Chasing The Derby: Power Broker

Showing posts with label Power Broker. Show all posts

Den’s Legacy, Super Ninety Nine out of Derby picture// Updated standings// Churchill activity from Frac, Java, Normandy// Derby Trial probables// more…

Summary:

Surprisingly, Bob Baffert did not allow the drama to build and wait until the last minute to announce his decision on Super Ninety Nine and Den’s Legacy. Tuesday, he told Churchill officials that both colts will not point to the Derby. All Baffert mysteries are not solved however, as we will have to wait a little while longer for his decision on Code West and Power Broker. That news should come later in the week when he’s on the Churchill grounds and looks over both horses, however even after that there will be lingering questions on the health of Govenor Charlie. The colt finally jogged around the Churchill track Tuesday- as opposed to just jogging (I erroneously reported yesterday he hadn’t yet made an appearance)- but Mike Welsch labeled his gallop just “average”// Welsch said Normandy Invasion was the “star of the show” before alluding to rumors the colt has lost weight since the Wood Memorial. Trainer Chad Brown didn’t seemed concerned and says, “I’m right where I want to be with him”// Frac Daddy continues to make a very good impression around the Churchill oval as does stablemate Java’s War// Vyjack was “sharp” but if you take note of trainer Rudy Rodriguez’s comments and the unconventional equipment they have to use, the colt is still a bit of a head case// Full reports and videos can be found below// As for upcoming official breeze announcements: Goldencents is scheduled for a 6-furlong breeze Thursday; Itsmyluckyday may or may not work Thursday; Java’s War and Frac Daddy will work Saturday; Palace Malice will work with blinkers and Mike Smith aboard Sunday// There are 8 or 9 probables for Saturday’s Derby Trial (G3), a race in which the winner receives 20 points towards the Kentucky Derby. Titletown Five is a definite starter, and his connections D. Wayne Lukas and Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung have every intention of going to the Derby if they get the requisite points. Other probables include Demonic, Officer Alex, Forty Tales, Ruble, Treasury Bill, and Zee Bros// Speaking of D. Wayne Lukas, there is a nice feature on him from the Courier Journal linked below// more…

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings 4/23

Articles:

Super Ninety Nine, Den’s Legacy declared from Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby update 4/23 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby workouts: Normandy Invasion has strong gallop [with Mike Welsch Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Frac Daddy gallop 4/23 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Java’s War gallop 4/23 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Trainer Rodriguez guides Vyjack at Churchill (Bloodhorse)

Derby backside buzz with Jill Byrne [video] (Churhcill Downs)

Kentucky Derby horses exercise Tuesday [video] (Courier Journal)

Todd Pletcher discusses his 5 Derby horses (Courier Journal)

Titletown Five among Derby Trial candidates (DRF)

D. Wayne Lukas still looking forward, not back (Courier Journal)

Mane character: Oxbow [with video] (Courier Journal)

Time is money when it comes to Kentucky Derby works (Insider Louisville)

Insider Louisville goes in search of the 2013 Kentucky Derby winner (Insider Louisville)

Shug McGaughey’s Derby Diary (ABR Live)

Bullet Train presents Derby Dreams: Frac Daddy (The Paulick Report)

Making the grade: Normandy Invasion (ABR Live)

Lightly raced 3-year-olds on Derby streak (The Saratogian)

Gary Stevens back at the Kentucky Derby (Idaho Statesmen)

Kentucky Derby jockey hopes to make history [with Krigger video interview] (KTTV)

Crucian Jockeys to tout V.I. at Kentucky Derby (St. Thomas Source)

Rankings:

Derby Top 10 (Left at the Gate)

Top 15 (NY Daily News)

Lukas & Stevens pleased with Oxbow work// Govenor Charlie a no-show// Code West, Power Broker post official moves// more...

Summary:

Oxbow with Gary Stevens aboard went 5-furlongs in 1.01 flat Monday morning at Churchill Downs. Mike Welsch said he was headstrong in the beginning, but “galloped out really well”. Watching his workout video (linked below) I really don’t like his action along the backstretch. He is clearly bothered, climbing, and has no fluidity in his stride. Nonetheless, trainer D. Wayne Lukas was very pleased and hopes Stevens learned from the Arkansas Derby that he needs to “finesse” Oxbow as opposed to grabbing him early// Code West “finished nicely” in his five panel breeze, however stablemate Power Broker was completely swallowed up by workmate Midnight Lucky down the stretch. Both Baffert trainees are on the outside looking in on the standings// Vyjack was briefly spotted Monday during an early morning jog around the track, and trainer Rudy Rodriguez is unsure of when he will post a serious breeze// Welsch commented Frac Daddy made a great appearance, despite not having an official timed move// Interesting to note that Govenor Charlie has not been seen on the track for two days at Churchill. His absence is especially troubling considering the recent news of foot issues// more...

Articles:

Kentucky Derby update 4/22 (Churchill Downs)

Oxbow has strong five-furlong breeze [with Mike Welsch Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Gary Stevens happy with Oxbow’s workout [with video interview] (Courier Journal)

Oxbow workout video 4/22 (Churchill Downs)

Code West workout video 4/22 (Churchill Downs)

Power Broker workout video 4/22 (Churchill Downs)

Derby backside buzz with Jill Byrne [video] (Churchill Downs)

Trial’s 20 points can mean entry (DRF)

After the wire: Kentucky Derby preview [video] (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby charms (ESPN)

Mane character: Revolutionary (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby profile: Goldencents (Card Chronicle)

Brennan sending star-studded contingent to Kentucky Derby (Ocala.com)

Works:

Oxbow- CD- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 7/43

Code West- CD- 5F- 1.01:20- B- 9/43

Power Broker- CD- 6F- 1.12:80- B- 2/3

Rankings:

Steve Haskin: Derby Dozen 4/22 (Bloodhorse Blog)

Quotes and Tweets:

"I'm a happy man and Oxbow is a happy horse. Confidence booster this morning. Nice work out"- Gary Stevens via Twitter

Weekend Review: Verrazano, 4 other Kentucky Derby starters work at Churchill// Orb breezes in Florida// Baffert shakes up standings// Coolmore Lexington results and figs// more…

Summary:

Sunday was a day of important workouts at Churchill Downs with Verrazano, Revolutionary, Mylute, Normandy Invasion, and Will Take Charge all getting serious time on the strip. Likely morning line favorite Verrazano was the headliner with Gary Stevens the surprising rider. Apparently Verrazano was slow in the early going and needed some urging to catch up to his stablemate. Once he did, the two were essentially neck and neck down most of the stretch. Mike Welsch from the Daily Racing Form labeled the work simply “Good, not a wow”. Trainer Todd Pletcher on the other hand said it was “excellent” and Verrazano “got over the track nicely”// Revolutionary finished his 4-furlong work the best of the bunch according to Welsch. Three-time Derby winner Calvin Borel guided the son of War Pass along the rail most of the way as expected. Pletcher said, “we might as well let him get used to it”// Rosie Napravnik was aboard Mylute who Welsch said went well, although he shut down just after the wire. His final time of 47:80 was the second fastest of 81 horses going the same 4-fulrong distance// Normandy Invasion was “a little rank” in the early going of his 4-panel breeze, but eventually settled down. Welsch explains trainer Chad Brown has been trying to get Normandy Invasion more forwardly placed in the early stages of his races// D. Wayne Lukas’ Will Take Charge made a strong closing move during his extended one mile breeze, although jockey Jon Court had to urge him along in the final strides// Over at Payson Park in Florida, Orb had an official 5-furlong work before traveling to Kentucky. Trainer Shug McGaughey said it was “perfect” seeing as Orb saved his best strides for the end// Full workout times, reports, and videos from Sunday can be found below// The point standings continue to be a topic of debate and confusion mainly due to Bob Baffert, who seems to force the spotlight on himself this time of year. Just last week he was quoted as saying, “and then there was one,” alluding to Govenor Charlie representing his lone Kentucky Derby starter. Now, Baffert is not ruling out four of his trainees- Super Ninety Nine (#18), Den’s Legacy (#20), Code West (#23), and Power Broker (#27). The first two are set to work at Santa Anita Wednesday, after which Baffert will decide whether to point for the Derby or not. The latter two colts are already at Churchill, but Baffert will make a decision on their status later in the week when he can observe them in person// Todd Pletcher was mum on next race plans for Saturday’s Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3) winner Winning Cause. He said a decision will be made as late as next weekend// As expected, Falling Sky will officially go to the Kentucky Derby, “as long as he breezes like we want him to” according to trainer John Terranova// Trainer Paul Aguirre said Sunday that Tiz a Minister (currently #24) will go to the Derby if he’s eligible. The colt is set to race Saturday at Hollywood Park, but Aguirre has no reservations about wheeling him back in just a week if need be// more…

Works:

Sunday

Orb- PAY- 5F- 1.02:10- B- 3/5

Mylute- CD- 4F- 47:80- B- 2/81

Normandy Invasion- CD- 4F- 48:20- B- 7/81

Revolutionary- CD- 4F- 48:80- B- 22/81

Will Take Charge- CD- 1M- 1.41:60- B- 1/1

Verrazano- CD- 5F- 1.00:20- B- 3/40

Tiz a Minister- HOL- 4F- 50:20- H- 35/40

Articles:

Kentucky Derby Clocker report: Revolutionary, Verrazano look sharp [with video] (DRF)

Kentucky Derby update April 21 (Churchil Downs)

Tom Amoss and Mylute [video interview] (Bloodhorse)

Verrazano workout [video] (Churchill Downs)

Pletcher on Verrazano [video] interview (Bloohorse)

Revolutionary workout [video] (Churchill Downs)

Normandy Invasion workout [video] (Churchill Downs)

Chad Brown and Normandy Invasion [video interview] (Bloodhorse)

Will Take Charge workout [video] (Churchill Downs)

McGaughey impressed with Orb’s latest workout (Bloodhorse)

Rosario goes for the Roses on Orb (Courier Journal Blog)

Pletcher will wait and see whether to run Winning Cause (DRF)

Lexington Stakes winner Winning Cause bred for success on Polytrack (DRF)

Falling Sky gets green light for Kentucky Derby start (Bloodhorse)

Minister could race Saturday plus Derby (Courier Journal Blog)

Billings owners ecstatic over Kentucky Derby entry Frac Daddy (Billings Gazette)

Krigger could complete parallels with Gutierrez in Derby (Brisnet)

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

Beyer/BRIS: 89/86

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

More picks for Wood and Santa Anita Derby// Wood horse test clean// Goldencents gets frisky// Lukas pair works

Wood Memorial (G1)

Aqueduct

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Time: 6:28PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

Preview: NYRA / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF / Churchil Downs [Video]

Picks: Downey Profile / Equibase / Bloodhorse THS [video] / DRF: Byron King / NYRA [Video] / Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds /

Santa Anita Derby (G1)

Santa Anita

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Time: 7:00PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

Preview: Santa Anita / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF / Churchill Downs [Video] /

Picks: Downey Profile / Bloodhorse THS [video] / ThoroFan / NYRA [Video] / Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds /

Articles:

Wood a big stop on Derby Trail (ESPN)

Pletcher looking for another Wood win with Verrazano (AP)

Power Broker out to buck Santa Anita Derby history (Horseracing Nation)

Doug O’Neill and Goldencents interview (Lady and the Track)

Biting hands that feed him: Goldencents owners [video] (Courier Journal Blog)

Pitino hopes for success on and off court (Horseracing Nation)

Oxbow, Will Take Charge post ‘textbook’ works (Bloodhorse)

Countdown to the Crown: Week 14- April 5 (DRF)

Rating the Kentucky Derby point system (The Saratogian)

Black Onyx: a new gem on the Derby Trail (Bloodhorse)

Chavez ghost whispers Kentucky Derby winner in my ear (Business Week)

Derby SpaceSheet 6.0 (EquiSpace)

Hear the Ghost to get four-month break (DRF)

Churchill announces changes in Derby/Oaks transportation (Brisnet)

Works:

Oxbow- OP- 6F- 1.14:60- B- 1/1 (Sloppy)

Will Take Charge- OP- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 1/4 (Sloppy)

Govenor Charlie- SA- 4F- 49:00 H- 15/30

Quotes and Tweets:

“Falling Sky to breeze @ChurchillDowns Sun. at 8:30 am w/ trainer John Terranova on hand. Goes in Ark. Derby or Blue Grass” - Derby Media via Twitter

"Dynamic Sky to prep for Blue Grass @ChurchillDowns Saturday at 6 a.m. with 5 F solo breeze under Juan Bernardini"- Derby Media via Twitter

"Blood tests taken on all Wood entrants came back clean, according to NY Gaming Commission"- David Grening via Twitter

Florida Derby attracts attention, Spiral attracts horses// Monday workouts// Updated future odds// Revised CTD Top 5// more

In recent years the Florida Derby (G1) seems to attract a lot of press well in advance of its running. With about two weeks and three key Kentucky Derby point races before the Gulfstream Park signature race, Florida Derby related articles dominated headlines Monday. Merit Man joined the probable list, Orb breezed a strong four furlongs at Payson Park, and Brian Zipse thinks the race will “rock”. In addition to Orb and Merit Man, the other three probables in the likely short field include 2-year-old Champion Shanghai Bobby, Holy Bull (G3) winner Itsmyluckyday, and Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) runner-up Frac Daddy. While Merit Man’s trainer Bob Hess Jr. admitted the colt is probably best at sprint distances, he divulged the strategy in the Florida Derby will be to take advantage of the speed bias at Gulfstream and steal the race on the front end. If that wasn’t obvious to the competition before, now they definitely know// While the Florida Derby may be the darling of the press, the Spiral (G3) at Turfway is the popular choice for horsemen who hold Derby dreams. As many as 16 contenders are pointing for the race, although 12 is the maximum capacity allowed. Kentucky Derby winning trainer Graham Motion has two of the four colts that could be shut out due to insufficient earnings. A full list of probables can be found in the article linked below// Dice Flavor, upset winner of the El Camino Real (G3) at Golden Gate will ship to Dubai for the UAE Derby (G2). That’s usually the wrong way to go when trying to get to Louisville, but trainer Paddy Gallagher’s thinking is to keep the son of Scat Daddy on the Tapeta racing surface// Bob Baffert announced Super Ninety Nine, who failed as the favorite in Saturday’s Rebel (G2), will race next in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) against stablemate Flashback. It’s an interesting choice seeing as both prefer to stay up front in the early going. Garret Gomez was aboard Flashback for the first time Monday morning when the colt worked four furlongs at Santa Anita. Baffert also mentioned Friday allowance winner War Academy will try the Arkansas Derby (G1) or Blue Grass (G1) April 13, Power Broker could return to racing as soon as early April in the Santa Anita Derby or Wood Memorial (G1), and Code West is Louisiana Derby (G2) bound. The trainer will also send out Govenor Charlie and Shakin It Up to Sunland Park for the Sunland Derby (G3) this Sunday// Updated future odds from Wynn Las Vegas and William Hill linked below and as always on the sidebar// I updated the CTD Top 5 by dropping Super Ninety Nine (who I’m not giving up on completely) and adding War Academy into the mix. Yes, it’s a flavor of the week type pick, but I’m not real impressed with any horse outside the top three and I feel War Academy has a lot of upside// more…

Articles:

16 Derby hopefuls under consideration for Spiral (Brisnet)

Dice Flavor, El Camino Real winner, headed to Dubai (DRF)

Orb heads full slate of Derby works (Bloodhorse)

Florida Derby gets new shooter in Merit Man (DRF)

The Florida Derby is going to rock (Zipse at the Track)

Baffert has busy weekends ahead as Kentucky Derby nears (DRF)

West Hills Giant pointed for Wood after toothache (DRF)

Trip notes: Rebel (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Daily: March 18 (In The Money)

Bullet train Derby platform: the 3:18 to Turfway (TwinSpires Blog)

Under the radar: War Academy (DRF)

Future Odds:

Wynn Las Vegas 3/18 (View From Vegas)

William Hill 3/18 (View From Vegas)

Workouts:

Cerro (IRE)- PMM- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 12/15

Crop Report- PMM- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 12/15

Overanalyze- PMM- 4F- 48:33- B- 4/35

Orb- PAY- 4F- 48:00- B- 2/12
Code West- SA- 6F- 1.12:40- H- 3/16

Power Broker- SA- 6F- 1.12:60- H- 4/16

Shakin It Up- SA- 5F- 1:00.20- H- 6/60

Govenor Charlie- SA- 5F- 1:00.40- H- 7/60

Tiz the Truth- SA- 4F- 47:80- H- 5/55

Belvin- SA- 4F- 48:20- H- 12/55

Flashback- SA- 4F- 48:40- H- 19/55

Carving- SA- 4F- 50:00- H- 38/55

Rankings:

CTD Top 5 (CTD)

Haskin’s Derby Dozen [with video] (Bloodhorse Blog)

Peter Denk’s Top 20 (Bloodhorse Blog)

Quotes and Tweets:

"Overanalyze now headed to Ark. Derby 4-13, Pletcher says. Abraham represents Pletcher barn in SUN Derby this Sunday"- Jay Privman via Twitter

"Ellis said Treasury Bill, 8th in Rebel, didn't care for surface. Said Talamo told him Treasury Bill "felt like he was running in quicksand"- Jay Privman via Twitter

Normandy Invasion returning to Aqueduct with new rider// Pletcher, Baffert contenders hit work tab// Rosie’s tough choice// New Top 5// more…

While the top four finishers of Saturday’s Risen Star will most likely continue on to the Louisiana Derby (G2), fifth place Normandy Invasion will go next in the Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct where trainer Chad Brown says he has raced his best. Jennie Rees reported the colt will get a new rider in the Wood, although a name has yet to be announced. Owner Rick Porter is convinced Normandy Invasion was “so much the best horse” in the Risen Star. You can excuse an owner’s blind faith in his horse, but we also know breaking well from the gate and tractability play just as much of a role in winning a race than a good closing run. The latter trait especially is difficult to train, and it was apparent Normandy Invasion was a handful for a good portion of the race// Rosie Napravnik may have to make a tough decision on where to race March 30. Palace Malice will most likely return to the Fair Grounds for the Louisiana Derby (G2) along with other stakes horses Napravnik rode this past Saturday, however that’s the same day Shanghai Bobby is scheduled to run in the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream// Todd Pletcher had to postpone scheduled workouts for his Florida string Sunday due to the track having too much moisture. Conditions were better Monday and several of his charges zipped through their breezes. Verrazano was the quickest of 38 going five furlongs in 59:21. For complete times on Shanghai Bobby, Revolutionary, Park City, Delhomme, and Overanalyze see below// Apparently trainer Shug McGaughey didn’t know the 50 points earned in Saturday’s Risen Star were likely enough to make the Kentucky Derby until Jennie Rees told him so. I know the point system is new and McGuaghey prides himself on being old school, but I would think any trainer with a prominent 3-year-old would do a little homework immediately following a victory in a key Derby prep. In any case, McGaughey is still leaning towards running in the Florida Derby next as opposed to shipping to New York for the Wood// In case you missed the list of probable runners for this Saturday’s Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct they are Grade 2 winners Overanalyze, Vyjack, and Honorable Dillon along with Escapefromreality, Siete de Oros, Ore Pass, Elnaawi, Sky Captain, West Hills Giant, Alcolite, and Champion Boy// On the West Coast trainer Bob Baffert sent out a trio of Kentucky Derby prospects for morning works at Santa Anita. Flashback led the charge as usual, with a bullet move going six furlongs in 1.11. Stablemate Den’s Legacy was just behind that while Power Broker continued his steady workout routine going four furlongs in a fast 47:80// A new CTD Top 5 with Super Ninety Nine making the cut// more…

Articles:

Bullet workouts for Verrazano, Flashback (Bloodhorse)

McGaughey excited about Orb’s Kentucky Derby chances (DRF)

Majestic Hussar eyes shorter races (DRF)

Pletcher barns hurts after Violence injury (DRF)

Under the radar: Power Broker (DRF)

Trip notes: Fountain of Youth, Risen Star (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Daily: Feb 25 (In The Money)

Pedigree Profile: Orb (Horseracing Nation)

Kentucky Derby Update: Feb 26 (Courier Journal)

Rankings:

CTD Top 5 (CTD)

Haskin’s Derby Dozen (Bloodhorse Blog)

Workouts:

Little Distorted- CRC- 4F- 49:20- B- 6/19

Malibu High- LAD- 4F- 49:00- B- 2/2

Delhomme- PMM- 5F- 1.00:09- B- 4/38

Verrazano- PMM- 5F- 59:21- B- 1/38

Shanghai Bobby- PMM- 4F- 49:61- B- 32/60

Overanalyze- PMM- 4F- 48:75- B- 17/60

Revolutionary- PMM- 4F- 48:43- B- 13/60

Park City- PMM- 4F- 48:43- B- 13/60

Flashback- SA- 6F- 1.11:00- H- 1/14

Den's Legacy- SA- 6F- 1.11:40- H- 2/14

Manando- SA- 5F- 1.00:00- H- 10/62

Clawback- AQU- 3F- 35:55- B- 1/1

Power Broker- SA- 4F- 47:80- H- 4/27

Quotes and Tweets:

"Will Take Charge galloped a mile and a half under wraps second set after the break Monday at #Oaklawn; pointing for Rebel, said Lukas"- Mary Rampellini via Twitter

"Frak Daddy back to track today. Throat looks much better and we have some forward motion. We have plenty of time to get him ready for Derby"- Kenny McPeek via Twitter

Super Ninety Nine heading back to Oaklawn?// Excuses for Capo Bastone// Bullet for Oxbow// New rankings// more…

News Summary:

Both Beyer and BRIS speed ratings came back 101 for Super Ninety Nine, which are his second consecutive triple digit figures and place him towards the top of his class. Still, the sloppy Oaklawn track will keep his victory in the Southwest questionable for many. Super Ninety Nine could return to Oaklawn for the Arkansas Derby (G1) April 13// D. Wayne Lukas has no excuses for Channel Isle or Will Take Charge who ended up 4th and 6th respectively in the Southwest. He said both colts could return for the Rebel March 16// Todd Pletcher says Capo Bastone’s slow final time in his return race Saturday can be attributed to having to race wide, but a 69 Beyer is extremely low and suggests the colt is a notch below. Pletcher said the Rebel is a strong possibility for his next race// Al Stall’s two Risen Star (G2) entrants may not make the gate Saturday due to poor post positions. Sunbean, an also-eligible, was also entered in the Gentilly Stakes, while the connections of Departing don’t seem keen on having his stakes debut start on the far outside// Dallas Stewart thinks Golden Soul will improve with the added distance of the Risen Star and a little more pace, while trainers Tom Amoss and Steve Asmussen don’t seem overly confident with their starters Mylute and Proud Strike// PPs and preview articles for Saturday’s Risen Star and Fountain of Youth can be found below// New rankings from Steve Haskin and Jerry Bossert// Power Broker had his second official breeze since the layoff Tuesday morning at Santa Anita, while Oxbow registered the quickest 4-furlong move of 18 horses at Oaklawn// more…

Upcoming Points Races:

Fountain of Youth (G2)

Gulfstream Park

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: DRF / Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Risen Star (G2)

Fair Grounds

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Brisnet / DRF DRF2 / Bloodhorse

Articles:

Super Ninety Nine headed home but may return for Arkansas Derby (DRF)

Pedigree Profile: Super Ninety Nine (Horseracing Nation)

In the gate: Javier Castellano interview [re; Violence] (ESPN Radio)

Pletcher’s posse dominates Kentucky Derby trail [plus Top 10] (AP)

Capo Bastone wins for Pletcher (DRF)

Stevens taking every ride as a gift [comments on Proud Strike] (Bloodhorse)

Twinspires.com launches Triple Crown contest (Bloodhorse)

Rankings:

Steve Haskin’s Derby Dozen 2-19/13 (Bloodhorse Blog)

Jerry Bossert’s Top 15 (NY Daily News)

Workouts:

Power Broker- SA- 4F- 50:00- H- 30/40

Oxbow- OP- 4F- 48:40- B- 1/18

Baffert trio in San Vicente, free PPs// Power Broker returns to work tab// Fortify finishes 6th in Dubai// News on Normandy Invasion, Duke of the City, Capo Bastone, Romans runners// more…

Upcoming:

2/16/13

El Camino Real Derby (G3)

Golden Gate Fields

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Brisnet / DRF / Horseracing Nation / Bloodhorse THS

Picks: Downey Profile

2/17/13

San Vicente (G2)

Santa Anita

7 Furlongs

PPs: Click here

Previews: Brisnet / Bloodhorse

Articles:

Normandy Invasion on course for Risen Star (Brisnet)

Duke of the City set for Saturday clash with Capo Bastone (Gulfstream Park)

Rosario will ride Vyjack in Gotham (DRF)

Romans sets plans for Dewey Square, others (Bloodhorse)

Rain thunders home in U.A.E Guineas; Fortify 6th (Brisnet)

Kentucky Derby 2013 contenders Fortify, Super Ninety Nine, Verrazano [Video] (Horseracing Nation via YouTube)

This week’s Road to the Kentucky Derby (Courier Journal Blog)

Kentucky Derby Daily: Feb 14 (In The Money Blog)

Pedigree Profile- Watch list (Horseracing Nation)

U-T San Diego Kentucky Derby watch [with poll] (U-T San Diego)

Kentucky Derby Diamonds in the rough: Verrazano and Tiz the Truth (New Jersey Newsroom)

Workouts:

Will Take Charge- OP- 4F- 49:00- B- 1/11

Vyjack- AQU- 5F- 1.01:07 B- 1/3

Power Broker- SA- 3F- 37:00- H- 7/15

Quotes and Tweets:

“Trainer Steve Hobby said #BigLute ‘still on the fence’ for Mon. $300K Southwest at #Oaklawn. Could run in Sun. entry” - Robert Yates via Twitter

Daily Feed: Zito back in Derby mix?// Next race plans for Vyjack and O’Neill prospects// McLaughlin pointing 2 to Withers// Contender lists from Haskin and more…

Summary:

Trainer Rudy Rodriguez says the Kentucky Derby is not on his mind just yet for recent Jerome Stakes (G2) winner Vyjcak, but it’s hard to believe him. The colt will get a little break and re-emerge in the Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct March 2nd. In the meantime, Rodriguez will try to work on getting Vyjack to relax more// Connections for 2nd place finisher Siete de Oros will target the Withers (G3) on February 2. Ramon Preciado, the owner/trainer, said the addition of blinkers in the Jerome seemed to have helped// Goldencents will have one or two more races before the Derby. Trainer Doug O’Neill said the colt came out of the race fine, yet no specific race plans are set. The Robert Lewis (G2) at Santa Anita on February 2nd is not likely for Goldencents, seeing as O’Neill is pointing Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) runner-up He’s Had Enough to the race. The trainer also indicated that Avare, winner of the Eddie Logan Stakes, will ship to Oaklawn for the Smarty Jones Stakes January 21st// Kiaran McLaughlin hopes to have two contenders in the Withers, but neither appears to be a threat at this point. Long River will come off a dissapointing 4th in the Jerome, while Valid, a half brother to Malibu Prayer, broke his maiden at Laurel// Nick Zito is trying to take things slow with recent maiden breakers Eton Blue and Mountain Eagle. The former is a son of Giant’s Causeway out of the Kentucky Oaks winning mare Bird Town. Zito mentioned a lot of trainers are waiting to take their best shots later in the Derby season when Derby points are higher// Contender lists and rankings are starting to pop up, including the first from well-respected Steve Haskin of The Bloodhorse. He has Violence in the top spot, which is not too surprising, but by placing Power Broker at #2 Haskin seems to be instigating a debate more so than making any kind of strong case. Power Broker’s weak performance in the Breeders’ Cup and long break from training should raise a serious red flag// more…

Articles:

Goldencents will get one or two preps for Kentucky Derby (DRF)

Doug O’Neill and Rick Pitino lead the way on the Kentucky Derby trail (Louisville.com)

Vyjack will likely await Gotham in March (DRF)

Zito-trained Eton Blue possible Derby material (DRF)

McLaughlin has two possible for Withers (DRF)

Pasco, Gasparilla draw accomplished nominees (Tampa Bay Downs)

Contender lists/Rankings:

Destination Louisville [Steve Haskin Contender List] (Bloodhorse Blog)

Vyjack moves up NY’s Kentucky Derby rankings (Horseracing Nation)

Kentucky Derby contender watch list (SB Nation)

Works:

Always in a Tiz- GP- 5F- 1.01:90- B- 19/28

Flashback- SA- 5F- 1.00:40- H- 9/53

Super Ninety Nine- SA- 5F- 59:00- H- 1/53

In Depth: Breeders' Cup Juvenile PPs, Video, more

Divisive as much as prestigious, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile has always held intrigue on Championship day and beyond. Hope springs eternal with every running, but usually ends with disappointment come May. Many promising 2-year-olds have convincingly won the race only to either fail winning the Kentucky Derby six months later or veer off the difficult path to get there. In 28 runnings only one winner has worn the Roses the following year. Considering the Juvenile winner is usually Champion 2-year-old and early favorite for the Derby, this 4% winning percentage is especially baffling. As many lumps as the winners have taken, the Juvenile field as a whole usually includes strong contenders that hold up well for the Classics. The most recent Kentucky Derby consisted of 9 horses that raced in the 2011 Breeders Cup Juvenile, which represented close to half the field.

This 2012 Juvenile is knocked down in stature with the introduction of the new Kentucky Derby point system. In year’s past the winner was guaranteed a spot in the Derby gate given the huge graded earnings score, but this year the race only awards the winner 10 “points”, putting him on equal footing as the winners of such races as the Delta Jackpot, Grey Stakes, and Smarty Jones Stakes.

Nonetheless, the Juvenile still boasts a huge 2 million dollar purse and features some of the best 2-year-olds we’ve seen all year, including early Derby future book favorite Shanghai Bobby and second favorite Power Broker. The nine entrants have combined earnings of 28 points for the 2013 Kentucky Derby and look to earn even more Saturday.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1)

Santa Anita Park

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Race Video

Title Contender

9/29/12 Santa Anita MSW

7/28/12 Del Mar MSW

Speak Logistics

10/13/12 Florida Stallion In Reality Stakes

8/12/12 Monmouth MSW

7/8/12 Monmouth MSW