Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3)
Winner (pts): Winning
Cause (20)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): General
Election (8), Pick of the Litter (4), Cerro (2)
Chart: Equibase
Replay: YouTube
Recaps: Bloodhorse
/ DRF
/ Brisnet
Showing posts with label Lexington Stakes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lexington Stakes. Show all posts
Itsmyluckyday goes long at Calder// Golden Soul works ahead of potential Derby start// Picks for Lexington Stakes// more…
Summary:
Two Kentucky Derby
contenders had longer than normal breezes today. Itsmyluckyday worked a mile at
Calder and the report from the Daily Racing Form reminds of us of how nice it
is when Mike Welsch is present. Not only are there informative quotes from
trainer Eddie Plesa Jr., who was more than pleased with the move, but Welsch
makes the astute observation that the Calder course was “cut up pretty well”
just before the renovation break// At Churchill Downs, Dallas Stewart sent
Golden Soul out for a strong 6-furlong breeze. The colt currently sits at #23
in the point standings (or #21 depending on the leaderboard you look at) and
Stewart thinks he’s “very credible”. Although Golden Soul’s recent prep outings
are nothing to write home about, he was always closing and Stewart contends the
more distance the better// A decision has still not been made on whether
Falling Sky will start next in the Kentucky Derby, but the would-be rider is
set in stone. Luis Saez, who rode Falling Sky to victory in a December
allowance at Gulfstream, would get his first Derby mount aboard the son of Lion
Heart// Several handicappers have weighed in on how they see Saturday’s
Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland shaping up. Picks are linked below// Dave
Tuley at the Daily Racing Form makes an argument of parlaying your Derby horse from
race-to-race (in other words: betting the selection to win in each of the
Triple Crown Races) as opposed to betting the Triple Crown wager beforehand
offered by Wynn Las Vegas. He uses Verrazano’s 12-1 odds to win the Triple
Crown as an example of where you would most likely make more money betting him
to win in each leg of the Triple Crown// more…
Upcoming Kentucky Derby Points Race:
Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3)
Keeneland
1 1/16 Miles
PPs: Click here
Previews: Keeneland
/ DRF
/ Bloodhorse
Articles:
Golen Soul works, Frac Daddy gallops, Java’s War
arrives
(Churchill Downs)
Mike
Smith talks Derby (Brisnet)
Outsiders with a chance in Kentucky Derby 139 (The Voice-Tribune)
TCI: Kentucky Derby preview April 18 [video] (Bloodhorse)
Jersey-born jockey Napravnik Derby-bound again (Hunterdon County Democrat)
Point-Counterpoint: Midnight Lute vs. War Pass (Horseracing Nation)
Lukas,
Stevens headline ‘It’s My Derby’ party (Bloodhorse)
Churchill Downs strengthens security policies,
expands screenings (Churchill
Downs)
Rankings:
Derby Gauge Top 15 (In The Money)
Works:
Itsmyluckyday- CRC- 1M-
1.43:20- H- 1/2
Golden Soul- CD- 6F-
1.12:40- B- 1/3
Quotes and Tweets:
"Itsmyluckyday:26.82
:53.82 1:18.29 mile in 1:43.10 last 1/2 :49.29 finished well when asked over
cut up track just B4 break at CRC"- Mike Welsch via Twitter
Golden Soul, hoping to get
into #KyDerby, breezed 6F in 1:12.40 to 7/8 pole. Splits: 12, 23.40, 35, 46.80
& 59. Out 7F in 1:27.40- Derby Media via Twitter
"If Falling Sky runs
in the Derby, Luis Saez would ride, says Nick Sallusto, racing manager for the
owners"- Davide Grening via Twitter
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)
Can
a woman win the Kentucky Derby (New York Times Magazine)
And they’re off: Trail tale edition [video] (Bloodhorse)
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)
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)
Napravnik assigned to Mylute/ Prado likely on Charming Kitten/ Rodriguez cleared to train/ more…
Summary:
Rosie Napravnik, who fell
short in the “contest” to ride Revolutionary by WinStar and Todd Pletcher,
picked up a Derby mount nonetheless on Mylute. The Tom Amoss trainee will be a
big price May 4th, but Napravnik is definitely pleased to be going to the big
dance for the second consecutive year// Pletcher mentioned on Steve Byk’s radio
show Tuesday that Edgar Prado is the likely rider for Charming Kitten, another
probable Derby starter who will go off at long odds// Gary Stevens will retain
the mount on Oxbow, despite a poor ride in the Arkansas Derby (G1). Trainer D.
Wayne Lukas thinks Stevens learned a lot from the experience and will keep
Oxbow more forwardly placed in the Derby// Trainer Rudy Rodriguez appeared in
Lexington Tuesday for his hearing in front of the Kentucky Horse Racing
Commission. He was approved for a training license despite recent medication
violations, but his Derby contender Vyjack will be under video surveillance
24/7 while stabled at Churchill Downs// Word came Tuesday that the connections
of Tiz A Minister, currently right on the cusp of qualifying for the Derby, are
strongly considering pointing for the race. Tiz a Minister was 4th last time
out in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) with no apparent excuse// Speaking of the
Kentucky Derby leaderboard, there is some confusion over the last few spots.
Several sources, including the latest official standings submitted by Churchill
Downs, still have Super Ninety Nine and Code West at spots #18 and #21 respectively.
However, Santa Anita has Bob Baffert quoted as stating “and then there was
one”, which suggests Govenor Charlie is his lone entrant and Super Ninety Nine
is out. Also, the official Kentucky Derby website has both Code West and Super
Ninety Nine removed from the list. So, while most signs point to their absence,
no official statements have been issued// According to Trakus data, Java’s
War’s wide trip in the Blue Grass (G1) resulted in the colt traveling 52
additional feet compared to runner-up Palace Malice. That margin equates to a
six-length victory if both would have traveled the same distance// For
Saturday’s Lexington Stakes at Keeneland (G3) we’re hearing more about horses
NOT pointing for the Kentucky Derby instead of trainers making last ditch
efforts to get in. The filly Pure Fun is going against males just to get in a
race before her main target of the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Examen’s trainer Tom
Proctor essentially said he could care less about the Derby and instead will
focus on the Swaps (G1) as a long-term goal. Todd Pletcher’s lone Lexington
Stakes entrant Winning Cause will also likely skip the ‘Run for the Roses’ even
with a good result Saturday. Other probables for the Lexington Stakes include
Cerro, Hip Four Sixtynine, Johnny Handsome, Pick of the Litter, Title
Contender, and Where’s Dominic// more…
Articles:
Napravnik to ride Louisiana Derby runner-up Mylute
in Kentucky Derby (Courier Journal
Blog)
Stevens remains on Oxbow for KY Derby (Bloodhorse)
Vyjack
will be watched closely at Churchill (Courier Journal)
Pure Fun to challenge males in Lexington (Bloodhorse)
Kentucky
Derby Update April 16 [video] (Churchill Downs)
Kentucky Derby shaping up to be interesting race (GamingToday.com)
Predictions fly as major Kentucky Derby preps wrap up (Ocala.com)
Predictions fly as major Kentucky Derby preps wrap up (Ocala.com)
Goldencents will not win the Kentucky Derby (Zipse at the Track)
Derby points: Moderate bump in prep runners (The Downey Profile)
The bullet train Derby platform 4/15 (Brisnet via YouTube)
Blue Grass/Arkansas Derby= Little Derby impact? (Horseracing Nation)
This week’s Road to the Kentucky Derby (Courier Journal Blog)
Events where public can meet Kentucky Derby
horsemen (Courier Journal Blog)
Rankings:
Top 15
(NY Daily News)
Quotes and Tweets:
"Todd Pletcher tells
ATR listeners that Edgar Prado the leading candidate to ride Charming Kitten
for the Ramseys in Kentucky Derby"- Steve Byk via Twitter
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.
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:
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)
Spiral winner Black Onyx back to
work (Churchill
Downs)
Verrazano arrives at Churchill
[video] (Courier
Journal)
Verrazano will be favorite (Courier Journal)
Derby points accomplish mission- as
long as Illinois Derby winner doesn’t take Preakness (Courier Journal Blog)
Several trainers earn multiple shots
at Derby title
(Lexington Herald Leader)
Rydullic to return to turf (In The Money)
Works:
Sunday
Orb- PAY-
4F- 48:00- B- 2/8
Mylute- CD-
6F- 1.12:20- B- 1/6
Saturday
Black Onyx-
CD- 5F- 1.00:60- 3/26
Friday
Will Take
Charge- OP- 1M- 1.40:80- B- 1/1
Rankings:
A Derby list (Pull The Pocket)
Derby Watch List (Star-Ledger)
The Lumber Guy moves to spot #25 with Jerome win// Reveron injured and out// Trinniberg a go// 3 key contender works
Updated
Graded Earnings
Updated
4/21 (Churchill Downs)
Results
Lexington
Stakes (G3)
Winner:
All Squared Away
Chart: Equibase
Replay: YouTube
Wrap-up Articles: AP
/ DRF
/ Bloodhorse
/ Brisnet
/ TTimes
Jerome
Stakes (G3)
Winner:
The Lumber Guy
Chart: Equibase
Replay: YouTube
Wrap-up Articles: DRF
/ Bloodhorse
/ TTimes
Kentucky
Derby News and Opinion
Done Talking workout
reports: Courier
Journal / Bloodhorse
/ Brisnet
/ TTimes
Went the Day Well
workout reports: DRF
/ Bloodhorse
/ Brisnet
/ TTimes
Went the Day Well
post workout video: John
Velazquez / Graham
Motion (Bloodhorse)
Rousing Sermon
workout reports: Bloodhorse
/ DRF
Derby
hopeful Dullahan closing at right time (U-T San Diego)
Gemologist
will be tough to beat (Bleacher Report)
Countdown
to Derby #13 (Louisville.com)
Rankings
Derby
Dozen (Lexington Herald Leader)
Works
Done Talking LRL- 4F- 49:60- B- 23/65
Done Talking LRL- 4F- 49:60- B- 23/65
Reveron CRC- 1M- 1.46:00- B- 1/1 (Sloppy)
Rousing
Sermon HOL-
7F- 1.27:20- H- 1/2
Went the Day Well KEE- 6F- 1.14:40- B- 2/3
Secret Circle out, El Padrino in// Take Charge Indy, I’ll Have Another breeze// Matz using Barbaro playbook for Union Rags
I haven’t finalized any of my Kentucky Derby wagers yet. Similar to the
latest blog entry by Brian Zipse, I am in the process of eliminating
“pretenders”. I’m pretty certain
Secret Circle would have not made that list. Dismissed by many to have distance and class challenges, you
can’t argue the colt’s toughness finishing in the money in every race entered. The multiple graded stakes winner was
one of the most consistent horses on the trail and would have gone off at
attractive 20 to 1+ odds. However,
the Derby was not meant to be when it was revealed Thursday that Secret Circle
has a sesamoid injury and will be on the shelf for several months. His defection paves the way for Todd
Pletcher trained El Padrino and puts Reveron on deck// Two closely watched
officially timed workouts took place Thursday for Take Charge Indy and I’ll
Have Another. The latter worked a stretched
out 6 furlongs at Hollywood Park.
Doug O’Neill said it was “fantastic” and “he got stronger as he went”. I’ll Have Another will work again in one
week at Hollywood before shipping to Churchill Downs// Take Charge Indy’s
5-furlong breeze at Palm Meadows was in company, unlike I’ll Have Another’s
solo effort. Trainer Patrick Byrne
said Take Charge Indy was very focused and the colt will work once more in
Florida before flying to Louisville May 1st// Wood Memorial (G1)
winner Gemologist’s first work since the race is in flux due to weather. He’s
penciled in for Sunday but could move up one day if storms are expected in
south Florida// Michael Matz is duplicating the Barbaro training regimen for
Union Rags. A chart from the DRF
story shows virtually the exact same spacing and distances for official
works. Union Rags is currently
training at Keeneland like Barbaro did before the Derby, and will also move to Churchill
for his final work one week before the race// As I mentioned several days ago,
be prepared for the onslaught of “The Apollo Curse” talk on Bodemeister, who is
trying to become the first horse since 1882 to win the Derby without racing as
a 2-year-old. It is no surprise however that Gary West at ESPN sheds new light
on a once tired subject. He points
out Bodemeister was actually in serious training since June of last year and
has great quotes from trainers Bob Baffert and Steve Asmussen// Several more
stories and handicapper picks for the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. For
full previews and PPs check out Wednesday’s entry below// For a nice background
article, check out DRF’s piece on Dullahan’s dam Mining My Own who also
produced 2009 winner Mine That Bird.
Mining My Own could become the first mare ever to produce two Derby
winners// more…
Kentucky Derby Contenders
For past performances, pedigree info including dosage and TrueNicks
grades, and best Beyer/BRIS speed ratings go here
Kentucky Derby News and Opinion
Injured
Secret Circle out of Derby (Bloodhorse)
Take Charge Indy
workout reports: DRF
/ Bloodhorse
/ TTimes
I’ll Have Another
workout reports: DRF
/ Bloodhorse
Kentucky
Derby Notes 4/19 (Churchill Downs edited by Bloodhorse)
Barbaro
trainer bringing Union Rags to Derby [with video] (Bleacher Report)
Meet
the 2012 Kentucky Derby pretenders (Zipse at the Track Blog)
One
last Kentucky Derby prep race at Keeneland (Sports Network)
Day
at the races April 19 (NY Daily News)
Kentucky Derby 2012 preview (The Vancouver Sun Blog)
Kentucky Derby 2012 preview (The Vancouver Sun Blog)
New
York fan wins chance to bet $100,000 on winner (Courier Journal)
Picks
Lexington Stakes: Will speed
rule the day? (Downey Profile)
Lexington
Stakes: THS (Bloodhorse)
Works
Take Charge Indy- PMM- 5F- 1.01:66- B- 1/2
Take Charge Indy- PMM- 5F- 1.01:66- B- 1/2
I'll Have Another- HOL- 6F- 1.13:60- B- 5/18
News Pending- CD- 4F- 49:20- B- 5/36
Rousing Sermon, Prospective confirmed for Derby// Lexington and Jerome entries drawn// ‘Apollo curse' talk heats up for Bode
This time of year is rife with Derby fever, and we saw two instances of
it today. Both Prospective and
Rousing Sermon were once questionable for the Kentucky Derby, but their
connections’ decided Wednesday to take a chance. Owner Larry Williams has realistic expectations and hopes
Rousing Sermon can finish in the top half of 20 finishers. The colt will probably be around 50-1
in odds and is a closer from the West, much like Giacomo in 2005. He will need a blistering pace and good
trip to get in the money. Prospective will be long odds as well based on his no
factor 6th place finish in the Blue Grass (G1). However, his prior 3 starts on dirt in
2012 resulted in a win in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby and Pasco Stakes, and a
troubled second place in the Sam Davis (G3). If you’re willing to toss out his polytrack try at
Keeneland, Prospective could have a fighting chance// Entries were drawn
Wednesday for the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland and Jerome (G3) at
Aqueduct. Castaway would qualify for the Derby with a win in the Lexington,
while a victory by Morgan’s Guerilla or Golden Ticket would put them on the
also-eligible list for now. In the
Jerome, Stirred Up needs a victory to make the also-eligible list, but Bob
Baffert seems focused on the Preakness regardless. Past performances and preview articles for both Derby preps
can be found below// Bill Finley argues Bodemeister will not win the Derby
based on the fact no horse has won without racing as a 2-year-old since 1882. The “Apollo Rule” as it’s called is the
only remaining rule that has not been broken in recent years. While seasoning contributes to being
able to handle the rigorous 1 1/4 mile race with 19 other horses, I don’t
believe it’s a prerequisite.
Finley points out Curlin’s 3rd place finish in 2007, but
fails to mention he came from the inside #2 post and steadied several times
throughout the race. A combination
of factors contributes to winning the Derby, not the least of which is luck and
a clean trip// Liaison worked Wednesday at Hollywood Park. No word on how well he went or
Baffert’s Derby decision for the horse// The Wynn Las Vegas future book now
lists odds for Derby contenders sweeping all three legs of the Triple
Crown. Union Rags is favored at
18-1 followed closely by Bodemeister at 20-1// Paul Moran from ESPN writes
about all of the potential to win serious money in the Derby, yet comes off
sounding like a disgruntled guy who hasn’t cashed a ticket-- ever// more…
Future Odds
Lexington Stakes (G3)
Preview articles: Bloodhorse
/ Brisnet
/ Miami
Herald
Jerome Stakes (G3)
Preview articles: NYRA / Bloodhorse
/ DRF
Kentucky Derby News and Opinion
Kentucky Derby News and Opinion
Parma-raised
Rousing Sermon will race in Kentucky Derby (Idaho Statesmen Blog)
Prospective
is a definite to run for the roses (Courier Journal)
Churchill
Downs barn notes 4/18 (Churchill Downs)
Desormeaux
likes Dullahan’s versatility (Horse Racing Nation)
Hansen’s
earliest education (Hansen Blog)
New favorite in Derby
watch (DRF Blog)
Consider
the possibilities (ESPN)
And
they’re off: End of the Derby trail [video] (Bloodhorse)
Kentucky
Derby report 4/19 (Brisnet)
Poll:
Who is your preliminary Derby pick? (Bloodhorse)
Kentucky
Derby’s large field remains a challenge for bettors (SportsMemo Blog)
Kentucky Derby 138 update
with Jill Byrne (Churchill Downs)
Churchill
Downs launches Kentucky Derby mobile app (Churchill Downs)
Hansen’s
body double and those who are fickle (Hansen Blog)
Contender Photos and Video
Union Rags: A Love Story:
Chapters 1 and 2 (Track Pack PA)
Dullahan
on Churchill Downs track (Churchill Downs)
Bodemeister
on Churchill Downs track (Churchill Downs)
Rankings
Kentucky
Derby Top 20 (DRF)
Works
Liaison- HOL- 6F- 1.13:00- H- 3/19
Liaison- HOL- 6F- 1.13:00- H- 3/19
News
and Quotes from Twitter
Bode went back to track today ... Very
very happy -
Ahmed Zayat
Alpha gallops easy 1 1-8 miles under
motionless exercise rider over Belmont main track. Seems to be easing back into
routine- David Grening
Dullahan caution: Keeneland went Polytrack in 2006. Since then,
five Blue Grass winners Poly combined 2-for-47 graded stakes.- Brad Free
Baffert in stable condition following heart attack // 14 drawn for Louisiana Derby// Isn’t He Clever, Trinniberg lead 20 new TC nominations
Almost every post on the site this year has made some mention of Hall of
Fame trainer and 3-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert. While it’s usually concerning one of
his many Derby prospects and where they’re headed next, today is of a more
serious nature. The trainer
suffered a heart attack in Dubai, where he was overseeing two horses preparing for
Saturday’s World Cup meeting. Luckily the issue was caught quickly by his wife
and the trainer is recovering in the hospital// The Louisiana Derby (G2) drew a
large field of 14. The coupled
entry of Mark Valeski, who just missed beating El Padrino in the Risen Star (G2),
and Mr. Bowling, winner of the LeComte (G3) lead the field at 2-1. Dominating maiden winner Cigar Street
is the second favorite at 7-2.
Full entries, pps, and more can be found below// 20 late Triple Crown
nominations were released today.
Those that paid the $6,000 late fee include Trinniberg, winner of the
Swale (G2) and Sunland Derby (G3) runner-up Isn’t He Clever. Bourbon Courage was also a late nominee
and is most likely pointing to the Preakness if all goes well in the Derby
Trial (G3) at Churchill. A full
list of nominees can be found below// Seven are still probable for the Florida
Derby on Saturday including Union Rags and El Padrino// This past weekend’s
Derby prep winners are doing well.
Sunland Derby winner Daddy Nose Best will ship to Kentucky Tuesday and
train up to the Derby as trainer Steve Asmussen thinks he does best with time
between races. His Beyer Speed
figure came back a very respectable 100, but nonetheless Daddy Nose Best will
enter the Derby scene a longshot. Isn’t He Clever could go to the Arkansas
Derby (G1) next if his $188,000 in graded earnings is not enough for the
Kentucky Derby. Spiral Stakes (G3)
winner Went the Day Well may still be a little immature and need another race
according to jockey John Velasquez.
Trainer Graham Motion mentioned the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland
is being considered, which only gives the colt two weeks to train for the
Kentucky Derby. Either way, I’m
guessing the horse will be an underlay Derby day based on his trendy connections
and fact he hasn’t raced against any other likely Derby starters// New future
odds were released for all Triple Crown nominees and can be found below…
Louisiana Derby (G2)
Entries: Entries
Preview Articles: Fair
Grounds / Bloodhorse
/ DRF
/ TTimes
/ Brisnet
Late Triple Crown Nominations
Future Odds
Wynn
Las Vegas 3/26 (via Courier Journal)
Articles
20
Late Triple Crown Nominations (Bloodhorse)
UAE
Derby notes (The Downey Profile)
Went
the Day Well (WHAS11-TV)
A
racing sideshow for basketball fans (NY Times)
Lucky
Chappy hits the Meydan track (Bloodhorse)
After
the wire 3/26 [Video] (Bloodhorse)
Rankings
Top
20 (WHAS11-TV)
Works
Mr. Bowling- FG-
1.00:40- B- 1/29
Shared Property- FG- 4F- 47:20- B- 2/44
Sabercat- OP- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 7/22
Optimizer- OP- 4F- 49:00- B- 9/29
Optimizer- OP- 4F- 49:00- B- 9/29
Neck 'n Neck- PMM- 5F- 1.01:09- B- 2/13
Notes
and bits from web and Twitter:
100 Beyer for Daddy Nose Best, 99 for
Isn't He Clever in Sunday's Sunland Derby…”- Steve Byk via Twitter
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