The Factor goes the distance// Rouge Romance off the Trail// Dance city noses out hyped stablemate…

Summary:

The Factor answered the two turn question in the Rebel Stakes today. Now the question will be added distance, but let’s give credit where credit is due.  You can’t deny he was impressive by setting honest fractions, feeling a little breath from Saratoga Red, and pulling away to win by over 6 lengths against a competitive field.  He’s legitimate (although some critics below will note his final fractions).  On the not-so-impressive side we had a no show from Sway Away.  As his trainer insisted, he had a bad trip, but serious Derby horses need to settle at some point and he never looked comfortable. Also disappointing was the scary scratch of Alternation. Luckily, it sounds like everything is ok, but I was looking forward to his move up// Bandbox wins easily in the Private Terms Stakes at Laurel.  Trainer Rodney Jenkins says he could very well be pointed to the Preakness (no Derby)// Rogue Romance is the latest casualty on the Derby trail. He’s out with a fractured foot// Dance City held off his much-hyped stablemate Cal Nation in an allowance at Gulfstream.  What will Pletcher do with them next?// Loads of works today including Louisiana Derby contenders Left and Mucho Macho Man. Macho Man also gets a nice background article from the Atlanta Journal Constitution// more…

Life at Ten saga and Derby implications// Rogue Romance out of Louisiana Derby// Prado picks up mount on Machen// Quinonez discusses tough choice// Oil entrepreneur buys majority interest in Silver Medallion// Handicapper picks

Summary:

The dominating story in the Thoroughbred world today was the release of the Life at Ten Report.  Although there is no direct Derby connection, it obviously shines a distracting light on trainer and jockey of the resounding early Derby favorite Uncle Mo.  If Mo stays the course, expect ESPN, NBC, and all major newspapers to pepper their coverage with mention of Pletcher and Velazquez’s involvement// Be sure to check out Marc Doche’s walking interview with Alonso Quinonez.  He discusses his choice to ride Premier Pegasus over Bench Points in the San Felipe plus thoughts on the race// Rogue Romance has a foot bruise and will miss the Louisiana Derby.  He’s now pointed to the Arkansas Derby or Bluegrass Stakes// Edgar Prado picks up the mount on Machen//A majority interest in El Camino Real winner Silver Medallion was sold// More ink for Mike Repole and Mo.  The Timely Writer favorite is 3-5 on the morning line. Good luck getting that when he goes off.

Stay Thirsty takes Gotham although some not impressed// Busy workout day//Another eye-opening maiden winner//Ungraded stakes articles and video//

Summary:

Stay Thirsty wins the Gotham. The TVG crew was harsh. NYRA handicapper Andy Serling was not impressed.  Not sure what everyone expected from a four month layoff, but I would consider a 3 ¼ length win over a sizzling stakes winner and some good up-and-comers a nice first step for 2011// Positive Response romps in the Battaglia// Sensational Slam takes the Caposella. Bay Shore next// Smoke It Right wins the Mountain Valley, Arkansas Derby likely// Sway Away headed to the Rebel// Many works today, including bullets by The Factor and Premier Pegasus.  All trainers seemed happy// Wilburn is the latest impressive maiden winner.  Time is not on his side though// Don’t forget- Dialed In to race tomorrow in the 4^th at Gulfstream at 2:25pm.

Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty go toe-to-toe. Beyer numbers released. Next race plans announced for several.

Summary:

Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty worked in tandem and both fired bullets.  Once again Stay Thirsty continues to match or one-up Mo// Beyer numbers were released: Soldat 96, Flashpoint 102. A little surprised Soldat didn’t break 100, especially considering the competition and the final time was two seconds faster than the earlier allowance.  I do realize there’s a lot more that goes into it// I thought (and read) more about To Honor and Serve.  It’s pretty simple: He ran like a horse that hasn’t raced since November and only had six 5 furlong workouts.  Why should I have expected another romp? Can’t wait for the next.

Derby could have International flavor, Mo and the field drop in futures, The Factor and others will answer questions soon

Summary:

The Derby may get a French runner. Other international runners a possibility//Tim Richey surprised Elite Alex overlooked in futures// Speaking of futures, Uncle Mo is down to 2-1 and “all others” even.  That’s causing some nice odds on others, especially Stay Thirsty (69-1)// Plonk makes a good point on Dutrow// Lots of video today// What’s most exciting for the upcoming weekend is that questions will be answered.  Are The Factor and Machen for real? Will Justin Phillip return to form with blinkers off?

Future Pool #1. Bet now, Mo money? 3 contender workouts, 3 bullets. Dutrow’s week just got worse

Summary:

The Future pool, released today, shows how much buzz plays into the odds.  The Factor (a maiden winner) opens at 20-1 while Stay Thirsty (graded stakes placed) is 30-1.   I’ve always thought betting the favorite in February is a bad idea.  I still do, but if Mo continues his 2010 form he could be the shortest price derby favorite in quite some time. 9-2 could be almost three times better than what you get on May 7th. Still not doing it// Three contenders work today, all bullets. In so doing, Yankee Passion punched his ticket for the Southwest// Dutrow suspended. Surprised?

Rogue Romance morning line favorite- will it stick? Tapizar out, Jaycito runs the San Vicente early

Summary:

If you read only one article from today, please check out Matt Gardner’s post on the differences in speed figures for Derby preps. Interesting differences and good questions raised on Beyers// Rogue Romance is the favorite in the Risen Star.  Maybe that holds, but something tells me Machen will not stay at 6-1// Jaycito puts in a strong 7 furlong move.  He’ll have to do it all over again Sunday// Todd Jacobs makes some logical points on Derby Future betting in Vegas- stay away from favorites and book the big odds horses before their preps.  Good strategies, but not sure where he’s coming from on betting Leave of Absence- just because he has nowhere to go but up?// Tapizar is off the trail// More ink for J P’s Gusto//

Toby's Corner romps, Shackleford advances, Twinspired takes WEBN

CTD Daily Feed Summary:

Toby’s Corner splashes to Whirlaway win.  Shackleford books a spot in the Fountain of Youth. Favored Twinspired wins the WEBN easily. Is it me, or did it look like they were running in quicksand down the stretch? Nice works from Rogue Romance and Pants on Fire while Astrology returns, albeit slowly.