Weekend Review: Holy Bull analysis// Updated future odds// News on Orb, Cerro, Majestic Hussar, Elnaawi, Fury Kapcori, Honorable Dillon, more

Holy Bull S. (G3)

Winner (pts): Itsmyluckyday (10)

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Shanghai Bobby (4), Clearly Now (2), Joshua’s Comprise (1)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Recaps: Gulfstream Park / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / Horseracing Nation

CTD Analysis: As is usually the case when a 2-year-old Champion fails to win his 3-year-old debut, the follow-up analysis focuses just as much on the beaten favorite as the surprising winner. In the case of the Holy Bull (G3), winner Itsmyluckyday deserves the lion’s share of attention. It was as close to perfection as you could ask for in a horse race- an excellent ride by jockey Elvis Trujillo, a professional and mature stalking journey from the winner, and an eye-popping final time that broke a track record. His Beyer speed figure of 104 is the highest of his class. The day clearly belonged to Itsmyluckyday and trainer Eddie Plesa Jr., and they deserve to now be in the same serious Kentucky Derby discussions as Violence, Todd Pletcher, Goldencents, Doug O’Neill, D. Wayne Lukas, Flashback, Bob Baffert, and Shanghai Bobby.  The colt apparently came out of the race “110%” and will train for the Florida Derby (G1) March 30.

As the connections and others stated, Shanghai Bobby’s 2nd place finish was admirable considering it was his first race in almost 3 months, he set a solid pace, and he cleared the remainder of the field by over 11 lengths. His 100 Beyer figure was good enough to win anywhere else on the trail. There was some chatter that Shanghai Bobby’s pedigree was to blame for the slow down in the stretch, but I would like to see a change of strategy next time out. Pletcher and Napravnik both stated they wanted to dictate the pace, but Shanghai Bobby won two Grade 1’s without going gate-to-wire.  Perhaps it was due to the #1 post and we will see a change in approach in the Florida Derby (G1).

The Holy Bull was not without complete disappointments. I was expecting much more from Dewey Square, who never got involved in the race.  His connections stressed the fact he took a lot of dirt in the face (and even proved it with a post-race picture), but this is horseracing after all, and if you choose to stay in the middle or back of the pack it’s going to come with flying dirt. We were also treated to a gruesome picture of Frac Daddy’s bleeding hoof, which proved he grabbed a quarter. Kenny McPeek believes the injury cost him the race, and it’s true we probably didn’t see his best race. Kelly Breen blamed Bern Identity’s 5th place result on repeated bumping, but did it cost him all 14 lengths? Despite all of the excuses it’s difficult to hold out hope for any of the Holy Bull horses behind the top two.

Weekend News Summary

The Holy Bull undercard featured some possibly promising sophomores whose trainers have their sights set on the Derby. Shug McGaughey’s Orb defeated a strong group in an allowance, and will be pointed to the Fountain Of Youth (G2) February 23. Graham Motion sent out Cerro in another 1 1/8 mile allowance Saturday, and the colt led at every call of the race. Cerro will start next on the grass in the Palm Beach (G3) at Gulfstream and then probably move to polytrack in the Spiral Stakes (G3) at Turfway. Who am I to tell a Kentucky Derby winning trainer what to do, but I find it strange Motion is using a grass/synthetic plan considering Cerro’s best performances have come on dirt// Fury Kapcori was ruled out of the upcoming Robert Lewis (G2) with an undisclosed “problem”, according to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. No word on how long he will be on the sidelines// Eddie Kenneally likes Honorable Dillon and thinks the colt will improve in his second start off a layoff. He’s scheduled to race in Saturday’s Hutcheson (G2). The trainer also said Majestic Hussar, who won an impressive allowance contest against Palace Malice last week, is headed to the Fountain of Youth (G2)// Goldencents, currently tied in Derby points with leader Shanghai Bobby, had a sharp six furlong bullet work at Santa Anita Saturday. He’s working steadily towards a start in the San Felipe (G2) March 9, along with new stablemate Mudflats. Doug O’Neill said Mudflats is a little unfocused. The trainer seems to have the same issue with Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) runner-up He’s Had Enough, who worked Friday and needed quite a bit of urging from rider Mario Guttierez// The Courier-Journal released their annual Kentucky Derby section, and links to the stories and video can be found below// Wynn Las Vegas updated their future odds list right after the Holy Bull. Itsmyluckyday dropped down to 25-1 after his win, while Shanghai Bobby moved from 18-1 to 24-1// more…

Point Standings

Updated Kentucky Derby Points Standings (CTD)

Future Odds

Wynn Las Vegas 1/26/13 (Courier Journal)

Articles:

Holy Bull stars look likely for Florida Derby (Bloodhorse)

Holy Bull: Setting the record straight (Horseracing Nation)

Pedigree Profile: Itsmyluckyday (Horseracing Nation)

No bull. What a difference competition makes (Pull The Pocket Blog)

Cerro, Orb score at Gulfstream Park (Horseracing Nation)

Olympian Phelps has Derby in his sights (Bloodhorse)

Gutierrez, O’Neill still trying to teach He’s Had Enough to pay attention (DRF)

Fury Kapcori will miss Robert Lewis Stakes (DRF)

Kenneally expects Honorable Dillon to improve in Hutcheson [Majestic Hussar to Fountain of Youth] (Gulfstream Park)

Elnaawi- a new face for a new year (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby Update for Jan 27 (In The Money Blog)

Goldencents zips 6 furlongs at Santa Anita (Brisnet)

After Oaks win last year, Rosie Napravnik aims for Roses (Courier Journal)

Rating the contenders [video] (Courier Journal)

Jennie Rees, Darren Rogers discuss new points system [video] (Courier Journal)

Road to Kentucky Derby 2013 fun facts (Courier Journal)

West Region: Does Doug O’Neill have another winner in the barn? (Courier Journal)

West Region: Ranking the Baffert Battalion (Courier Journal)

West Region: At a glance (Courier Journal)

East Region: Pursuit of dream continues for John Oxley (Courier Journal)

East Region: The champion is Shanghai Bobby (Courier Journal)

East Region: At a glance (Courier Journal)

Midwest Region: D. Wayne Lukas back in game with rising stars (Courier Journal)

Midwest Region: Derby horse missing from Chad Brown’s resume (Courier Journal)

Midwest Region: At a glance (Courier Journal)

Contender lists

115 3-year-olds to watch (Courier Journal)

Rankings

Kentucky Derby media poll 1/26/13 (Courier Journal)

Workouts:

Saturday

Dynamic Sky- PMM- 5F- 1.01:33- B- 8/24

Honorable Dillon- PMM- 5F- 59:88- B- 1/24

Sky Commander- PMM- 5F- 1.03:12- B- 21/24

Integrity- PMM- 4F- 49:89- B- 57/101

Den's Legacy- SA- 4F- 49:60- H- 6/8 (Wet Fast)

Manando- SA- 5F- 59:00- H- 1/14 (Wet Fast)

Super Ninety Nine- SA- 6F- 1.11:60 H- 2/8 (Wet Fast)

Goldencents- SA- 6F- 1.10:20- H- 1/8 (Wet Fast)

Sunday

Capo Bastone- PMM- 5F- 1.01:90- B- 13/21

Violence- PMM- 4F- 48:09- B- 5/44

Normandy Invasion- PMM- 4F- 49:09- B- 23/44

Overanalyze- PMM- 4F- 47:88- B- 3/44

Verrazano- PMM- 4F- 48:82- B- 14/44

Delhomme- PMM- 4F- 49:49- B- 29/44

Oxbow- OP- 4F- 49:60- B- 2/7

Itsmyluckyday ruins Shanghai Bobby's comeback in Holy Bull

Holy Bull S. (G3)

Winner (pts): Itsmyluckyday (10)

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Shanghai Bobby (4), Clearly Now (2), Joshua’s Comprise (1)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: Bloodhorse

Recaps: Bloodhorse

More Holy Bull angles and picks// Uncaptured taking Kentucky synthetic route to Derby// He’s Had Enough works 6 panels

Holy Bull S. (G3)

Gulfstream Park

1 1/16 Miles

Time/TV: 5:05 ET/TVG

Entries/PPs: Click here

Previews: Gulfstream Park / DRF / Brisnet / Bloodhorse / ABR Live [Trackus Blog] / Courier Journal / Churchill Downs Video

Picks: The Downey Profile / DRF DRF Weekend Warrior / Bloodhorse Bloodhorse2 / Triple Crown Champ / Brisnet

Articles:

Napravnik: I had a dream of winning the Derby on Shanghai Bobby (The Guardian)

Shanghai Bobby racing against history (Horseracing Nation)

Eclipse champion Shanghai Bobby headlines Holy Bull (Louisville.com)

Shanghai Bobby vs. The Rest (Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds)

Bern Identity set for rematch with Shanghai Bobby in Holy Bull (Gulfstream Park)
He’s Had Enough zips 6 furlongs in company (Bloodhorse)

Grading the best in class [contender list] (ESPN)

Countdown to the Crown: Week 4- Jan 25, 2013 (DRF)

Escapefromreality will try two turns in Withers (DRF)

Petals on the Path: Meeting Vyjack (Staten Island Advance)

Rick Pitino’s Gorgui set to debut Sunday at Gulfstream Park (Louisville.com)

Workouts:

Little Distorted- PPTC- 4F- 47:20- B- 1/15

He's Had Enough- SA- 6F- 1.10:80- H- 1/2

Nominations:

Withers S. (G3) at Aqueduct Feb 2 (with PPs)

Quotes and Tweets:

"Excellent morning here @Gulfstreampark Frac Daddy and Pure Fun both went super" - Kenny McPeek

“He's doing well. He's wild, and he was feeling good this morning. He was jumping around, but he trained well.  We’ll look to the Rushaway and then come back in the Blue Grass. If successful in those two races, then the Kentucky Derby.”- Mark Casse

Picks roll in for Holy Bull// All eyes on Shanghai Bobby// Pataky Kid breezes for Hutcheson

Summary:

Every January as we begin the serious countdown to the first Saturday in May, it comforts us to have a star attraction. When you have literally hundreds of possible contenders spread out across the country, it’s nice to have some shared point of reference. You have high hopes, think he’s overrated, or simply feel indifferent, but he nonetheless takes the ceremonious first step on the real trail to Louisville. Like Union Rags and Uncle Mo before him, this year’s attention hog is Shanghai Bobby, whose mundane paddock schooling Thursday was the biggest news of the day on Derby blogs, press releases, and Twitter.  The noise meter will undoubtedly overheat Saturday, regardless of how Shanghai Bobby finishes, because his performance will shape the narrative for the next chapter//

Handicapper picks for the Holy Bull streamed in Thursday. Itsmyluckyday will apparently be on a lot of tickets along with favorite Shanghai Bobby// Trainer Dale Romans thinks his Holy Bull entrant Dewey Square has developed nicely and gained confidence since his third place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club in November// Tulira Castle’s trainer James DiVito said virtually the same thing in regards to his colt’s progression, while also noting his aggressiveness.  A link to handicapper picks, previews, and free PPs for the Holy Bull can be found below// Tom Proctor will use the Hutcheson (G2) at Gulfstream Park February 2 as the return race for Pataky Kid. The Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3) winner has not raced since a 5th place finish in the Iroquois (G3) at Churchill in October// more…

Holy Bull S. (G3)

Gulfstream Park

1 1/16 Miles

Time/TV: 5:05 ET/TVG

Entries/PPs: Click here

Previews: Gulfstream Park / DRF / Brisnet / Bloodhorse / ABR Live [Trackus Blog] / Courier Journal

Picks: The Downey Profile / DRF / Bloodhorse Bloodhorse2 / Triple Crown Champ /

Articles:

Gulfstream Park Notes [Dewey Square, Tulira Castle, Shanghai Bobby] (Gulfstream Park)

Shanghai Bobby returns to spotlight in Holy Bull (Gulfstream Park)

Shanghai Bobby starts road to Kentucky Derby in Holy Bull Stakes (DRF)

Napravnik making a name for herself (Gulfstream Park)

Pataky Kid tunes up for return in Hutcheson (DRF)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Will Take Charge (Horseracing Nation)

3-year-olds to watch (In the Money Blog)

Contender watch list (SB Nation)

Workouts:

Mylute- FG- 4F- 50:60- B- 29/43

Get Happy Mister- OP- 5F- 1.01:60- 4/20

Pataky Kid- GP- 5F- 1.00:72- B- 7/21 (Gate)

Shanghai Bobby on the rail in Holy Bull, will face 9// Clawback to stretch out// Excuses for Smarty Jones also-rans// Flashback works

Summary:

Champion Shaghai Bobby will apparently have no cakewalk in his 3-year-old debut—at least on paper.  Todd Pletcher’s #1 prospect will face a graded stakes winner, two graded stakes placed runners, two listed stakes winners, and several other promising sophomores who could be sitting on a big race.  Shanghai Bobby will start on the rail for the Holy Bull (G3), which drew an unexpected field of ten. Full previews and a link to free PPs below// Rick Violette has decided to give recent Jimmy Winkfield Stakes winner Clawback a chance to stretch out. The exact race is undecided, but it very well could be away from New York considering the timing of the Withers (G3) in less than two weeks is not ideal.  Wherever he ends up it’s tough seeing Clawback excel at extra distance. Not that people pay attention to a horse’s dosage index much anymore, but a 7.00 is about the highest you’ll find of any possible Derby participant// Violette also mentioned that Carried Interest, who finished second to Overanalyze in his last race back in September, is gearing up for an allowance in February// Bob Baffert was pleased with Flashback’s workout in company at Santa Anita Wednesday morning. The colt is pointing to the Robert Lewis (G2) in a little over a week// The dust has fully settled from Monday’s Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn, and we now have excuses for several of the disappointing finishers.  Brown Almighty apparently had a “severe lung infection” and will be given another shot on the Derby trail in either the Risen Star (G2) or Southwest (G3).  Officer Alex lost a shoe according to trainer Lynn Whiting, and also suffered a poor break and wide trip.  He’ll give him another stakes try as well.  All of these excuses could be valid, but it’s not enough for me to back the colts in their next race// Always in a Tiz was arguably the most impressive in the Smarty Jones when finishing a hard charging third after ending up stuck behind horses on the rail. Trainer Dominick Schettino noted he galloped out ahead of the field past the wire, but that’s not always what it’s cracked up to be considering a lot of horses are gearing down. Always in a Tiz’s next race plans remain up in the air// more…

Upcoming Points Race:

Holy Bull S. (G3)

Gulfstream Park

1 1/16 Miles

Time/TV: 5:05 ET/TVG

PPs: Click here

Previews: DRF / Brisnet / Bloodhorse

Articles:

Holy Bull: Big money, few Derby points (The Downey Profile)

Eclipse Award winner Shanghai Bobby: Talented colt makes his pedigree (DRF)

Will the road to Louisville get Shanghaied? (Horseracing Nation)

Flashback works toward Robert Lewis (DRF)

Clawback will get shot at two turns, Kentucky Derby trail (DRF)

Oaklawn barn notes 1/23/13 [Will Take Charge, Oxbow, Officer Alex, Brown Almighty] (Oaklawn Park]

Always in a Tiz’s connections ponder next move (DRF)

Kentucky Derby could be made with under 40 points (The Downey Profile)

Road work: Workouts- and a lack thereof- on the road to Kentucky Derby (The Downey Profile)

Zito leads Tampa Bay Derby nominations (The Downey Profile)

Lukas weighs options for weekend stakes stars (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby Report 1/24/13 (Brisnet)

Team Valor revives Rushaway Stakes at Turfway (The Downey Profile)

Triple Crown early nomination period ends Saturday (Brisnet)

Workouts:

Flashback- SA- 5F- 58:60- H- 2/33

Belvin- SA- 5F- 58:80- H- 3/33

Quotes and Tweets:

"Flashback worked great today. Running in Robert Lewis next week"- Bob Baffert via Twitter

Lukas wins second Derby points race in 3 days with Will Take Charge// Clawback dominates Winkfield// Holy Bull news

Click here for updated Kentucky Derby point standings

Results:

Smarty Jones Stakes- Oaklawn Park

Winner (pts): Will Take Charge

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Texas Bling (4), Always in a Tiz (2), Stormy Holiday (1)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: Bloodhorse

Recaps: Oaklawn / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

CTD Analysis:

Will Take Charge helped owner Willis Horton get some of the money back for his $425,000 purchase by beating Texas Bling by a nose in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn.  The half-brother to last year’s Florida Derby (G1) winner Take Charge Indy ran a nice race considering he started widest of them all and stayed that way into the first turn and most of the race. Jon Court had to eventually urge Will Take Charge to get in gear down the stretch and barely hung on for the nose win.  A couple steps further and Will Take Charge could have conceivably finished 2nd or 3rd, however you can’t discount a horse’s distance potential based on what happens after the wire.  His pedigree suggests he could stretch out farther and you have to like his upward trajectory.

The tables were turned for Texas Bling, who beat Will Take Charge last time out in the Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington.  Unlike his rival though, Texas Bling probably won’t like the added distance of later Derby preps considering his lineage is top heavy with sprinters.

Favored Always in a Tiz was closing feverishly down the outside of the stretch when finally seeing daylight after being boxed in on the rail and behind horses most of the race. He definitely learned a few lessons on getting dirt kicked in his face and not getting his way, which should pay dividends down the line. 

San Pedro Stakes

Winner: Distinctiv Passion

Chart: Equibase

Replay: Bloodhorse

Recaps: DRF

Jimmy Winkfield S.- Aqueduct

Winner: Clawback

Chart: Equibase

Replay: Bloodhorse

Recaps: DRF

Articles:

Kentucky Derby update for 1/21 (In The Money Blog)

Frac Daddy likelier for Holy Bull after Monday work (Brisnet)

Is Oxbow a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender? (The Sports Network)

Gorgui (the horse) to get into starting lineup Saturday (Courier-Journal Blog)

Workouts:

Frac Daddy- GP- 5F- 1.01:31 B- 9/30

Quotes and Tweets:

Allowance winner Bradester not likely for Holy Bull, trainer Eddie Kenneally said. "We’re just going to wait and see."- J.J. Hysell via Twitter

“Trainer Doug O’Neill reports Mudflats likely for San Vicente on Feb. 17”- J.J. Hysell via Twitter

Holy Bull, Lecomte probables// Gulfport ruled out// Archwarrior saga continues

Summary:

Probable 2-year-old Champion Shanghai Bobby will likely face a small field in his 2013 debut in the Holy Bull January 26 at Gulfstream.  Allowance winner Tulira Castle was added to the probable mix and posted a long six furlong breeze at Gulfstream today. Another allowance winner Bradester and Gulfstream Park Derby winner Itsmyluckyday have also been mentioned as possible for the Holy Bull//  By Bob Fortus’ count, there are 10 sophomores pointing for the Lecomte Stakes (G3) at the Fair Grounds January 19, which is the next prep to offer Derby points.  Sugar Bowl stakes winner Tour Guide, recent allowance winner Malibu High, and Display stakes winner Avie’s Quality head the probable list.  Others include Golden Soul, Fear the Kitten, Mylute, Oxbow, I’ve Struck a Nerve, General Election, and Hawaakom// The mystery has been solved over the status of Gulfport, an impressive Churchill Downs allowance winner, who missed a scheduled start in the Jerome Stakes (G2).  He unfortunately sustained a cracked cannon bone when working out in late December and is officially off the trail.  It’s a definite blow for the connections and trainer Dale Romans, who held high hopes for the well-bred son of Unbridled’s Song// Just when I thought we had somewhat definitive news on Archwarrior- that he is taking a break in Kentucky and under a tight timeframe to make the Derby- the still questionably official Twitter account IamArchwarrior reiterated he will definitely miss the Run for the Roses and hope for the Belmont.  Until I read an actual article, I’ll still withhold from taking him off the contender list// J.J. Hysell notes turf runner Brown Almighty has posted two bullet works on the Oaklawn dirt in preparation for Smarty Jones Stakes January 21.  There seems to be quite a bit of buzz for his upcoming debut on dirt// Steve Haskin argues we should always “expect the unexpected” when it comes to the Derby and points to Giacomo, Mine That Bird, and Smarty Jones as all having serious question marks before winning the Derby// more…

Articles

Tulira Castle joins Holy Bull probables (DRF)

Lecomte field shaping up (DRF)

Jimmy Winkfield, Withers among options for Clawback (DRF)

CD allowance winner Gulfport off Derby trail with cracked cannon bone (Courier Journal Blog)

Brown Almighty taking to the Oaklawn dirt (In the Money Blog)

Coundown to the Crown: Week 2- Jan 11 (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby Trail- The powers of illusion (Bloodhorse Blog)

Cincinnati radio station to sponsor Turfway’s second Spiral prep (Brisnet)

Works:

Malibu High- LD- 7F- 1.29:60- H- 1/1

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 6F- 1.12:60- H- 2/8

Tulira Castle- GP- 6F- 1.13:20- B- 1/2

Superstars emerge in Holy Bull, undercard?// Contenders work for Robert Lewis, Withers, Southwest

Normally, a 5-length commanding win over the reigning 2-year-old Champion would catapult a colt like Algorithms into the leading ranks of Kentucky Derby prospects.  While that may be the case in some circles, other circles will cast their doubts.  The Gulfstream Park track for the Holy Bull (G3) Sunday was listed as sealed and sloppy, and played extremely quirky throughout the day, giving way to both dominating wins and dissapointing efforts.  Furthermore, champion Hansen stumbled at the start and hurriedly tried to make up for it by gunning to the lead and running a second quarter in a blistering 22:03.  That scenario set up perfectly for lightly raced Algorithms who fired to the front just after the final turn and extended his separation from Hansen with every stride under little urging.

Regardless of stumbles and track conditions, a few things are clear.  Hansen is not a freak who can overcome adversity and he still has not learned to rate – a tactic that should probably be acquired if his connections wish him to wear the roses in May.  Despite these faults it was his first race in nearly three months and he still held on for 2^nd against a decent group of horses. Could more conditioning, a dry track, and a clean break make the difference? We’ll have to wait and see.

As for the winner Algorithms, all signs point up.  An undefeated graded stakes winner in just his third race, he carries the dual threat of favorable pedigree and proper running style for the Classics.  The fact that he’s trained by Kentucky Derby and Belmont winning trainer Todd Pletcher, who not only swept the two graded races on Sunday’s card but also proved to have another Derby threat from an undercard race, will only embolden his backers.  Pletcher stated he’s unsure of where to go next with Algorithms, other than the fact he would like to separate some of his leading contenders, a list that seems to grow by the day.

The show spot in the Holy Bull went to My Adonis, who encountered some bumping at the start yet was able to compose himself and make a late charge. 

  

El Padrino was the impressive victor in the aforementioned undercard entry-level optional claimer at Gulfstream.  In a perfectly timed move by Javier Castellano, the colt overtook Take Charge Indy deep in the stretch to win by 2-lenghts in a final time of 1:42.68.  The top two finishers were well clear of the remaining field by almost 14 lengths.  It also appeared Calvin Borel may have pushed the button on Take Charge Indy a bit too soon in the backstretch.  Considering it was the colt’s first race since the Breeders’ Cup it was an admirable effort that should set him up well for the next race, presumably the Fountain of Youth (G2).  Favorite Casual Trick showed absolutely nothing when the race turned serious before the stretch.  He was virtually spinning his wheels and ended up last of all except for Gaelico who was pulled up. The winner earned a speedy 100 Beyer Speed figure for the win at 1 1/16 miles, which was higher than the 98 his stablemate received for the Holy Bull win.  Both figures are exceptional for sophomores at this time of year, especially considering recent trends.

Key workouts occurred from East to West and in between Sunday.  At Santa Anita, Rousing Sermon, 2^nd in the CashCall Fututity (G1) by a neck last out, put in a serious 4-furlong work.  According to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer the colt is set for Saturday’s Robert Lewis (G2)// Smarty Jones Stakes winner Junebugred breezed a quick 4-furlongs at Oaklawn in preparation for the Southwest (G3).  He’ll face some of the same horses from the Smarty Jones, including 4^th place Jake Mo who also worked Sunday// Todd Pletcher’s How Do I Win and Gary Contessa’s Speightscity worked at Belmont for Saturday’s Withers (G3) at Aqueduct.  They’ll go against presumed favorite Alpha whose connections plan to enter in all three New York preps// The Courier-Journal released their annual Kentucky Derby guide, which includes an overview of contenders, rankings, schedules, and coverage of geographical “divisions”.  All linked below…

Results

Holy Bull S. (G3)

Winner: Algorithms

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: YouTube

Beyer: 98

Articles: Gulfstream Park / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet / The Derby Post

Gulfstream Park Race 7- Allowance Optional Claiming

Winner: El Padrino

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: Bloodhorse replay

Beyer: 100

Articles: DRF / Brisnet

Other Articles

Junebugred back to work with Southwest in mind  [with video] (Oaklawn Park News)

Rousing Sermon drills, ‘ready to go’ in Lewis (Bloodhorse)

Repole’s How Do I Win breezes for Withers (Bloodhorse)

Courier Journal Kentucky Derby Preview:

-After capturing Derby magic once, trainers face long odds to make repeat trip

-50 leading contenders plus 100 more to watch

-2012 Derby prep races

-CJ Poll- Our Derby panel rates the prospects

-How Triple Crown race winners fared in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

-The Derby bubble (Graded Earnings)

-Midwest: At a glance / Keeping up with the Joneses

-West Region: At a glance / Baffert barn full of potential

-East Region: At a glance / Hansen a-prancin’ into party

Works

Speightscity- BEL- 5F- 1.00:65- B- 4/28

Twelve Hundred- HAW- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 1/8

Worthington- SUN- 4F- 50:80- B- 20/23

Rousing Sermon- SA- 4F- 47:40- H- 5/40

How Do I Win- BEL- 4F- 49:04- B- 29/61

Brown Eyed Jozi- LAD- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 6/6

Junebugred- OP- 4F- 48:40- B- 4/82

Jake Mo- OP- 4F- 51:40- B- 61/82

Thunder Moccasin- PMM- 4F- 48:93- B- 18/39

Half-dozen for Holy Bull// Undercard allowance comes up tough// Basmati yet another off trail// Liaison fires 2nd consecutive bullet

Hansen is the favorite in Sunday's Holy Bull.  Photo: Horsephotos.com

As expected, a compact group of entries were drawn for Sunday’s Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park.  2-year-old champion Hansen leads the cast as the favorite at 6-5 odds. He could get some early pressure from Silver Max , who was a somewhat unexpected addition to the field.  If those two engage in a duel, promising and undefeated Algorithms could pounce.  The field rounds out to six with My Adonis, who could also vie for the early lead; restricted stakes winner Fort Loudon; and Consortium, 2^nd last time out against Algorithms.  The Holy Bull race page which includes free PPs, links to articles, and race replays can be viewed here// Hansen took to the Gulfstream track Thursday morning, later than his usual pre-dawn time.  Apparently he had a spirited 2 mile gallop and some gate training. Union Rags also had an “intense jog” at Palm Meadows according to Bruno De Julio, who also indicated the colt was noticeably perspiring as usual// The Holy Bull will not be the only race Derby watchers take note of Sunday at Gulfstream. The 7^th race will undoubtedly produce at least one horse whose connections will move onto graded company with hopes of pointing to Kentucky down the road.  El Padrino was supposed to start in last weekend’s LeComte (G3) before suffering a minor setback.  Take Charge Indy, 5^th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and Casual Trick, 2^nd behind Holy Bull entrant Algorithms in his last race, both have trainers who believe their horses are serious prospects// In a trend that will hopefully end Friday, another contender was ruled off the Kentucky Derby trail, making it three contenders in three days.  Basmati recently underwent ankle surgery and will miss the Triple Crown series, however he is expected to make a full recovery// Ever So Lucky, 2^nd in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs in November, has settled in at Gulfstream.  He will most likely work Sunday and aim for the 7-furlong Hutcheson (G2)// DRF has an interview with trainer Kiaran McLaughlin who seems confident with his prospects Alpha and Consortium// CashCall Futurity winner Liaison posted a bullet workout for the second consecutive week at Santa Anita// more…

Entries

-Holy Bull S. (G3)- race page with pps, race videos, articles and more here

-Gulfstream Park- Race 7- AOC- $53,500- entries

Articles

Holy Bull Preview articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet / TTimes / Miami Herald

Allowance draws intriguing cast of 3-year-olds (DRF)

Ever So Lucky arrives at Gulfstream Park (DRF)

UAE Derby draws 136 nominations (The Downey Profile)

Q&A with Kiaran McLaughlin (DRF)

New Hansen Blog (Courier Journal)

Wynn Las Vegas opens future bet on Rachel Alexandra foal (TTimes)

Works:

Sir Bond- FG- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 2/2 (Sloppy)

Team Six- FH- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 1/8

Souper Speedy- PMM- 3F- 37:23- B- 2/5

Empire Way- HOL- 6F- 1.14:80- H- 5/10

Liaison SA- 6F- 1.11:80- H- 1/18

Night Tide- SA- 5F- 1.00:20- H- 15/40

Longview Drive- SA- 6F- 1.13:20- H- 4/18

Notes and bits from web and Twitter:

Delta Jackpot runner-up Basmati of TC trail after ankle surgery. Trainer O'Neill tells me prognosis 'great for 100% full recovery- Jennie Rees via Twitter

Ever So Lucky, following a 12-hour van ride from South Carolina, gallops a mile at Gulfstream Friday- DRFGrening via Twitter

Nice to see Hopeful winner Currency Swap back at track w Terri Pompay- DRFGrening via Twitter

3yo maidens to watch in Sat. 2nd at GP going 7 1/2f -- Zito firster Stereo in Moton and Pletcher pair Colony Strike and Mordi's Miracle- Steve Haskin via Twitter

Also Dale Romans' Quick Wit coming off a second to the highly regarded Spring Hill Farm.Rick Violette's Term Loan big favorite at Aqueduct- Steve Haskin via Twitter

Union Rags in jog out of Tuesday work. Very intense animal wet under saddle, kidney and shoulder sweat it's who he is plus traffic on track- Bruno De Julio via Twitter