Chasing The Derby: Russian Greek

Showing posts with label Russian Greek. Show all posts

Reveron will try to increase chance of making Derby// Ever So Lucky fires bullet ahead of Blue Grass// Handsome Mike out of Ark Derby

The connections for Reveron are making no bones about their desire to get to the Kentucky Derby. They have decided to point the colt to the Lexington Stakes (G3) April 21st at Keeneland in an effort to boost his graded earnings. Reveron currently sits at #23 on the list, and that ranking could drop further after this weekend’s prep races// Ever So Lucky fired a bullet at Keeneland in preparation for the Blue Grass (G1) Saturday. Dick Downey may have misinterpreted trainer Jonathan Sheppard’s quote after the work, in which Sheppard mentioned the Blue Grass would be the longest race of Ever So Lucky’s life. Downey took that to mean Ever So Lucky will not point for the Derby, but Sheppard may have meant “so far”. We’ll know more after the Blue Grass// Miguel Mena will ride Russian Greek in the Blue Grass for the first time. Russian Greek is coming off a disappointing 8^th place finish in the Vinery Spiral (G3) at Turfway and is now under the care of trainer Gennadi Dorochenko// Ken Ramsey will have two interests in the Blue Grass with Gung Ho and and Politicallycorrect. It appears both horses can only gain entry into the Derby with a victory. Adirondack King and Golden Ticket were officially declared out of the Blue Grass, which means maiden winner Holy Candy will most likely get in the race// Handsome Mike will miss the Arkansas Derby (G1) due to a cough and questionable blood work results. Doug O’Neill’s assistant Leandro Moro hopes to get the colt right in time for the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland where a victory could squeeze him into the Derby// Michael Matz is still undecided on when to send possible Derby favorite Union Rags to Louisville, but he has scheduled the colt’s first workout since the Florida Derby (G1) for Friday or Saturday at Palm Meadows// Take Charge Indy, winner of the Florida Derby, will ship into Louisville with the Todd Pletcher contingent (Gemologist and El Padrino) on May 1// Larry Jones confirmed Mark Valeski will not race again before the Derby, which means they will need some luck to stay at #20 on the graded earnings list. Jones thinks he has a “live horse” and says the numbers are very similar to Hard Spun, who finished a hard fought 2^nd in the 2007 Kentucky Derby// I almost had a panic attack myself reading quotes from Dr. Hansen’s NTRA teleconference Tuesday, and I’m not really sure why. In a whirlwind of thoughts he says he has tremors due to Derby fever, thinks Hansen will dominate the Blue Grass Saturday, believes it’s a no-brainer for Ramon Dominguez to opt for Hansen over Alpha in the Derby, and likes the little white stripe between his colt’s nostrils. OK…// A blog entry by Steve Haskin theorizes the winner of the Kentucky Derby could be determined by the jockey who can manage the best trip. That theory is true in tons of races, but especially important when many of the 20 likely contenders appear evenly matched. Haskin also takes Joel Rosario to task (again) for using the whip on Creative Cause who seems to veer off course when urged// Updated rankings and weekly top speed figures below…

Derby News

Keeneland Notes Tuesday 4/10 (Keeneland)

Blue Grass contender summary 4/10 (The Downey Profile)

Sheppard hints: Ever So Lucky not a Derby candidate [and more notes] (The Downey Profile)

Prospective could get Casse into Kentucky Derby picture (DRF)

Oaklawn Park Notes April 10 (Oaklawn Park)

Handsome Mike sick, will miss Arkansas Derby (The Downey Profile)

Court targets first Arkansas Derby three-peat (DRF)

Reveron may enter Lexington in last-ditch effort for graded earnings (DRF)

Parbhoo gives update on Trinniberg (Brisnet)

Derby dreams ride in on a white horse (NY Times)

Haskin’s Derby Trail: Riders on the storm (Bloodhorse Blog)

Dr. Hansen at fever pitch for Derby (Bloodhorse)

Pedigree profile: Gemologist (Paulick Report)

Went the Day Well and Daddy Nose Best (Bloodhorse)

I’ll Have Another- The Rodney Dangerfield of racing (Sports Network)

TCI weekend recap: no love for I’ll Have Another (TwinSpires Blog)

Derby betting: Plenty of parity at the top (Bloodhorse)

Interview with Larry Jones 4/10 (Bloodhorse)

A good bet: Highest graded earnings ever will be needed for Derby (Courier Journal)

Rankings

Paulick Derby Index 4/10 (Paulick Report)

Down and Derby Sweet 16 (Zipse at the Track Blog)

Top Weekly Speed Figures*

Top winning 3yo BRIS figs last week: Summer Breezing-106; Gemologist-104; Graydar-104; Trinniberg-100; I'll Have Another-98; Mop Head-98

Winning 3yo Beyers last week: Summer Breezing-89; Gemologist-98; Graydar-100; Trinniberg-94; I'll Have Another-94; Mop Head-81.

*Source: DerbyContenders via Twitter

Works

Castaway- SA- 4F- 48:00- H- 4/20

Ever So Lucky- KEE- 5F- 57:00- H- 1/25

El Padrino given green light, Pletcher to train Derby prospects in Florida// Trinniberg now possible for Derby// Features & picks for Saturday preps

‘Tis the season for Derby fever. Just three days ago, the connections for Swale (G2) winner Trinniberg claimed the Preakness, not Kentucky Derby, would be the main target based on the fact it was too soon to stretch him out. Now, in a piece from the Bloodhorse, owner Shivananda Parbhoo says with a good effort in Saturday’s 7-furlong Bay Shore (G3) they will strongly consider the 1 1/4 mile race at Churchill Downs// Not everyone contracts Derby fever however. Surprisingly, the connections of On Fire Baby announced Thursday their filly will race next in the Kentucky Oaks. There were indicators they would try the Derby, where she would have qualified for the starting gate based on earnings, however owner Anita Cauley opted for the Oaks// El Padrino was sent for an examination after his 4^th place effort in the Florida Derby (G1). Nothing was found out of the ordinary so the colt will train for the Kentucky Derby. In a more surprising statement, Todd Pletcher will keep all of his Derby hopefuls at Palm Meadows until May 1, meaning none will have an official breeze at Churchill Downs. He attributed the decision to avoiding unpredictable weather and the relative peaceful surroundings at the South Florida training center. This marks a significant change in his pre-Derby training from the last several years, including 2010 when he won with Super Saver. That year, Super Saver had a key work one week before the race on a sloppy Churchill track. He won the Derby seven days later on a similar surface// There’s an interesting and somewhat amusing animated simulation of the Santa Anita Derby via ESPN. I’ll Have Another wins by a neck over a late charging Creative Cause. You can find it in the Picks section below// Tons of features articles on entrants in this Saturday’s Derby preps. I’ll Have Another, Holy Candy, Creative Cause, Gemologist, and Alpha all get time in the spotlight// Russian-born trainer Gennadi Dorochenko will most likely miss out on the Kentucky Derby with his Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Hero of Order due to not being nominated, however he has another chance if Russian Greek runs good enough in the Blue Grass (G1). That horse is thankfully Triple Crown nominated, however faces a tall order at Keeneland where he will go up against Hansen and other qualified prospects. Russian Greek has finished off the board in two previous graded stakes tries, both on synthetic surfaces like the Blue Grass// Updated future odds were released by Wynn Las Vegas. Despite a third place finish last Saturday, Union Rags is still favored at 7/2 followed by Hansen and Creative Cause at 10-1. Regardless of what happens this weekend or next-- barring an absolute runaway victory by the above stated second choices-- the tote board come Derby day will be mouthwatering…

Articles

Santa Anita Derby:

Santa Anita Derby could be big opportunity for Holy Candy (LA Times)

Rosario hoping Creative Cause his homerun (Courier Journal)

Creative Cause made favorite in Santa Anita Derby (USA Today)

Creative Cause has eyes on bigger prize (DRF)

Reddam takes risky path with I’ll Have Another (DRF)

Winning team seeks Santa Anita Derby payday (DRF)

Wood Memorial:

Wood Memorial offers glimpse into Alpha’s future (Lexington Herald Leader)

Wood Memorial is a big test for Gemologist (Sports Network)

Gemologist might be trainer Todd Pletcher’s only shot at 2012 Kentucky Derby (NY Daily News)

Gemologist give Pletcher another shot (DRF)

Wood, Santa Anita Derby overdue to produce something positive in Kentucky Derby (DRF)

Fun facts about the Wood Memorial entrants (Brisnet)

Illinois Derby:

Illinois Derby: Distance, class questions for much of field (DRF)

Spotlight on Hollendorfer for El Camino, 10 entered// Liaison to ship// 6 work for Southwest// Even more rankings

No surprises with the release of entries for Saturday’s El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields. Jerry Hollendorfer is grabbing all of the early headlines given he has two entered- a filly Lady of Fifty, and the favorite Russian Greek- and he’s going for his sixth El Camino trophy. The same connections of 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom have entered Lucky Chappy, who will make his first start off turf. Handsome Mike, 4^th last time out in the Sham (G3), will try a supposed easier spot up North and Steve Asmussen ships in Daddy Nose Best. The rest of the field along with past performances and race replays (coming soon) can be viewed on the upcoming page here// Eoin Harty seems extremely pleased with Sham winner Out of Bounds in recent training and is still pointing for the San Felipe (G2)// Liaison, who was the victim of a very troubled trip in the Sham where he clipped heels and dumped his rider, returned to the work tab Wednesday. Trainer Bob Baffert revealed the colt will most likely ship to the Fairgrounds or Oaklawn Park for his next effort// The Southwest Stakes, which may have to be plural considering a possible split race scenario, continues to grab tons of headlines. Six contenders worked at Oaklawn including three with Kentucky Derby winning trainers- Lynn Whiting, 1992 winning trainer, worked Cyber Secret for 4-furlongs; John Servis of Smarty Jones fame in 2004 has Adirondack King, who also worked 4 panels; and four-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer D. Wayne Lukas sent Optimizer to the track for a quick 5-furlong breeze. Full workout details below// Nice article from Gary West at ESPN who covers some of the trials, tribulations, theories, questions, and unknowns of the Derby Trail// more…

Articles

El Camino Real Derby Previews: Bloodhorse /Brisnet / Sports Network

Oaklawn barn notes 2/15 [Southwest news round-up] (Oaklawn Park)

Southwest sees return of Servis, Elliott (DRF)

Whiting back with another shot 20 years after victory (DRF)

Baffert goes after another Southwest at Oaklawn (Miami Herald)

Harty taking it easy with Out of Bounds (TTimes)

Liaison back to work, looking out of town (DRF)

On the bumpy road to the Derby (ESPN)

Union Rags, Algorithms top Fountain of Youth nominations (The Downey Profile)

Union Rags remains at top of the Kentucky Derby list (DRF)

Who’s hot who’s not Feb 15 (DRF)

Kentucky Derby report Feb 15 (Brisnet)

Rankings
DRF Derby Watch Top 20 (DRF)

Mike Curry’s Top 50 (TTimes)

Works

Optimizer- OP- 5F- 1.00:20- B- 1/15

Big Wednesday- OP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 5/15

Atigun- OP- 5F- 1.02:40- B- 9/15

Adirondack King- OP- 4F- 49:40- B- 4/32

Z Rockstar- OP- 4F- 49:80- B- 7/32

Cyber Secret- OP- 4F- 50:20- B- 12/32

Ancient Rome- AQU- 4F- 49:66- B- 2/4

Liaison- SA- 4F- 47:00- H- 3/21

Night Tide- SA- 4F- 47:80- H- 6/24

Rousing Sermon- HOL- 4F- 49:40- H- 13/19

Twelve Hundred- HAW- 6F- 1.15:60- B- 3/3

El Camino Real to get 5// More next race plans from Pletcher// Kentucky Derby Future Odds updated

A small field of just five is expected for the El Camino Real Derby (G3) February 18^th. Kentucky Derby winning trainer Graham Motion will most likely ship graded stakes-placed Lucky Chappy who has only raced on turf in previous tries. The other four probable runners are Russian Greek, Rockinarz Recruit, Unveiled Heat, and Cahill Chrome// Dale Romans revealed Grade 1 winner Dullahan has been absent from the work tab due to a cough. Luckily he already has $375,000 in graded earnings, so there is no rush to squeeze him into a race. The Palm Beach (G3) on turf and then Bluegrass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland is still the tentative plan// While the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn is expected to draw some familiar entries from the Smarty Jones Stakes held in mid-January, there will also be some intriguing additions. Not only could Bob Baffert ship Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint winner Secret Circle, but several impressive Oaklawn-based maiden and allowance winners could join the fun too. Cyber Secret (who was mistakenly left off the list of early Triple Crown nominations), Apprehender, and Pee H Dee are expected to push the field to at least eight deep// Even more next race plans were announced for Todd Pletcher contenders, albeit mostly from his B-team. Dan and Sheila, 4^th in the Lecomte (G3) last out, will head to New York for the Gotham (G3) along with recent maiden breaker Raconteur. Big Blue Nation will step down to an allowance before being considered for another stakes. Pletcher is not giving up on Our Entourage who will be moved to turf in his next start, and the trainer also just attained Declaration of War from Coolmore who will get a try on the trail as well. Gemologist wouldn’t be considered a B-team player based on his KY Jockey Club (G2) win at Churchill Downs in November. He’s tentatively scheduled to take a two prep schedule similar to 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver that starts off in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) or Rebel (G2)// I’ve listed some recent speed figures from Kentucky Derby preps over the last few days, but a particular maiden winner at the Fairgrounds Friday went unnoticed. Bourbon Courage earned a whopping 103 Beyer speed figure in his debut, which is the second highest in his class. The son of Lion Heart went off at 15-1 odds and flew home with a final time just over a tick off the track record for 6-furlongs. No news yet on where he’ll end up next// The latest Kentucky Derby futures from Wynn Las Vegas were released late Monday. Alpha, winner of the Withers Saturday, jumped all the way to 11-1, just behind 10-1 co-favorites Union Rags and Algorithms. Other interesting changes were Sam Davis winner Battle Hardened at 30-1 (from 125-1) and Robert Lewis victor I’ll Have Another 65-1 (from 200-1)// Paul Moran comes down hard on owner Dr. Hansen’s decision to color the mane and tale of his horse- likening the visual to a carousel horse among other things…

Articles

Russian Greek among 5 probables for El Camino Real (DRF)

Colt [Cyber Secret] added to Triple Crown nominations list (Bloodhorse)

Big Beyer propels Cyber Secret to Southwest (DRF)

Romans not pressing Dullahan (DRF)

Creative Cause will take on Drill and Secret Circle in his seasonal debut (Bettor.com)

Ho-hum, Pletcher loaded again (Bloodhorse Blog)

Todd Pletcher’s plethora of Kentucky Derby contenders (Louisville.com)

Triple Crown: O’Brien pair among the entries (Betting.Betfair)

2012 Kentucky Derby analysis: The Withers Stakes (G3) (Bleacher Report)

Kentucky Derby future wager pool 1 set to open Friday (DRF)

Alpha lives up to his name (The Derby Post)

Hansen deserves better (ESPN)

Hansen, Union Rags top list of early Illinois Derby nominations (TTimes)

Trio of Derby preps gets Derby trail off and running (Turf ‘n’ Sport)

Rankings

Paulick Derby Index 2/7 (Paulick Report)

Works

Swag Daddy- AQU- 4F- 48:02- 1/5

Best Speed Figures From The Week*

3yo winning Beyers last week: I'll Have Another-96; Bourbon Courage-103; Alpha-90; Cyber Secret-96; Ender Knievel-88

Top 3yo winning BRIS figs last week: I'll Have Another-102; Bourbon Courage-102; Alpha-100; Cyber Secret-100; Ender Knievel-98

*Source: DerbyContenders via Twitter

Prospective back on track// Russian Greek takes California Derby// Hansen works

Saturday featured two minor stakes in Florida and California. Prospective returned to winning ways in the Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Bumped a little in the beginning, he settled back and fired a powerful kick in the stretch. The Sam F. Davis (G3) on the same track will be his next try// Russian Greek also closed from far back to take the California Derby at Golden Gate. He’ll most likely attempt the El Camino Real (G3) next// Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Hansen posted another breeze. Trainer Michael Maker said the Holy Bull (G3) is still the plan// I’ve compiled a list of around 45 Kentucky Derby contenders here. This replaces the “Notable Performer” list that was populated most of last year during the Juvenile season. The contender list will be updated and I’m sure constantly modified// Entries were drawn for the Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn, and as expected the filly On Fire Baby will go against males for the first time. D. Wayne Lukas entered CTD Contender Optimizer, and Dallas Stewart’s Laurie’s Rocket is another intriguing runner.

Results

Pasco S.- Tampa Bay Downs

Winner: Prospective

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse replay

Articles: DRF / Brisnet / TTimes

California Derby- Golden Gate Fields

Winner: Russian Greek

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Articles: Brisnet / Bloodhorse

Entries

Smarty Jones S.- Oaklawn Park- entries

Articles

On Fire Baby tests males in Smarty Jones (Brisnet)

Top 3-year-old prospect Ever So Lucky ships in for Sheppard [plus news on Hansen’s work] (DRF)

Dale Romans isn’t bound after O’Prado Again exist, as Dullahan is right next in line (Bettor Blog)

Works:

Hansen- GP- 5F- 1.01:10 B- 6/45

Dullahan- GP- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 16/45

State of Play- TP- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 18/33

Stat PMM- 4F- 49:02- B- 20/69

Consortium- PMM- 5F- 1.01:02- B- 4/21

Shared Property- FG- 5F- 1.15:80 B- 1/3

Team Six- FH- 4F- 50:00- B- 4/23

Longview Drive- SA- 4F- 48:80- H- 8/30

Canigotoo- EVT- 4F- 51:18- B- 17/61

Sections

Reveron will try to increase chance of making Derby// Ever So Lucky fires bullet ahead of Blue Grass// Handsome Mike out of Ark Derby

El Padrino given green light, Pletcher to train Derby prospects in Florida// Trinniberg now possible for Derby// Features & picks for Saturday preps

Spotlight on Hollendorfer for El Camino, 10 entered// Liaison to ship// 6 work for Southwest// Even more rankings

El Camino Real to get 5// More next race plans from Pletcher// Kentucky Derby Future Odds updated

Prospective back on track// Russian Greek takes California Derby// Hansen works

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