silence them. The Remsen, a 1 1/8 mile race for two-year-olds in late November has failed to be a key race in recent Kentucky Derbies, and it looked as if the trend would continue with the continuous off-the-board performances of it’s top three finishers in the early part of the year. Now the Remsen looks to be responsible for two Derby starters, which is more than such storied juvenile races as the Champagne (G1), CashCall Futurity (G1), and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).

You will probably still get a good price on Overanalyze in the Kentucky Derby. The Beyer speed figure from the Arkansas Derby didn’t crack 90 (88), which puts the colt on the very low end of recent prep winners. If you don’t subscribe to Beyer, perhaps the BRIS figure of 96 gives you a little more comfort, not to mention the relative ease Overanalyze put away nine rivals after racing wide most of the way. The Oaklawn circuit has taken its share of lumps this Derby prep season and you have to be skeptical of what the future holds for most the Arkansas Derby (G1) entrants, but visually you can’t ask anything more from Overanalyze.

Runner-up Frac Daddy earned enough points to move onto Churchill Downs, but I wouldn’t label his performance promising seeing as he had the perfect inside stalking trip yet was still beaten in a slow race by over four lengths. It was not the most dissapointing display however, as that award goes to Oxbow who attempted a new off-the-pace running style that turned out to be a disaster. The colt clearly did not like watching horses in front of him- or the dirt in his face for that matter- and never got into the race. Nevertheless trainer D. Wayne Lukas will still point for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and likely plan for a more forward position in the early going.

Blue Grass (G1)

Winner (pts): Java’s War (100)

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Palace Malice (40), Charming Kitten (20), Rydilluc (10)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 89/96

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

CTD Analysis: Almost getting left in the gate was no bother to jockey Julien Leparoux and Java’s War in the Blue Gras Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. Luckily, Java’s War is the closing type that likes to bide his time in the back before making a big burst down the stretch. He did just that Saturday after the 3/4 pole by picking off all foes in front of him one-by-one.

What did we learn from Java’s War’s performance and the Blue Grass in general? Like recent years, probably not much. Keeneland’s Polytrack surface is kind to closers and can take its toll on the frontrunners by the time they get into the stretch. That fact was painfully evident as favored Rydilluc relinquished the lead to three horses, including the winner, in the late going. Moreover, a good or poor performance doesn’t necessarily translate to the same happening at Churchill Downs three weeks later. Mark Casse was rightfully disappointed with Uncaptured 10th place finish and is most likely skipping the Derby despite having the points. Many would argue the Blue Grass is proof Uncaptured has digressed from two to three, but there’s plenty of instances where horses run night and day differences between Keeneland and Churchill Downs. Plus, we know Uncaptured likes the Churchill surface based on his two graded stakes victories last Fall.

Back to the winner, Java’s War’s best race is still probably the runner-up finish to likely Kentucky Derby favorite Verrazano in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) in March. That race was on dirt and also generated a career-best Beyer speed figure of 96. Still, even that performance is not enough to put him in the top five of Derby choices, however a deep closer can always surprise if the race falls apart from a hot pace.

2nd place Palace Malice will move onto the Derby, but how serious can we take a horse that finished 7th (albeit a troubled trip) and 3rd in his last dirt outings against questionable company?

Charming Kitten, who made a nice wide late move, got the show and currently sits as the last one in the Derby. How much the son of Kitten’s Joy will enjoy the Churchill dirt and step up in company will be a point of contention for many.

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings

Weekend News Summary

The Churchill Downs backside is filling up with Kentucky Derby starters earlier than usual. Verrazano, Overanalyze, and Normandy Invasion were the latest arrivals Sunday// Vyjack has been hanging out in a hyperbaric chamber recently after suffering a lung infection and mucus buildup after the Wood Memorial (G1). Trainer Rudy Rodriguez was hoping Vyjack could fly into Louisville with the Sunday arrivals from New York, but first has to appear before the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in order to get a license. The in-person requirement is due to Rodriguez having two recent medication violations in New York. Plans are still to have the Vyjack ready for the Derby// With a number of quick defection announcements Saturday and Sunday, several horses that were outside the top 20 in points are now gearing up for the longest and toughest race of their life. Charming Kitten makes the cut, which gives Todd Pletcher five starters. No word from Bob Baffert (surprise, surprise) on whether Super Ninety Nine, currently #18 in the standings, will make the trip. It is very likely Baffert will only saddle one horse, Sunland Derby (G3) winner Govenor Charlie, in the Kentucky Derby// Falling Sky is another within the top 20 whose connections may opt out of the Run for the Roses// Although there are still two Kentucky Derby point races to run, now is the time for workouts to play just as an important role in the news cycle. There were four key works over the weekend from Orb, Mylute, Black Onyx, and Will Take Charge. Reports and details below// On one hand, you have to give credit to WinStar Farms for trying to mix things up by starting a public poll on who should ride Revolutionary in the Kentucky Derby. On the other hand, you have to wonder what the jockeys and trainer Todd Pletcher think of possibly being the bad guy (or gal) who went against the people’s choice. I imagine they’ll get over it// The Coolmore Lexington (G3) Saturday represents a “Wild Card” race along the Kentucky Derby point schedule, and could have some serious implications. The winner gets 20 points, which is currently the exact cutoff number to make the Derby gate, although a tiebreaker based on non-restricted stakes earnings would have to take effect seeing as several horses have 20 points. Code West wouldn’t have to worry about a tiebreaker if he were to hit the board, having accrued 20 points already// more…

Articles:

Java’s War fine, but trainer ‘exhausted,’ following Blue Grass (Brisnet)

Overanalyze wastes no time getting to Churchill Downs (DRF)

Biggest winners of last Saturday’s action (Bleacher Report)

Biggest disappointments of last Saturday’s action (Bleacher Report)

Blue Grass: Finishers that improved their Kentucky Derby chances (Bleacher Report)

Blue Grass, Arkansas Derby notes (DRF Blog)

Mylute drill three-quarters in 1.12 1/5; Overanalyze arrives at Churchill (Brisnet)

Orb emerges from fog during sharp workout (DRF)

Vyjack’s trip to Churchill Downs delayed while Rodriguez applies for license (DRF)

Spiral winner Black Onyx back to work (Churchill Downs)

Will Take Charge works a mile at Oaklawn (DRF)