Chasing The Derby: Rousing Sermon

Showing posts with label Rousing Sermon. Show all posts

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

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

Trinniberg in, Reveron injured and out (DRF)

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

Desormeaux eyes a 4^th win with Dullahan (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

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 1^st// 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)

Will Bodemeister rewrite history? (ESPN)

Matz keeps Union Rags fresh for big day (DRF)

Barbaro trainer bringing Union Rags to Derby [with video] (Bleacher Report)

Alpha looks to be healing well (DRF)

Pletcher may shift Gemologist’s work (DRF)

Dullahan’s dam could make Kentucky Derby history (DRF)

Meet the 2012 Kentucky Derby pretenders (Zipse at the Track Blog)

Lexington unlikely to produce Kentucky Derby starter (DRF)

One last Kentucky Derby prep race at Keeneland (Sports Network)

Rousing Sermon is going, says Hollendorfer (DRF)

Day at the races April 19 (NY Daily News)
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

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 6^th 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 3^rd 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

Wynn Las Vegas 4/16

Lexington Stakes (G3)

Entries

Past Performances: Click here (look for April 21 Castaway)

Preview articles: Bloodhorse / Brisnet / Miami Herald

Jerome Stakes (G3)

Entries

Past Performances: Click here (look for April 21 Stirred Up)

Preview articles: NYRA / Bloodhorse / DRF

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)

Bodemeister unlikely to buck history (ESPN)

Arkansas Derby winner Bodemeister aims to end 130 year drought (TTimes)

Matz unsure where Union Rags should work this weekend (DRF)

Went the Day Well hoping to follow in stablemate’s footsteps (TTimes)

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)

Who’s hot, who’s not April 20 (DRF)

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

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

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

Derby contenders arrive at Churchill// Trinniberg unlikely, Drill ruled out// Reveron will sit out Lexington// Bodemeister gets Beyer bump

With all major prep races out of the way, the focus from mid-April to Derby focuses on workouts, defections, rumors of defections, jockey assignments, and arrivals of horses to Churchill Downs. Sunday and Monday following the Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass brought all five of those things. Wrote and Drill were both ruled out officially when they failed to join their stablemates on flights to Kentucky. That opens spots in the gate for Rousing Sermon and Mark Valeski. It seems the chances of Trinniberg entering the Derby shrink with each passing day. That’s good news for Todd Pletcher’s El Padrino who is next in line to join the field. Just behind him in the standings is Reveron, who was scheduled to race in Saturday’s Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland solely for the purpose of accruing more earnings. His connections opted to not force the issue and take the chance more will drop out// Still no decision on whether to run Prospective in the Derby, and it’s hard to guess when Mark Casse puts the chances at 50-50// Alpha, 2^nd last out to Gemologist in the Wood Memorial (G1), did not ship as planned to Churchill Downs Monday due to an infection from cuts incurred in the race. Although trainer Kiaran McLaughlin says the son of Bernardini is still on target for the Kentucky Derby, you don’t like to hear of any hiccups this close to May 5^th. Instead of two workouts at Churchill ahead of the Derby, Alpha may only have one at Belmont// As for jockey assignments, everyone is waiting to hear from Ramon Dominguez who faces the tough choice between riding Hansen or Alpha. Considering the recent news on Alpha, you would have to think he’s leaning towards the 2-year-old champion// Sunday it was confirmed that Mike Smith will stay on Bodemeister and Garret Gomez will ride Smith’s previous engagement Daddy Nose Best// Speaking of Daddy Nose Best, the colt blazed 5-furlongs on the Churchill surface Monday morning in 1.00:20. That was the fastest time of 20 workers and pleased trainer Steve Asmussen, who has penciled in subsequent workouts for the next two Mondays before the Derby// The top 3 finishers from the Arkansas Derby arrived safely at Churchill Downs Monday afternoon// Bodemeister’s Beyer speed figure from the Arkansas Derby was increased from 105 to 108, which not only makes him the fastest 3-year-old to run in 2012, but also the second fastest North American horse of 2012, period. Steven Crist from DRF proclaims Bodemeister is “head and shoulders above his contemporaries”// more…

Kentucky Derby News and Opinion

Alpha staying home for now (DRF)

Daddy Nose Best works; Arkansas Derby stars set to arrive (Churchill Downs)

Saturday winners back in Louisville (The Sports Network)

Battaglia will go to overtime before choosing Derby favorite (TTimes)

Bodemeister: Start of something special? (DRF Blog)

Can Bodemeister snap a 130-year-old Kentucky Derby jinx? (Miami Herald)

Bodemeister jumps into spotlight (DRF)

Maker continues to impress in Blue Grass (DRF)

Graded Earnings updated list; who still has a chance? (The Bleacher Report)

Needhams enjoying the Dullahan experience (Bloodhorse)

Behind the scenes with Dullahan [video] (Behind The Scenes Blog)

Under the radar: Went the Day Well (DRF)

Lexington Stakes unlikely to produce Kentucky Derby starter (DRF)

UPI thoroughbred racing roundup (UPI)

KY panel: Ban race day meds from Derby (AP)

Photos

Sabercat walks shedrow at Churchill Downs barn (Churchill Downs)

Daddy Nose Best grazing at Churchill Downs (Churchill Downs)

Boedmeister in stall at Churchill Downs (Churchill Downs)

Rankings

Steve Haskin’s Derby Dozen 4/16 [with video] (Bloodhorse)

AP Top 10 4/16 (AP)

Works

Daddy Nose Best CD- 5F- 1.00:20- B- 1/20

News and Quotes from Twitter

“Trinniberg doubtful for Derby. Hero of Order must be supplemented; can't knock out a nominee. Looks good for El Padrino to get in”- Jay Privman via Twitter

Bob Baffert says Liaison to ship to CD "sometime next week" & Baffert will travel then, too. Drill back in CA, not in #KyDerby picture”- Derby Media via Twitter

“Alpha did not ship to Ky this morning. Had infection as a result of cuts suffered in Wood. Connections still targeting Derby; ship on 4-30”- David Grening via Twitter

“Hamilton Smith reports Done Talking will work twice at Laurel (21 & 28) & van to CD on 29th. Sheldon Russell rides in #KyDerby”- Derby Media via Twitter

Shocker in Louisiana, Hero of Order still on outside looking in// Gemologist works for Wood// Blue Grass probables breeze// Thoughts on weekend preps

A wild Kentucky Derby prep weekend culminated with a 109-1 shot shocking the Louisiana Derby on Sunday. April Fools jokes were running rampant, but perhaps the cruelest of all was on the connections of winner Hero of Order. Trainer Gennadi Dorochenko clearly didn’t understand the rules for qualifying for the Derby when he emphatically said they were heading to Louisville next. Although Hero of Order fetched a $600,000 check for the victory, which is more than enough earnings to qualify for the Derby, he is not nominated to the Triple Crown. Simply put, as long as 24 nominated horses are entered in the Kentucky Derby-- which will most likely be the case-- Hero of Order is shut out regardless of graded earnings standings.

Hero of Order took advantage of a fast track and modest fractions by staying towards the front just off pacesetter Comisky’s Humor. It appeared Mark Valeski, Rousing Sermon, or Cigar Street would catch him in the stretch, but Hero of Order was able to hold on. The final eighth was a slow 13:47 which doesn’t say much for the Louisiana Derby field in general. Rousing Sermon, who finished third by a nose, was the only challenger that appeared to make a decent closing move. Nonetheless, 2^nd place finisher Mark Valeski along with Rousing Sermon could have enough earnings for a shot at the Roses- they currently sit at #17 and #16 on the list respectively.

The graded earnings list is getting very tight. The current cut-off line is $188,000 but that could very well move higher with upcoming big purse preps. Last Friday, many would have never believed the top 20 would include the names of Daddy Long Legs, Wrote (who was already high on the list, but uncertain for the Derby), Take Charge Indy, Rousing Sermon, and Reveron.

Daddy Long Legs and Wrote obviously make the list based on their earnings from Saturday’s UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai [note: Wrote was already in a good spot with winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf]. Irishman Aidan O’Brien has won just about every major European race along with many prestigious stateside stakes, but hasn’t translated that luck to his attempts in the Kentucky Derby. Wrote and Daddy Long Legs would be his 4^th and 5^th representatives in America’s greatest race. How they handle the dirt surface will be the two million dollar question, but there have been multiple winners who possess turf prowess in their pedigrees including last year’s winner Animal Kingdom.

Take Charge Indy will get a decent amount of wagering play on Derby Day based on his defeat of Union Rags in the Florida Derby (G1) and the fact Calvin Borel is the pilot. Borel was able to use the rail and his horse’s early speed to wire the field Saturday. While it was surprising that he beat the early Derby favorite Union Rags, Take Charge Indy was rounding into form. His first race back from a layoff was a gutsy effort on a sealed track in which he relinquished the lead to El Padrino in the final furlong. With several subsequent breezes and a dry track he was able to turn the tables on El Padrino Saturday. Take Charge Indy doesn’t necessarily need the lead in the Derby to be effective, but Borel will most likely prefer to position him towards the front. His pedigree is suited for the 10-furlong distance, and with a few buzz worthy works leading into May 5^th, Take Charge Indy could be among the favorites.

As for Union Rags in the Florida Derby (G1), opinions seem mixed. Jockey Julien Leparoux blamed the slow break, fast track, and the fact he was bottled up by El Padrino and Javier Castellano. Leparoux said Union Rags was handling the kickback of dirt fine, but in the replay the horse does not look comfortable. Whether that was due to a tight hold, crowded space, or flying dirt remains a mystery. In most of Union Rags’ victories he has been kept in the clear and Saturday’s effort may have exposed a flaw that should be noted in the likely crowded Kentucky Derby. Nonetheless, he did make a strong move down the stretch having to weave inside and out before eventually getting into his fast closing stride.

Reveron did well to hang on for 2nd but seemed to tire down the stretch as he was having difficultly running straight. El Padrino finished 4^th and his effort starting from the top of the stretch can best be described as fair and plodding. The plan is for all of the top 4 finishers to meet again Derby day.

Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool closed Sunday. Union Rags was still the favorite at 9/2. Creative Cause was a little surprising at 8-1. With a good effort in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), he should be sub 5-1 Derby day. ‘All Others’ at 6-1 does include some likely Derby entrants including Wrote, Daddy Long Legs, and Reveron// Gemologist put in his final move ahead of Saturday’s Wood Memorial (G1). Trainer Todd Pletcher was “really, really pleased”// More workouts were reported for likely Blue Grass (G1) and Bay Shore (G3) contestant// more…

Results

Louisiana Derby (G2)

Winner: Hero of Order

Trainer: Gennadi Dorochenko

Jockey: Eddie Martin Jr.

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: YouTube

Wrap-up articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / TTimes / Brisnet

Graded Earnings List

Official List 4/1/12 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #3

Union Rags is narrow choice in Derby Futures Pool 3 (Brisnet)