Mark Valeski declared out by Jones, Lukas gets a shot with Optimizer// Rousing Sermon has stiff breeze// Alpha back on track?

Optimizer, galloping at Churchill Downs, joined the prospective Kentucky Derby field Tuesday. Photo: CTD

Citing little other than “he didn’t wow us” in his work, trainer Larry Jones withdrew Mark Valeski from consideration for the Kentucky Derby on Tuesday.  The decision is surprising based on the colt’s bullet work on Monday and game finish in the Louisiana Derby (G2).  Mark Valeski will point for the Peter Pan (G2) and possibly the Belmont (G1) after that// Mark Valeski’s defection allows D. Wayne Lukas to saddle his 44^th starter.  Optimizer is his chance for Derby win #5, but the colt will go off as one of the longest shots on the board// My Adonis now assumes spot #21 on the list, and his trainer Kelly Breen immediately put the colt on a van to Louisville from Monmouth Park in New Jersey.  He’ll need another dropout between now and Friday to make the Derby field//

As for morning activity at Churchill Downs, Rousing Sermon was the lone official workout.  He completed the 5-furlongs in 1.00:40 which was the second fastest of 18 for the day.  Mike Welsch from DRF gave the move a thumbs-up despite a little stumble// Alpha galloped on the Churchill strip for the first time this year and made a ‘favorable impression’ to Welsch.  Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin is relieved the colt has apparently recovered from his cut and infection following the Wood Memorial (G1)// I’ll Have Another was let loose a little and allowed to run a quick 1/8^th in a timed :12 and change// Union Rags and Went the Day Well did not look comfortable according to Welsch, but Union Rags could have disliked the off track//

Todd Pletcher’s duo of Gemologist and El Padrino arrived safely in the afternoon Tuesday.  Pletcher thinks the presence of speed in the race will not bother either colt as they have shown the ability to sit just off the pacesetters// Take Charge Indy was aboard the same flight into Louisville and will hit the track Wednesday//

A funny-turned-uncomfortable video interview with Creative Cause’s trainer Mike Harrington can be viewed below from the Courier Journal. The 71-year-old trainer seems to be enjoying his first time around Derby hysteria, but is dismissive when asked about the recent hoof incident for Creative Cause.  He bluntly calls it a “non-event”… and then on to the next question. With all of the drama we are subjected to in the buildup to the Derby it’s surprising there has been little reporting or analysis on Creative Cause losing a part of his hoof.  A similar injury occurred to Big Brown in 2008 during his Triple Crown bid and was the main storyline (along with steroids)// Speaking of drama, there is a rumor floating around that Dullahan’s owners paid for Trinniberg’s entry fees to the Derby to ensure a quick pace. Jerry Crawford, head of the Donegal ownership group, flatly denied the accusation// Alpha’s jockey will be officially announced on Wednesday ahead of the post position draw, but it appears to be Rajiv Maragh. The fact a commitment has not been made this late in the game does not say much for Godolphin’s confidence in the rider// Tons more news below…

Kentucky Derby Contender Page

Includes pedigree chart, dosage, TrueNicks, PPs, Best Beyer/BRIS, and race replays

Works

Rousing Sermon- CD- 5F- 1.00:40- B- 2/18 (Splits :12 3/5. :25, :36 3/5, :48 2/5 and a six-furlong gallop-out time of 1:14)

Workout Reports

Rousing Sermon: DRF (with Welsch video) / TTimes / Brisnet

Kentucky Derby News, Interviews, and Opinion

Mark Valeski withdrawn from Kentucky Derby (Bloodhorse)

Interview with Larry Jones (Courier Journal)

Derby bound trio Gemologist, El Padrino, Take Charge Indy arrives from South Florida (TTimes)

Kentucky Derby barn notes 5/1 [on almost all contenders] (Churchill Downs)

O’Donaghue can’t wait for Kentucky Derby (Irish Times)

Alpha gallops at Churchill; My Adonis shipping in (Brisnet)

McLaughlin glad to have Alpha at Churchill (DRF)
Fewer travel miles on Alpha than previous Godolphin starters (TTimes)

I’ll Have Another limbers up [with video] (Courier Journal)

Why Hollendorfer chose Lezcano to ride Rousing Sermon (DRF)

Castellano lands on Gemologist after roller-coaster ride (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby Trail: Derby dreams and nightmares (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby horses stretched, messaged by equine chiropractor [video] (Courier Journal)

Bob Baffert’s success is rooted in training his horses hard and fast (Washington Post)

After 36 years Hamilton Smith gets his chance (DRF)

Owner ‘100% sure’ his horse will win the Kentucky Derby (AP)

Dullahan awaits crucial post position assignment (Des Moines Register)

On location at Kentucky Derby 138 [multiple videos] (Bloodhorse)

From an instant to an eternity (ESPN)

Two top trainers [Baffert and Matz] just glad to smell the roses (The Salt Lake Tribune)

Horses make impressions as they work up to Kentucky Derby [video] (Times Picayune)

Four Derby longshots worth considering (Bloodhorse Blog)

Kentucky Derby betting trends (Bleacher Report)

Kentucky Derby handicapping with the Wizard (DRF)

Dosage and dual qualifiers (DRF)

Derby by the speed numbers (Downey Profile)

Factors to consider before making a bet (Bleacher Report Blog)

The Smith Brothers: Carolina roots, flowering in Kentucky (Kentucky Confidential)

Interview: Julien Leparoux [video] (Bloodhorse)

Interview: Mike Smith [video] (Behind The Scenes Blog)

Kentucky Derby horse: Union Rags [video] (Courier Journal)

Profile video: Rousing Sermon (Courier Journal)

Profile video: I’ll Have Another (Courier Journal)

Mane character: Creative Cause [video] (Courier Journal)

Creative Cause trainer Mike Harrington on his first Derby starter (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby contender: Creative Cause (Graded Stakes Blog)

Creative Cause earns trainer Mike Harrington first his first Kentucky Derby appearance (AP)

Power plays (Bloodhorse Blog)

Woodford is rooting for its Derby ‘Daddy’ (Bloodhorse)

Familiar foes meet again (AP)

No Juvenile jinx in 2012: last year’s racers thrive (The News Tribune)

In the Kentucky Derby, lessons to be learned (NY Times)

Today’s Derbyspeak (Pull The Pocket Blog)

HRRN to broadcast live from Churchill (Bloodhorse)

Rankings

Haskin’s Derby Dozen 4/30 [video] (Bloodhorse)

News and Quotes from Twitter

DRF Hersch talked to Dorochenko, says Hero of Order will not be supplemented to Derby for $200k.

Bluff called. Harrington on Sunday said reporters "could show up with a bottle of Woodford" as gift for quotes. Tuesday, two did. – Jay Privman DRF

Creative Cause, Mark Valeski go quick in final moves// 3 others breeze// Monday notes, sights, and sounds from the backside

Kentucky Derby contender Mark Valeski with trainer Larry Jones- Photo: CTD

Happy Derby week! With 5 days to go until the Run For The Roses the buzz and drama along the backstretch is amping up. A majority of the likely Derby field has now settled into the stable areas.  On Monday, five contenders put in their final works ahead of Saturday’s race, with the most drama occurring around the barn of Larry Jones.  The trainer is still undecided on whether to enter Mark Valeski and will not make the final decision until Wednesday morning when he gets the opportunity to take the colt for a spin around Churchill. Mark Valeski had the bullet move Monday going 5-furlongs, but apparently his gallop out was virtually non-existent.  According to Jones that’s par for the course// Creative Cause flew through a quick 4-furlongs. He was visibly sweating, but seemed eager to go on// Bob Baffert was extremely pleased with Liaison’s first breeze on the Churchill Downs surface and said it was his best work since just before the CashCall Futurity (G1) win in December. DRF’s Mike Welsch wasn’t over the moon with the work from his 6^th floor view, and said it was merely average// Steve Asmussen’s pair Sabercat and Daddy Nose Best breezed earlier in the day, with the latter getting special mention from Welsch.  For videos and reports from today’s works see below// Daddy Long Legs apparently drilled Sunday at Ballydoyle in Ireland.  Trainer Aidan O’Brien called it “routine” which doesn’t give us much compared to the daily analysis we get on the Churchill workers// Jockey Willie Martinez joked that speed ball Trinniberg will sit last in the early stages of the Derby before making his big move.  In all seriousness, he did mention they don’t have to be on the lead due to the horse’s tactical speed// Doug O’Neill seemed excited to be back for the Derby. It doesn’t hurt that he trains Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner I’ll Have Another, who made a great appearance on the track. O’Neill had to answer quite a few questions about the shockwave therapy the colt recently underwent.  The trainer actually brought a chiropractor along for the trip to Kentucky, and he was getting as much attention from the press as the trainer// An always intriguing read is Kerry Thomas’ assessment of contenders emotional conformation profiles.  The emotional profile basically tells you how a horse responds among a herd. Last year he pegged Derby winner Animal Kingdom and favorite Dialed In as having nearly perfect profiles.  This year he claims there are 8 that fit the profile in 2012, with Union Rags, I’ll Have Another, and Went the Day Well on top// I can’t pinpoint it exactly, but it’s always amusing to see Mine That Bird’s trainer Chip Wooley hanging around on the backside on Derby week.  The trainer seems to not have a care in the world and clearly enjoys the attention. He sides with Take Charge Indy this year, but thinks Bodemeister is the one to beat// more…

Kentucky Derby Contender Page

Includes pedigree chart, dosage, TrueNicks, PPs, Best Beyer/BRIS, and race replays

Works

Creative Cause- CD- 4F- 47:80- B- 3/58

Liaison- CD- 5F- 1.00:80- B- 7/28

Mark Valeski- CD- 5F- 1.00:20- B- 1/28

Sabercat- CD- 4F- 48:40- B- 10/58

Daddy Nose Best CD- 4F- 49:40- B- 29/58

Workout Reports

Kentucky Derby Workouts [with Mike Welsch video] (DRF)

Kentucky Derby update with Jill Byrne [video] (Churchill Downs)

Quintet turns in final Kentucky Derby breezes (TTimes)

Mark Valeski: Courier Journal

Sabercat and Daddy Nose Best: Bloodhorse / DRF / TTimes

Liaison: Bloodhorse / TTimes

Creative Cause: Bloodhorse

Daddy Long Legs in final drill, will ship Tuesday (Bloodhorse)

Backstretch videos:

Kentucky Derby News and Opinion

Kentucky Derby barn notes 4/30 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby news minute 4/30 [video] (Bloodhorse)

Jones undecided on starting Mark Valeski (TTimes)

Speedster might not be good Kentucky Derby fit (DRF)

Interview with Trinniberg jockey Willie Martinez [video] (Courier Journal)

Bubble horse Optimizer must wait for Jones to decide whether to run Mark Valeski (DRF)

Derby hopeful Trinniberg full of surprises (Bloodhorse)

Lack of preparation could compromise Trinniberg’s future (Daily Racing News)

Wet weather alters schedule for Take Charge Indy, Pletcher horses (DRF)

Union Rags playful on Monday visit to Churchill Downs track (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby trail: Early observations (Bloodhorse)

Long time partners finally get a Derby horse in Creative Cause (DRF)

Keeping up with the Joneses [with video] (Courier Journal)

Steve Crist answers your Kentucky Derby handicapping questions (DRF)

Profile: I’ll Have Another (Courier Journal)

Thomas on horses (Kentucky Confidential)

Bob Baffert is alive and kicking, just like his horses (The News Tribune)

Will the real Kentucky Derby favorite please stand up? (Sporting News)

Post position will determine preliminary favorite (SB Nation)

The jockey factor (Kentucky Confidential)

Interview with owner Barry Irwin [video] (Bloodhorse)

Went the Day Well brings international flavor to the Kentucky Derby (Forbes Online)

Starting at the beginning to examine the top contenders (NY Times)

The best betting race of the year (SB Nation)

Romans sentimental favorite with Dullahan (USA Today)

Wooley rooting for Take Charge Indy, but picking Bodemeister (DRF)

Bodemeister feels at home at track (Courier Journal)

8 hours of Derby coverage on NBC networks (Bloodhorse)

Helzberg Diamonds signs jockey on Derby favorite (The Sacramento Bee)

Thundering home (Kentucky Confidential)

A Derby won, a Derby lost (ESPN)

Take Charge Indy apparently “magnificent” in work// Union Rags arrives at Churchill// Alpha gets more gate training

It’s harder to get a good read on Kentucky Derby contender workouts when they don’t take place at Churchill Downs.  Usually you’re left with the opinion from one clocker and an always confident trainer. That’s the case with Take Charge Indy’s 5 furlong official move at Palm Meadows Thursday.  Aside from trainer Patrick Bryne noting he went a little too fast, he labeled the work “magnificent” and “couldn’t have gone any better”.  The Palm Meadows clocker mentioned Take Charge Indy was sharp and in hand.  The breeze was his final pre-Derby work, and the colt will fly to Louisville on Tuesday with Todd Pletcher’s contingent// Alpha continues to get some training in at Belmont.  The son of Bernardini took part in gate training Thursday, which is important considering his past issues with becoming highly worked up in close quarters. Alpha is set to breeze Saturday and then fly to Louisville on Monday// I’m late to the party, but just read all the handicapping installments from Rich Nilsen on the A Game of Skill Blog. I’ve linked parts 1-6 below and it’s worth checking out his list of contenders, borderlines, and throwouts. Note his posting on Alpha was before it was revealed the colt had an infection and missed some training time// Union Rags arrived at Churchill Downs Thursday. See below for video of the arrival, an interview with trainer Michael Matz, and a blog post by jockey Julien Leparoux// Nice short video interview with Dale Romans from the Courier Journal. He claims he’s more relaxed than past Derbies and explains what it would mean to win the hometown race.  

If you’re in Louisville next Tuesday try to stop by Molly Malone’s Irish Pub on Baxter Avenue. They’re holding a benefit for Second Stride, which is a non-profit organization that provides rehabilitation, re-training, and placement for retired racehorses.  Entry is just $10 and there will be auctions for racing memorabilia and other prizes with all proceeds going to the organization. For more info go here.  

Kentucky Derby Contender Page

Includes pedigree chart, dosage, TrueNicks, PPs, Best Beyer/BRIS, and race replays

Works

Take Charge Indy- PMM- 5F- 1.00:47- B- 1/4 (Splits: 11.60, 23.60, 35.60, 47.60. Out 6F in 1:14.60)

Workout Videos

Mark Valeski 4/23 (HRTV)

Sabercat 4/23 (HRTV)

Optimizer 4/23 (HRTV)

Daddy Nose Best 4/23 (HRTV)

Bodemeister 4/24 (HRTV)

Liaison 4/25 (HRTV)

Workout Reports

Take Charge Indy: Courier Journal / DRF DRF2 / Bloodhorse

Clocker Report 4/26 [video] (DRF)

Kentucky Derby News and Opinion

Kentucky Derby barn notes 4/26 (Churchill Downs)

Alpha schools in the gate at Belmont Park (Brisnet)

Thinking Derby (Julien Leaparoux Blog via ESPN)

Why they can/can’t win (Bloodhorse Blog)

Interview with Dale Romans [video] (Courier Journal)

Is this the year for trainer Dale Romans? (Bleacher Report)

Kentucky Derby horse: Dullahan [video] (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby horse: Mark Valeski [video] (Courier Journal)

Mane Character: Prospective profile [with video] (Courier Journal)

A closer look at all-weather track winners (The Derby Post)

Bodemeister and horses capable of dominating at the Derby (Bleacher Report)

How the Derby field is shaping up (In The Money Blog)

Garrett Gomez lands his Derby mount: Daddy Nose Best (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby contender Union Rags (Graded Stakes Blog)

Hansen the doctor says Hansen the horse will win Kentucky Derby [video] (Cincinnai.com)

Record number of Breeders’ Cup Juvenile entrants dot Derby field (SB Nation)

Top 5 contenders and other statistics (DRF)

Tackling the big questions and key horses (DRF)

Contenders, borderline horses, and throwouts part 6: Bodemeister (A Game of Skill Blog)

Contenders, borderline horses, and throwouts part 5: Done Talking, Dullahan (A Game of Skill Blog)

Contenders, borderline horses, and throwouts part 4: Trinniberg (A Game of Skill Blog)

Contenders, borderline horses, and throwouts part 3: Prospective (A Game of Skill Blog)

Contenders, borderline horses, and throwouts part 2: El Padrino (A Game of Skill Blog)

Contenders, borderline horses, and throwouts part 1: Alpha, Went the Day Well (A Game of Skill Blog)

That Handicapping Show: Kentucky Derby (Bloodhorse)

Derby Daze: Navigating the Kentucky Derby (Fox News)

Contender Photos and Video

Went the Day Well in stall at Keeneland (Team Valor via Twitter)

Prospective photos from Churchill Downs (DRF)

Arrival of Union Rags (Churchill Downs)

News and Quotes from Twitter

Alpha stood in starting gate between two stablemates - no problems - and galloped 1 1-4 miles on Bel training track Thu morning- David Grening

Buzz builds after Daddy Nose Best workout// 5 other contenders breeze//Dominguez chooses Hansen over Alpha

The process trainers and jockeys go through in figuring out riding assignments for Kentucky Derby contenders is always intriguing.  Even when explanations are given, oftentimes experts and fans have their own opinions on what really went down. On Monday it was announced Ramon Dominguez chose Hansen over Alpha. The reason given by Dominguez’s agent was that Hansen is proven at Churchill Downs based on his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), a race in which Alpha finished 7^th.  Seems logical enough, however earlier Monday it was reported Alpha took a somewhat surprising day off from the track.  His “strong gallop” from Sunday is now called a “work day” by assistant trainer Art Magnusun meaning Alpha will probably not breeze for the rest of the week and only have one official move before the Derby.  Ever since it was reported Alpha took a few days off to recover from an infection following the Wood Memorial you get the growing feeling he might not make it to Kentucky at all. Even if he does enter the Derby gate, you can’t blame Dominguez for doubting the colt’s fitness.  Alpha’s trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said they tried to secure Rafael Bejarano for the mount Monday but Bejarano already committed to ride El Padrino for Todd Pletcher//

There are always a few standout workers at Churchill Downs just before the Derby that turn a one-time sleeper into a backside darling.  This year it could be Daddy Nose Best, who went an extended 6 furlongs under Garret Gomez beneath the Twin Spires.  According to DRF’s Mike Welsch, Daddy Nose Best was asked for a stiff move and appears to be  “peaking at the right time”// Steve Asmussen sent two other contenders for official works, including recently acquired Isn’t He Clever who worked a slow 4 furlongs.  Isn’t He Clever, along with another Monday worker Optimizer, current sit at #21 and #22 on the graded earnings list and need a few more defections to make the Derby.  Asmussen mentioned the Preakness or Woody Stephens is more likely for Isn’t He Clever, but no final decision has been made.   Asmussen’s other contender Sabercat was not asked for a lot Monday morning as the trainer thinks the recent Arkansas Derby (G1) did a lot for the colt’s fitness// Mark Valeski breezed a quick 5 furlongs with Rosie Napravnik aboard. Welsch said it appeared Mark Valeski liked the track, but his gallop out was a little discouraging.  While most of Monday’s key workouts occurred at Churchill Downs, Trinniberg did go 6 furlongs at Calder in 1.15:40. Official times, videos and workout reports for Monday can be viewed below//

Coolmore’s Daddy Long Legs was confirmed for the Kentucky Derby Monday as expected. He will ship into Louisville early next week.  Colm O’Donoghue retains the mount on the son of Scat Daddy. Anyone looking for an angle to back Daddy Long Legs in the Derby, aside from his recent UAE Derby (G2) victory in Dubai, can point to the fact O’Donoghue did not ride the colt in his dismal 12^th place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill// more…

Works

Daddy Nose Best- CD- 6F- 1.14:00- B- 1/2

Isn't He Clever- CD- 4F- 51:60- B- 36/45

Optimizer- CD- 4F- 48:60- B- 6/45

Mark Valeski- CD- 5F- 59:60- B- 2/31

Sabercat- CD- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 19/31

Trinniberg- CRC- 6F- 1.15:40- B- 1/1

Workout Videos

Optimizer video (Churchill Downs)

Mark Valeski video (Churchill Downs)

Sabercat video (Churchill Downs)

Workout Reports

Daddy Nose Best peaking at right time & Derby Clocker 4/23 [video] (DRF)

Mark Valeski works sharp 5 furlongs for Derby [also Optimizer, Trinniberg, Isn’t He Clever (Bloodhorse)

Asmussen pair work for Kentucky Derby (Bloodhorse)

Asmussen trio among five Derby contenders to breeze Monday at Churchill (TTimes)

Morning Training with 12 days to go (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby News and Opinion

Kentucky Derby barn notes 4/23 (Churchill Downs)

Dominguez to ride Hansen (DRF)

Dominguez on Hansen, Bejarano on El Padrino (Brisnet)

Daddy Long Legs confirmed for Derby (Bloodhorse)

It’s 12 days until Run for the Roses. Where is your Derby horse? (In The Money Blog)

Trinniberg to play rabbit in full Kentucky Derby field (NY Post)

Hansen says namesake will dazzle in Kentucky Derby (NY Post)

Dr. Hansen pledges funds for Thorofan (Bloodhorse)

Bodemeiser hails from home of Sir Barton (Bloodhorse)

Best of juvenile boosts field (Courier Journal)

Coverage of every horse and interview (Behind the Scenes)

2012 Kentucky Derby field coming into focus (DRF)

Kentucky Derby 2012: Picking the winner (Bleacher Report)

Kentucky Derby contenders at a glance (Churchill Downs)

An early look at the Kentucky Derby field (UPI)

Kentucky Derby: U.K/U.S. odds comparisons (And Down The Stretch They Come)
Lexington winner could be sold (Miami Herald)

Unique 2012 Kentucky Derby hashtag trends (Yahoo!)

Classic Equine offering Triple Crown contest (Bloodhorse)

Unlimited 2012 Kentucky Derby tickets? (Yahoo!)

Mary J. Blige to sing National Anthem at Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs)

Rankings

Haskin’s Derby Dozen 4/23 (Bloodhorse)

Triple Crown poll 4/23 (TTimes)

News and Quotes from Twitter

After a strong gallop Sun a.m. at Belmont, Alpha just walks shed Monday. "We're treating yesterday like a work day," said asst Art Magnuson.- David Grening DRF

As of today, 3 of top 20 Derby horses need a rider: Alpha or Hansen (depending on Dominguez pick), El Padrino, Rousing Sermon- Jay Privman DRF

Agent Steve Rushing confirms that Ramon Dominguez will ride Hansen in Kentucky Derby. David Grening DRF

Rafael Bejarano will ride El Padrino in the Kentucky Derby, according to trainer Todd Pletcher.- Jay Privman

Names on bottom of I'll Have Another's pedigree: Pleasant Colony, Nijinsky, Stage Door Johnny, Sea-Bird. That's 1 1/4 mile firepower.- Marcus Hersch DRF

Trainer switch for Isn't He Clever, Derby possible// Contenders gallop at Churchill [with video]// Trouble for Hansen and Bode?

Trainer switches occur quite often throughout the year, however when it happens to a stakes caliber horse it’s always surprising. When it happens to a possible Kentucky Derby contender two weeks before the race, it’s almost shocking.  Sunday it was announced Isn’t He Clever, once trained by Henry Dominguez, has joined Steve Asmussen’s barn.  Isn’t He Clever currently sits at #21 on the graded earnings list and his owner J. Kirk Robison said the race is only a possibility at this stage.  The reason behind the switch supposedly had to do with geography and opportunity for better races in Kentucky and the East.  However, you still have to question the timing of such a move so close to possibly the gelding’s biggest race of his career// Training activity continued at Churchill Downs Sunday.  Steve Asmussen’s Derby contenders Sabercat and Daddy Nose Best were the first to hit the track in near darkness before 6am. Both horses will put in official moves Monday morning around the same time.  Later on Sunday during the Kentucky Derby-Kentucky Oaks special training session Optimizer, Dullahan, Mark Valeski, and Bodemeister galloped around the Churchill oval several times.  While the latter turned heads with his romp in the Arkansas Derby (G1) a week ago, there was nothing impressive about his morning gallop.  As Mike Welsch from DRF stated, Bodemeister is “definitely not a pretty mover at all”. Videos of his backstretch gallop as well as the others can be viewed below// More analysis on the addition of Trinniberg to the Derby field.  I couldn’t have said things better myself than Mike Watchmaker’s blog entry on DRF.  There has been a lot of talk about the supposed disadvantage for Hansen and Bodemeister with the addition of a horse with early speed, however both colts have proven they don’t have to be on the front end// If you need a break from thinking of the Derby pace, speed figures, who’s working when, who’s training who, etc.  then check out the Irish Central’s piece on Dullahan, and the mythical monster he was named after// more…

Kentucky Derby News and Opinion

Isn’t He Clever transferred to Asmussen, Derby possible (Courier Journal)

Bodemeister gallops, Asmussen duo to work Monday (Churchill Downs)

Workout and travel schedules for Derby contenders (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby barn list (Churchill Downs)

Baffert wants to see how Liaison trains at Churchill (DRF)

Trinniberg and the Derby pace (DRF Blog)

Ill-conceived Derby dreams (Foolish Pleasure Blog)

A headless horseman may well win this year’s Kentucky Derby (Irish Central)

You need to know that you don’t know (Derby Wars Blog)

Video from the backstretch at Churchill Downs:

Castaway may sneak in Derby gate// Creative Cause works, blinkers off for Derby// Romans not worried about dirt// New graded earnings list

Just when things seemed to settle on the Kentucky Derby graded earnings list, there is a new shooter that could shake things up.  Castaway, winner of a division of the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn and a dull 7^th in the Sunland Derby (G3), could have enough earnings for the Derby starting gate with a win in Saturday’s Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland.  He was a late addition to the probable Lexington field Tuesday, yet trainer Bob Baffert said the decision had nothing to do with trying to squeeze into the Derby.  Rather, the race was chosen to simply earn some money, although racing two weeks later at Churchill was not ruled out.  Morgan’s Guerilla, Stirred Up, and News Pending are also scheduled for the Lexington Stakes, and could move into the also-eligible slots for the Derby// Creative Cause worked 5-furlongs at Hollywood Park Tuesday.  He wore cheater blinkers, which only block a small amount of vision as opposed to regular blinkers.  Trainer Mike Harrington seemed happy with the work, and said blinkers will most likely be off for Creative Cause in the Derby, just as they were for his 2^nd place finish in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Creative Cause will work once more at Hollywood next Tuesday before shipping to Churchill Downs and working May 1^st. There were reports that Creative Cause was very ‘washy’ from the work, but apparently that’s normal// Jerry Hollendorfer was non-committal on the plan for Rousing Sermon’s next race.  He said a decision will be made soon on whether to go to the Derby or stay for a restricted stakes race in California// In other notes, Take Charge Indy will have his first breeze since the Florida Derby (G1) on Thursday at Palm Meadows// Illinois Derby (G3) victor Done Talking will work at Laurel Park twice before shipping to Louisville// Mark Valeski arrived on the Churchill Downs grounds Tuesday afternoon in good order// Barry Irwin, president of Team Valor International, said Spiral Stakes (G3) winner Went the Day Well is always dull in morning works and there was nothing to be concerned about from his Saturday breeze at Keeneland. He also said John Velasquez will retain the mount, however Todd Pletcher could give Velasquez the option to ride El Padrino seeing as Javier Castellano is committed to Gemologist// Alpha has recovered from an infection and jogged at Belmont Park Tuesday. He could ship to Churchill as soon as Friday or as late as April 30// Santa Anita Derby winner I’ll Have Another will work the next two Thursdays at Hollywood Park before flying to Louisville// Dale Romans is confident Dullahan will handle the Churchill surface just fine, and has the proper acceleration needed to win the 1 1/4 mile contest// New rankings and an updated graded earnings list from Churchill Downs with good notations below…

Updated Graded Earnings List

Official List 4/17 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby News and Opinion

Creative Cause works at Hollywood Park in ‘cheater blinkers’ (DRF)

Dozen 3-year-olds possible for Lexington (Bloodhorse)

Baffert putting Castaway in Lexington (DRF)

Churchill Downs barn notes 4/17 (Churchill Downs)

Hollendorfer still in decision process with Rousing Sermon (DRF)

Romans: Dullahan likes Churchill Downs dirt (Bloodhorse)

Donegal prepares for another Derby experience (Bloodhorse)

Connections of Derby contenders give Bodemeister rave reviews (TTimes)

Lane’s End weekender pedigree: Bodemeister (Paulick Report)

2012 Kentucky Derby contenders: who’s your favorite? (ABR Blog)

Kentucky Derby Barn List 4/17 (Churchill Downs)

Who’s the favorite? (Bloodhorse Blog)

Kentucky Derby criteria (Trackside with Trackman Blog)
Point/Counterpoint: Bodemeister vs Dullahan (Horse Racing Nation)

A few minutes with Hamilton Smith [Done Talking] (That’s Amore Stable Blog)

TCI weekend wrap up: lovin’ the winners [with video] (TwinSpires Blog)

The tail end of the prep season (NTRA)

Time out from Derby trail to talk about Derby memories (Racing at the Jersey Shore Blog)

Photos and Video

Mark Valeski arrives for Kentucky Derby (YouTube)

Rankings

Top 10: A new leader (And Down The Stretch They Come)

Paulick Derby Index 4/17: Loud and Clear (Paulick Report)

Works

Creative Cause- HOL- 5F- 1.01:20- H- 16/37

News and Quotes from Twitter

“On quiet Tuesday morning at HOL, I'll Have Another (SA Derby winner) looked super galloping mile and half for Doug O'Neill.” - Brad Free DRF

“I will be taking I'll Have Another out on Thurs for his work, come out and take photos of me, I mean him. I like being asst coach”- IamLavaMan

“I’ll Have Another to work Thursday at Hollywood; final work April 27 at Hollywood; then fly to Kentucky April 28.”- TTimes

“Creative Cause very washed out per work today. Rank going off, last quarter in 24:4. 101:1 for the 5/8ths. Not what I expected”- Gary Mandella HRTV

“Yes, Creative Cause got very hot Tues work at HOL. Not the first time”- Brad Free

“Fit horses don't need to work that often, long strong gallops can be more effective at this point. [Take Charge Indy] will work soon at Palm Meaodws”- Jill Byrne

“Take Charge Indy will work Thurs. at Palm Meadows crack of dawn trainer Pat Byrne confirmed just minutes ago”- Mike Welsch DRF

“Romans compares Dullahan to Ferdinand. Can see him coming up rail and making last 1/8 of a mile run @KentuckyDerby” - MDoche

“Irwin on Went The Day Well breeze Saturday: ‘He’s a lousy work horse…This is not a horse that’s ever gonna inspire anybody in the morning’”- TTimes

“Irwin says John Velazquez keeps mount on Went The Day Well for Derby”- TTimes