Algorithms gets final work ahead of Holy Bull// Other Pletcher prospects work// Updated Kentucky Derby Futures

Algorithms, #4 on the CTD Top 5, put in a final work ahead of Sunday’s Holy Bull (G3). He went the fastest of 9 others at 5 furlongs at Palm Meadows.  Todd Pletcher also worked other possible Kentucky Derby prospects including Discreet Dancer and El Padrino.  The latter could end up in an allowance this weekend, while the former’s next race plans are still undecided.  Pletcher also says he was pleased with Dan and Sheila’s 4^th place effort in Saturday’s LeComte, which was just his second race// The latest Wynn Las Vegas Future odds were released.  LeComte winner Mr. Bowling dropped to 75-1 and runner-up Z Dager’s odd’s sliced in half to 125-1.  Midnight Transfer, winner of Sunday’s San Pedro also dropped to 225-1, which is still enticing// Speaking of the LeComte winner, the final Beyer speed figure for Mr. Bowling Saturday is a 79.  Pretty low for a graded race with supposed Derby prospects// More news on the recent purchase of Canadian 2-year-old Maritmer by Chechnya president Ramsan Kadyrov. They could run into problems with obtaining a license to race in Kentucky// You can view and print the Kentucky Derby trail schedule here, or check out 40+ Derby contenders here...

Articles

Pletcher prospects get in their paces (DRF)

Charateristics of a Kentucky Derby winner (Miami Herald)

Canandian 2yo champ sold to Chechnya president (Courier Journal Blog)

Believe You Can, Mr. Bowling moving on to next round (DRF)

Bowling for dollars in the Big Easy (Miami Herald)

Works:

Discreet Dancer- PMM- 4F- 50:98- B- 29/36

El Padrino- PMM- 5F- 1.02:77- B- 3/10

Algorithms- PMM- 5F- 1.02:02- B- 1/10

Rousing Sermon- SA- 7F- 1.26:80- H- 1/1

Daddy Nose Best- SA- 5F- 1.01:80- H- 8/20

Out of Bounds- HOL- 5F- 48:40- H- 2/19

Hansen, My Adonis work for Holy Bull// Midnight Transfer wins San Pedro, could stretch out next// Beyers released for Saturday stakes

In final serious preparation for next Sunday’s Holy Bull (G3), Champion 2-year-old Hansen breezed 5 furlongs in a quick 59 and 4 at Gulfstream.  All indications are that the work was par for the course, which means professional and eager// Hansen wasn’t the only Holy Bull contender who hit the track for a timed move.  My Adonis went a short 3 panels in a quick 34:81 at Palm Meadows.  It’s not often you see a trainer opt for such a short distance work one week out from a route, especially when the colt has not raced since a flat effort in November’s Delta Jackpot (G3)//

Midnight Transfer just nailed Got Even at the wire in the San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita Sunday.  The son of 2007 Kentucky Derby runner-up Hard Spun could stretch out next in the San Felipe (G2).  Drill was the post-time favorite, but put in yet another dismal effort.  It appears the colt either peaked in October or simply needs time off.  Nevertheless, he still sits very high on the Graded Earnings list, which was updated today to reflect yesterday’s LeComte earnings//

Preliminary and estimated Beyer speed figures came out today for Saturday’s key 3-year-old races.  LeComte winner Mr. Bowling earned a low 80 while Graham Motion’s Kitten’s Joy Stakes winner Howe Great posted an 85.  Nothing stellar// The top three finishers from the LeComte, Mr. Bowling, Z Dager, and Shared Property will point for the next logical prep on the same track, the Risen Star (G2).  Larry Jones’s other promising colt Mark Valeski, an allowance winner last week, will ship to Arkansas for the Southwest (G3) on February 20// Speaking of the Southwest, another colt earned his way to the race Sunday with a maiden win at Oaklawn. Majestic Stride defeated several older horses handily and every step of the way.

Some may remember the hub-bub over Sweet Ducky last year on the Derby trail.  The promising colt was sold to controversial Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov who attempted to bring him into the Derby by way of the UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai.  After a 13^th place finish those dreams were dashed.  Now, the leader has purchased another hopeful, Maritimer, who is a multiple stakes winner on the Canadian circuit.  According to the Toronto Star the connections will try the same Dubai-to-Kentucky plan.  It remains to be seen whether the colt would be allowed in the Derby considering Sweet Ducky was prohibited to run in New York and Kentucky in 2011…

Rankings

CTD Top 5     

Articles

Hansen workout reports: DRF / Bloodhorse / TTimes

Midnight Transfer closes from last to win San Pedro S. (DRF)

Joneses “celebrate” two stakes win (Fair Grounds Barn Notes)

Mr. Bowling, Believe You Can cap big week for L. Jones (Courier Journal Blog)

Star Canadian horse sold to controversial Chechan leader (Toronto Star)

Stakes Results

San Pedro Stakes- Santa Anita- Winner: Midnight Transfer- chart / replay

Works:

Fed Biz- HOL- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 9/32

How Do I Win- BEL- 4F- 49:65 -B-19/51

My Adonis- PMM- 3F- 34:81- B- 1/9

Thunder Moccasin- PMM- 4F- 49:77- B- 24/38

Margano- GP- 4F- 48:95- B- 10/26

Hansen- GP- 5F- 59:80- H- 3/39

Big Screen- GP- 5F- 59:40- H- 2/39