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

Summary:

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

Upcoming Kentucky Derby points races:

Blue Grass (G1)

Keeneland

1 1/8 Miles

Time: 5:40 PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

PPs: Click here

Previews: Keeneland / Keeneland- Quotes / Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Arkansas Derby (G1)

Oaklawn Park

1 1/8 Miles

Time: 6:28 PM ET
TV: NBC Sports

PPs: Click here

Previews: Oaklawn Park / DRF / Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Articles:

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

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

Blue Grass: Several contenders have good connections (DRF)

Interview: Gary Contessa [video] (Bloodhorse)

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

Velazquez plans Derby week return (Bloodhorse)

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

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

Krigger looking to end Derby draught (ABR Live)

Waiting for a star not to fall (TwinSpires Blog)

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

Black Onyx joins Kentucky Derby trail (Spirit of Jefferson)

Kentucky Derby Daily April 10 (In The Money)

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

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

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

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

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

Rodriguez faces review by Kentucky licensing committee (DRF)

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

Rankings:

CTD Top 5 (CTD)

ESPN Top 10 (ESPN)

DRF Top 20 (DRF)

Daily Feed: News on Will Take Charge, Oxbow// UAE Derby could get Derby contenders// more…

Articles:

Will Take Charge headed to Soutwest (DRF)

Lukas to stage another raiding party at Fair Grounds (DRF)

Purse hiked for Illinois Derby (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby points and the chaos theory (Horseracing Nation)

Borel to miss at least another week with broken wrist (Courier Journal Blog)

UAE Derby draws 27 U.S. nominations led by Baffert, McPeek (The Downey Profile)

Workouts:

Carried Interest- PMM- 3F- 38:44- B- 6/11

Weekend Hideaway- PMM- 4F- 49:44- B- 12/27

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 4F- 49:20- H- 19/35

Quotes and Tweets:

“Avare, Eddie Logan winner who ran in Smarty Jones, flew back to Santa Anita today, per trainer Doug O'Neill. "Next start in own backyard."- Mary Rampellini via Twitter

Weekend Recap: Thoughts on Wood, SA Derby, IL Derby// Workout reports, next race plans, more...

While the word ‘chaos’ was thrown around quite a bit one week ago following Kentucky Derby preps in Florida and Louisiana, this weekend’s contests lived up to their billing as clashes of top contenders.  A neck separated Gemologist and Alpha on the East Coast and it was a nose between I’ll Have Another and Creative Cause on the West Coast. All four will move onto Louisville where they will be well backed entries in the Kentucky Derby.

Alpha had the much more difficult trip in the Wood Memorial (G1) Saturday having to check early and deal with yanking to the inside and out frequently by jockey Ramon Dominguez.  Alpha never quit though, and appeared as if he was going to pass the winner Gemologist in the final strides.  Gemologist would have none of it however.  The journey was a perfect outside, unhurried, and in-the-clear trip by Javier Castellano.  In the end, it was Gemologist’s grit and determination that found a second wind once Alpha began breathing down his neck.  It was a gutsy effort by both well-deserved Kentucky Derby entries.  My Adonis, the third choice in the Wood field, disappointed his backers with a second-to-last finish ahead of only the vanned-off Casual Trick (who appears to be ok, but does have breathing problems).  My Adonis now sits at #27 on the graded earnings list and needs a lot of dominoes to fall in order to make the Kentucky Derby.

Trip excuses were given for Creative Cause’s narrow defeat in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), however they were nowhere near the challenges Alpha faced.  Jockey Joel Rosario believed if Creative Cause were on the outside down the stretch instead of in-between horses he would have got the better of winner I’ll Have Another.  That’s possible, but really takes nothing away from the victor who beat his rival in a fair and square all out quarter mile dash down the stretch.  Many felt I’ll Have Another was a prime candidate for a ‘bounce’ given his upset in the San Felipe (G2).  Those same handicappers will probably look for a bounce in the Derby, but aside from one troubled effort in the slop back in September, I’ll Have Another has been a consistent top-level performer.  The story obviously does not end here however.  Creative Cause, much like Alpha, will get a rematch with his new rival on a much bigger stage in four weeks.

The Illinois Derby (G3) usually produces a long shot or two for the Kentucky Derby, and this year will be no different.  Sent off at 12-1 odds, Done Talking will move onto his next race at Churchill Downs at about three times those odds.  It was an impressive display Saturday as he began the race towards the back of the pack and slowly plodded his way to the front in the long stretch drive.  The final time of 1.53:88 was the slowest Illinois Derby in recent history and the Beyer speed figure came back an 86, all of which suggest he’s a level below what he’ll face May 5^th.  However, many don’t put much value in final time and speed figures, and could like a stone closer in a race that may have a lot of speed.  There is the possibility the $311,000 in graded earnings may not be enough for entry into the Derby, however there will inevitably be defections that will help his case, regardless of the results of next weekend’s preps.

Trinniberg continued his solid 3-year-old sprint form with an easy win in the Bay Shore (G3) at Aqueduct Saturday.  Although his connections indicated earlier in the week he could move on to the Derby, they back-pedaled after the race by giving the likelihood of a Derby bid at 15%.

Major contenders for next weekend’s Blue Grass (G1) and Arkansas Derby (G1) put in final serious preparations over the weekend. Hansen, Dullahan, Bodemeister, and Holy Candy all worked officially and times and reports can be viewed below// Bob Baffert suggested Liaison, a non-factor in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby (G1), could still point for the Kentucky Derby if he sees improvement in his upcoming workouts.  Liaison has shown absolutely nothing in all of his dirt tries this year and is ‘Exhibit A’ in making a case to change the current qualifying system for the Derby// Updated contender lists and graded earnings rankings can be found below// more…

         

Results:

Wood Memorial (G1)

Winner: Gemologist

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: YouTube

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

Beyer: 98 (Preliminary)

Santa Anita Derby (G1)

Winner: I’ll Have Another

Trainer: Doug O’Neill

Jockey: Mario Gutierrez

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: Bloodhorse replay

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

Beyer: 94 (Preliminary)

Illinois Derby (G3)

Winner: Done Talking

Trainer: Hamilton Smith

Jockey: Sheldon Russell

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: Bloodhorse replay

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

Beyer: 86 (Preliminary)

Bay Shore (G3)

Winner: Trinniberg

Trainer: Bisnath Parboo

Jockey: Willie Martinez

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: YouTube

Wrap-up articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Beyer: 94 (Preliminary)

Graded Earnings

Official 4/7 (Churchill Downs)

Contenders

Updated CTD Contender List 4/8

Derby News

Sunday:

Gemologist, Alpha headed for rematch in Louisville (DRF)

Wood Memorial: The horse knows the way (Staten Island Advance)

Derby plans undecided for I’ll Have Another (Bloodhorse)

Liason may join I’ll Have Another, Creative Cause in Louisville (DRF)

Done Talking may find himself on bubble for Kentucky Derby (DRF)

Bodemeister, Holy Candy ready for weekend stakes (Brisnet)

Holy Candy works for ‘one swing’ for Derby in Blue Grass (Courier-Journal)

Dullahan sizzles ahead of Blue Grass (Brisnet)

Summer Front to Coolmore Lexington (The Downey Profile)

Trinniberg’s camp still thinking Preakness (Brisnet)

Super Saturday (Pull The Pocket Blog)

The Road to the Roses once again proves thorny… (Amateurcapper Blog)

Saturday:

Hansen, handful of Blue Grass challengers put in final works (DRF)

Reveron hopes to make Derby field (Brisnet)

Holy Candy scratched from SA Derby, to aim for Blue Grass (Brisnet)

Next year’s Derby prospects: Keeneland’s sale of 2-year-olds begins Monday (Courier Journal)

Rankings:

Top 25 (Daily Racing News)

Works

Sunday:

Bodemeister SA- 5F- 1.00:40- H- 14/55

Holy Candy- SA- 6F- 1.13:40- H- 3/8

Drill- SA- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 20/54

Dullahan- KEE- 5F- 57:40- H- 1/33

Raconteur- KEE- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 21/33

Jake Mo- OP- 5F- 1.00:00- B- 1/3

Saturday:

Hansen- CDT- 5F- 1.00:00 4/14

Golden Ticket- KEE- 5F- 1.03:00- 61/68

Politicallycorrect- KEE- 5F- 59:00- 1/68

Adirondack King- KEE- 5F- 59:80= B- 6/68

Howe Great- KEE- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 44/68

Overdriven PMM- 4F- 49:74- B- 11/13

Isn't He Clever- SUN- 5F- 59:60- H- 1/13

Cozzetti- GP- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 4/12

McLaughlin worried about Alpha’s post in Wood// Connections for Street Life, My Adonis confident// Lukas trying to get back to Derby// Scatman, Najjaar work

Derby News

Wood Memorial:

In the gate: Wood Memorial preview [podcast] (ESPN)

Halls desire a beauty of a race for My Adonis (NYRA)

Undefeated The Lumber Guy branches out in Wood (NYRA)

NYRA notes 4/6 (NYRA)

Alpha finally has chance to prove he’s top dog in Wood Memorial (Graded Stakes Blog)

Wood Memorial more than just a two horse race (Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds Blog)

Santa Anita Derby:

Race of the week: Santa Anita Derby (Courier Journal)

Distance, better luck will help Liaison in Santa Anita Derby (Santa Anita)

Illinois Derby:

Lukas looking for Kentucky Derby edge at Hawthorne (Chicago Tribune)

Repole hoping to sneak in back door to Kentucky Derby with Our Entourage (Hawthorne Race Course)

Other news:

Saturday preps could produce a new no. 1 (Lexington Herald Leader)

Scatman breezes beneath the Twin Spires (Brisnet)

Najjaar breezes for Arkansas Derby (DRF)

Baffert will be active in major stakes at Oaklawn (DRF)

Talamo reaches one goal, still searching for Derby mount (DRF)

Local work set for Blue Grass (The Downey Profile)

Take Charge of the pedigree (TrueNicks)

Hangin’ with Haskin: What does Candy have in Store? (Bloodhorse Blog)

Clarifying the Derby trail chaos (ESPN)

Kentucky Derby crop looking less than stellar (NBC Sports)

Ragozin: Kentucky Derby ‘doesn’t look too good’ for Union Rags (TTimes)

Countdown to the Crown week 14 (DRF)

Kentucky Derby favorites focus on the final preps [with video] (WDRB-TV)

Spa juvenile races have had little effect on Derby winners (Sid Fernando Observations Blog)

Weird Kentucky Derby before the Derby: A fan’s view (Yahoo!)

Results

Transylvania (G3)

Winner: Silver Max

Trainer: Dale Romans

Jockey: Robby Albarado

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: YouTube

Wrap-up article: Bloodhorse

Works

Scatman- CD- 6F- 1.13:20- B- 1/1

Trinniberg- AQU- 3F- 38:55- B- 3/7

Najjaar- OP- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 3/22

Picks

A tell-tale weekend (Bloodhorse Blog)

Weekend preview [with video] (TwinSpires Blog)

Derby Watch April 6 [video] (DRF)

Santa Anita Derby:

That Handicapping Show (Bloodhorse)

Illinois Derby:

A first class prep in the 2^nd city (Thorofan Blog)

Neil Milbert’s analysis (Chicago Tribune)

Notes and bits from web and Twitter:

“Randy Moss on ATR: Holy Candy iffy for Santa Anita Derby. Sadler & connections to decide by this evening”- Steve Byk via Twitter

"John Sadler says if Keeneland gives strong assurances Blue Grass won't overfill, Holy Candy likely will scratch from SA Derby to run there"- Jennie Rees via Twitter

El Padrino given green light, Pletcher to train Derby prospects in Florida// Trinniberg now possible for Derby// Features & picks for Saturday preps

‘Tis the season for Derby fever.  Just three days ago, the connections for Swale (G2) winner Trinniberg claimed the Preakness, not Kentucky Derby, would be the main target based on the fact it was too soon to stretch him out.  Now, in a piece from the Bloodhorse, owner Shivananda Parbhoo says with a good effort in Saturday’s 7-furlong Bay Shore (G3) they will strongly consider the 1 1/4 mile race at Churchill Downs// Not everyone contracts Derby fever however. Surprisingly, the connections of On Fire Baby announced Thursday their filly will race next in the Kentucky Oaks.  There were indicators they would try the Derby, where she would have qualified for the starting gate based on earnings, however owner Anita Cauley opted for the Oaks// El Padrino was sent for an examination after his 4^th place effort in the Florida Derby (G1).  Nothing was found out of the ordinary so the colt will train for the Kentucky Derby.  In a more surprising statement, Todd Pletcher will keep all of his Derby hopefuls at Palm Meadows until May 1, meaning none will have an official breeze at Churchill Downs.   He attributed the decision to avoiding unpredictable weather and the relative peaceful surroundings at the South Florida training center.  This marks a significant change in his pre-Derby training from the last several years, including 2010 when he won with Super Saver.  That year, Super Saver had a key work one week before the race on a sloppy Churchill track.  He won the Derby seven days later on a similar surface// There’s an interesting and somewhat amusing animated simulation of the Santa Anita Derby via ESPN.  I’ll Have Another wins by a neck over a late charging Creative Cause. You can find it in the Picks section below// Tons of features articles on entrants in this Saturday’s Derby preps.  I’ll Have Another, Holy Candy, Creative Cause, Gemologist, and Alpha all get time in the spotlight// Russian-born trainer Gennadi Dorochenko will most likely miss out on the Kentucky Derby with his Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Hero of Order due to not being nominated, however he has another chance if Russian Greek runs good enough in the Blue Grass (G1).  That horse is thankfully Triple Crown nominated, however faces a tall order at Keeneland where he will go up against Hansen and other qualified prospects.  Russian Greek has finished off the board in two previous graded stakes tries, both on synthetic surfaces like the Blue Grass// Updated future odds were released by Wynn Las Vegas.  Despite a third place finish last Saturday, Union Rags is still favored at 7/2 followed by Hansen and Creative Cause at 10-1.  Regardless of what happens this weekend or next-- barring an absolute runaway victory by the above stated second choices-- the tote board come Derby day will be mouthwatering…

Articles

Santa Anita Derby:

Santa Anita Derby could be big opportunity for Holy Candy (LA Times)

Rosario hoping Creative Cause his homerun (Courier Journal)

Creative Cause made favorite in Santa Anita Derby (USA Today)

Creative Cause has eyes on bigger prize (DRF)

Reddam takes risky path with I’ll Have Another (DRF)

Winning team seeks Santa Anita Derby payday (DRF)

Wood Memorial:

Wood Memorial offers glimpse into Alpha’s future (Lexington Herald Leader)

Wood Memorial is a big test for Gemologist (Sports Network)

Gemologist might be trainer Todd Pletcher’s only shot at 2012 Kentucky Derby (NY Daily News)

Gemologist give Pletcher another shot (DRF)

Wood, Santa Anita Derby overdue to produce something positive in Kentucky Derby (DRF)

Fun facts about the Wood Memorial entrants (Brisnet)

Illinois Derby:

Illinois Derby: Distance, class questions for much of field (DRF)

Other articles:

El Padrino, with clean bill of health, still on the trail (DRF)

Russian Greek eyes Blue Grass for Dorochenko (Bloodhorse)

Two added to Arkansas Derby probable field (Bloodhorse)

Trinniberg auditions for KY Derby (Bloodhorse)

The son following in dad’s footsteps [Isn’t He Clever] (Sports Network)

On Fire Baby to train up to KY Oaks (Bloodhorse)

Taking a stand against the Derby prep favorites (DRF)

Union Rags remains future book Derby favorite in Vegas (DRF)

Kentucky Derby final preps; a clear pool hits murky waters (Examiner)

Todd Pletcher has a handle on Derby fever (Bleacher Report)

Solid gold Derby 138 winner’s trophy arrives (Brisnet)

Churchill Downs, Indianapolis Motor Speedway providing extra horsepower for fans (Brisnet)

Future Odds

Wynn Las Vegas (4/5)

Picks

Weekend Warrior picks for SA Derby, Wood, Illinois Derby (DRF)

Santa Anita Derby:

Dick’s Picks (The Downey Profile)

Handicapping the Santa Anita Derby [with simulation] (ESPN)

Wood Memorial:

Commish’s Picks (The Downey Profile)

Historical Derby prep race (Thorofan Blog)

Illinois Derby:

Dick’s Picks (The Downey Profile)

Creative Cause short price in Santa Anita Derby// Gemologist, Alpha square off in Wood// IL Derby crowded and anyone's guess

The fields for three important Kentucky Derby preps were drawn Wednesday- the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Wood Memorial (G1), and Illinois Derby (G3).  The results will send some prospects onto Churchill Downs where their connections will make the famous walk from the backside to the paddock, while others will be left behind to only dream of the scene for next year.  Creative Cause drew the rail in the Santa Anita Derby and is the 6-5 favorite.  He will face nine others including surprise San Felipe (G2) winner I’ll Have Another.  Although I’ll Have Another has not raced in nine weeks, he has been given a heavy workout load that involved two 7-furlong moves and a long mile.  Full entries and a link to PPs can be found below// Attention will be focused on headliners Alpha and undefeated Gemologist in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, but it wouldn’t surprise me if My Adonis or Street Life thrust themselves into the Derby picture with good showings// The Illinois Derby had a whopping 17 entries which includes 3 also-eligibles.  The race appears wide-open with Currency Swap the tepid 4-1 favorite.  He comes off a well-beaten 2^nd place to Gemologist in a Gulfstream allowance, but earned his respect from a victory in the Hopeful (G1) back in September. Mike Repole, who you may remember from the Uncle Mo soap opera last Derby, will try to make it back to Louisville with Our Entourage in the Illinois Derby.  Full entries and preview articles below// Bob Baffert returned to Santa Anita Wednesday.  He was apparently moving slowly from the surgery performed post-heart attack in Dubai.  Other than his three in the Santa Derby, it was confirmed Secret Circle and Bodemeister are headed to Oaklawn for the Arkansas Derby (G1) April 14^th// Larry Jones reported Mark Valeski is fine after losing a shoe in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and will train as if he’s going to the Derby.  Jones will be watching the outcome of this weekend’s preps with great interest as a strong showing by any longshot could bump Mark Valeski off the top 20 graded earnings list// Isn’t He Clever is another horse on the bubble in graded earnings, but his connections are taking no chances.  He will enter the Arkansas Derby in hopes of earning more cash.  If Isn’t He Clever advances to the Kentucky Derby it would be his 5^th race in 13 weeks, which is quite a busy schedule in comparison to the recent trend of lightly raced Derby starters// more…

Santa Anita Derby (G1)

Entries

PPs: Click here (look for April 7th Liaison)

Preview Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet / TTimes 1 / TTimes 2

Wood Memorial (G1)

Entries

PPs: Click here (look for April 7^th Gemologist)

Preview Articles: NYRA / Bloodhorse / DRF 1 / DRF 2 / Brisnet / TTimes

Illinois Derby (G3)

Entries
PPs: Click here (look for April 7^th Our Entourage)

Preview Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

The Bay Shore (G3)

Entries

PPs: Click here (look for April 7th How Do I Win)

Preview Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Articles

Mark Valeski still on Derby trail (Bloodhorse)

Isn’t He Clever will try to pad earnings in Arkansas Derby (DRF)

Optimizer’s final tune-up for Arkansas Derby may come Tuesday (DRF)

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

Expect the unexpected (Bloodhorse)

Irwin, Romans to discuss Triple Crown (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby report April 5 (Brisnet)

Who’s hot, who’s not April 4 (DRF)

Florida Derby day photo album (DRF Blog)

A look back before a look ahead- musings on the Louisiana, Florida Derbys (TwinSpires Blog)

Louisiana Hero or hype? (Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds Blog)

Live coverage of Santa Anita Derby on HRNN (Bloodhorse)

Here of Order, Dorochenko arrive at Keeneland (The Downey Profile)

Works

Secret Circle- SA- 6F- 1.13:40- H- 1/10 

Castaway- SA- 4F- 48:40- H- 6/22

Longview Drive- HOL- 4F- 49:20- H- 11/24

Rankings

Kentucky Derby Top 20 (DRF)

Notes and bits from web and Twitter

“On Fire Baby one of 20 noms to Grade 2, $300K Fantasy; also nominated to Ark. Derby; no decision on next spot, Hartlage said Wed.”- Mary Rampellini via Twitter

“Kenny McPeek on ATR resets 3yo's: Golden Ticket (abcess) to miss Blue Grass for Lexington; Atigun, (orig. Ark Derby), likely to Blue Grass. Saturday Launch, ent. in KEE Transylvania Fri., still IL Derby intended. AQU MSW winner Unstoppable U possible for Lexington.”- Steve Byk via Twitter

Fields come together for Santa Anita Derby, Wood, Illinois Derby, Blue Grass// Bodemeister quick in work// Trinniberg to skip Derby

Ever since the switch to polytrack, Keeneland’s historic Kentucky Derby prep the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) has lost some of its luster. Street Sense did use the race as a steppingstone to his Derby victory in 2007 and several others have exited the race to run admirably three weeks later, however the Blue Grass has not featured more than one or two serious prospects since 2006.

2012’s running of the Blue Grass may buck the trend, if not simply offer more intrigue than any other recent edition.  Hansen, the two-year-old Champion and possible Derby favorite is the likely headliner.  He’ll go against other accomplished runners in Dullahan, who won the Grade 1 Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland; Drill, another Grade 1 winner who will try to reverse his bad fortune going two turns; Prospective, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G2); and Howe Great, an exciting Grade 3 winner on turf. Other probables include Holy Candy, Adirondack King, Ever So Lucky, Gung Ho, Politicallycorrect, and Raconteur.

While the Blue Grass is almost two weeks away, there are three major Derby preps on the immediate horizon this Saturday.  The Santa Anita Derby (G1) is arguably the most key with top contenders Creative Cause, I’ll Have Another, and possibly Bodemeister.  However, there is a good chance the latter will end up in the Arkansas Derby (G1) a week later.  Bodemeister worked a supposedly impressive 6-furlongs at Santa Anita Monday// The Wood Memorial still looks to net graded winners Alpha and Gemologist on the entry sheet, along with My Adonis, The Lumber Guy, Tiger Walk, Casual Trick, and Street Life// The Illinois Derby, a race hardly anyone speaks of, is suddenly all the rage with trainers hoping for entry into the Kentucky Derby through the side door.  It is reported that the list of hopefuls is as high as 20, with only 14 able to make the cut.  High on the graded earnings list for the race are Longview Drive, who may not make the trip, and Hopeful (G1) winner Currency Swap, who finished 2^nd in his three-year-old debut against Gemologist.  After them, the earnings get slim with horses who finished 4^th, 5^th, and worse in graded stakes.  A full list of probables can be seen in the article linked below.

More fallout from the Florida Derby with critical commentary on Julien Leparoux’s ride on Union Rags and a recent surge of Derby attention towards Take Charge Indy// Mark Valeski, who finished 2^nd in the Louisiana Derby, apparently lost a shoe and is a little banged up from the race.  Despite his questionable amount of graded earnings he will not race again before the Derby// It was announced Trinniberg, winner of the 7-furlong Swale (G2) will stick to sprinting in his next race, which is Saturday’s Bay Shore (G3) at Aqueduct. From there the plan is to bypass the Derby and point for the Preakness// New rankings were released below. Steve Haskin kept Union Rags in the #2 spot// more…

Articles

Keeneland Blue Grass beginning to take shape (Keeneland)

Prospective works at Churchill in prep for Blue Grass (Keeneland)

Wood Memorial probables line up (The Downey Profile)

Santa Anita Derby: Baffert will have three starters (DRF)

Bodemeister drills rapid six panels (Bloodhorse)

Dominguez taking it slow wih comeback (DRF)

Wood Memorial: Tiger Walk to get class test (DRF)

Illinois Derby attracting plenty of interest (DRF)

Latest round of preps muddle picture (DRF)

Daddy Long Legs gives O’Brien timely fillip ahead of Kentucky (Irish Times)

Union Rags will be fine (ESPN)

Union Rags ride was costly in Fla Derby (NY Post)

Calvin “Bo-Rail” sitting on another Kentucky Derby contender (USA Today)

Under the rader: Isn’t He Clever (DRF)

Trinniberg eyes Preakness in Bay Shore (DRF)

After the Wire 4/2 [video] (Bloodhorse)

Works

Liaison- SA- 6F- 1.10:80- H- 2/9

Bodemeister- SA- 6F- 1.10:40- H- 1/6

Sabercat- OP- 6F- 1.13:40- B- 2/3

Right to Vote PMM- 4F- 47:45- B- 1/15

Optimizer- OP- 6F- 1.12:60- B- 1/1

Prospective- CD- 5F- 1.01:20- B- 2/5

Rankings

Haskin’s Derby Dozen 4/2 (Bloodhorse Blog)

AP Top 10 4/2 [with article] (AP)

Notes and bits from web and Twitter:

“Assistant trainer Norman Casse reports Prospective will target April 14 Toyota Blue Grass and not Saturday's Wood” - Derby Media via Twitter

“La Derby winner Hero of Order possible for Lexington and/or Preakness, owner/trainer Dorochenko says Monday morning”- Derby Media via Twitter

“Bodemeister worked super this morning 59.1 out in 123.1 Bejarano up.. He's ready!”- Zayat Stables via Twitter

“Mark Valeski cut/bruised hind heel besides throwing LF shoe in La Derby. Doing ok Mon. Won't hunt more GS earnings pre-Derby, JLJ says”- DRFHersh via Twitter