Chasing The Derby: Swale Stakes

Summary:

A field of 11 will line up in the Palm Beach (G3) Sunday at Gulfstream, with several owners and trainers hoping they can move to Derby points races next time out. Ken Ramsey thinks Charming Kitten could be a Derby starter, while Gary Contessa will point Rydilluc to the Spiral (G3) if all goes well// More previews and picks rolled in for upcoming weekend stakes races. Links can be found below// He’s Had Enough, recently fifth in the Fountain of Youth (G2), will be shipped to Dubai to try the UAE Derby. Trainer Doug O’Neill didn’t mention whether a trip back to the Kentucky Derby is certain if all goes well, but one would assume that’s the plan// more…

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #2

News release (Churchill Downs)

PPs: Brisnet / DRF PPs

Articles:

Outside post shouldn’t deter Overanalyze in Gotham (In The Money)

He’s Had Enough headed to UAE Derby in Dubai (DRF)

Long-shot Ive Struck A Nerve could put another Desormeaux in the race (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2 [Strategy] (TwinSpires Blog)

Weekly Update Feb 28 (Churchill Downs)

Rankings:

Kentucky Derby Power Rankings (SB Nation)

Workouts:

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 7F- 1.25:40 H- 1/1

Quotes and Tweets:

“Fans of Overanalyze may take comfort in knowing Hansen won last year's Gotham from post 12”- David Grening via Twitter

Grade 1 winner Dullahan will make his 2012 debut on turf in the Palm Beach Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream. His connections are hoping to take the same path to Kentucky they took with Paddy O’Prado in 2010. The Palm Beach only drew six total entries and will really not offer much of a read either way on where Dullahan fits with other serious Derby contenders. Entries and a link to free PPs are below// Jason Shandler points out the Tampa Bay Derby has had more impact on the Kentucky Derby than any other prep race in the last five years. The race has produced 2 Derby winners and a third-place finisher. Shandler likes Take Charge Indy, Spring Hill Farm, Battle Hardened, and Cozetti in this year’s running, all of which I’m inclined to agree in that order// Jay Privman notes that maiden winner Bodemeister is the only entry in the San Felipe (G2) to earn a triple digit Beyer speed figure, yet most of the other nine challengers are more experienced and accomplished. Bodemeister is the second choice at 3-1 right behind favorite Creative Cause at 5-2// Trainer Bob Baffert posted on his Twitter account that Fed Biz, a horse that was suppose to run in the San Felipe, returned to the track Thursday and seems to have recovered from his stomach cramping. The Santa Anita Derby (G1) or Wood Memorial (G1) will offer his only shot at joining the Kentucky Derby field// Brother Francis, a multiple graded stakes placed colt, is still eligible for maiden level racing. He’ll try to get his first win Saturday and move onto the Santa Anita Derby// Lots of handicapper picks linked below// For PPs, articles, and picks for all weekend Derby preps go to the upcoming page here

Palm Beach Stakes (G2)

Entries / PPs (look for March 11 Dullahan)

Preview Articles: Bloodhorse / Brisnet

San Felipe (G2), Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Swale (G2)- For free PPs, articles, and picks click here

Articles

Santa Anita stable notes 3/8 (Santa Anita)

Bodemeister fast, but untested heading into San Felipe Stakes (DRF)

Spring Hill Farm steps up for Pletcher (DRF)

Tampa Bay Derby favorite to be tested (Sports Network)

Ever So Lucky gets season started in Swale (DRF)

Rebel plan comes together (Arkansas News)

Romancing the Gold possible for Wood (DRF)