Master Of Hounds makes first training appearance, all eyes and ears on Friday Mo decision

Summary:

Master Of Hounds finally took his first steps on the Churchill track Thursday.  It was a very light effort that did not impress onlookers, however his appearance cannot be ignored.  Not only is he big, but he also has a compact yet powerful stride.  Uncle Mo put in a strong gallop, although the chances of him entering the Derby gate seem to diminish by the minute. A decision will be announced most likely early Friday.  Other horses that impressed Thursday morning were Mucho Macho Man (looking better each day), Shackleford (as always), Archx3 (I’m’ still not over the #1 draw), Animal Kingdom (another improver), and Twinspired (not a typo).  The recent reports on Soldat have been glowing, but I saw a horse that was fighting the bit and did not look comfortable// Robby Albarado, who suffered facial injuries from a Wednesday spill, will still be aboard Animal Kingdom in the Derby as expected// DRF does a rundown of where future wagers currently stand.  Decisive Moment leads the way with the best value at 186-1 from pool 1.  Dialed In, the favorite in the Derby, closed at 11-1 in one future pool, and Archarcharch was as high 50-1.  Don’t think futures are a smart bet, however, only 3 out of 110 horses from the Wynn Future Book in September actually made the Derby field// As we have seen during Derby week, the number of articles grows by the day.  Friday and Saturday CTD blog posts will be shorter due to the fact we’ll be at the races.  Be sure to still check out the site for our final Derby picks and wagers along with a unique new handicapping formula// more…

Shackleford blistering in work// Animal Kingdom sharp// Twice The Appeal and Mucho Macho Man not ideal

Shackleford after his workout. CTD 4-30-11

Summary:

Today’s hectic Kentucky Derby workout tab at Churchill Downs included a little bit of everything, including a huge throng of marathoners running through the infield during the 8:30am session, somewhat simulating the atmosphere that is expected in a week.  You had a sizzling bullet (Shackleford), an immature work (Mucho Macho Man), an encouraging first time dirt move (Animal Kingdom), and a generally unimpressive effort (Twice The Appeal).  In-depth analysis below in the links, but I will make a few backside observations of my own.  Shackleford was an absolute standout and had quite a presence on the track.  His front action seemed a little high but he was inhaling the track with each stride.  You could hear the whip on Mucho Macho Man from two furlongs away, as he needed encouragement to start his work.  Mike Welsch at the Daily Racing Form claims Twice The Appeal galloped out well after his subpar work, yet along the backside I caught several missteps that appeared as though he was not taking hold of the track.  Animal Kingdom was quickly tracking his workmate and moving well, but did not leave quite the same favorable impression as others reported// Over at the Churchill Trackside training center Twinspired put in a work that was described as mere “maintenance” move// Todd Plecher held a small press conference outside of barn 34.  He indicated that Uncle Mo’s appetite continues to improve, and the old Mo seems to be back.  He was anxious to see his work Sunday to validate the feeling.  Pletcher also revealed he was seriously considering Calvin Borel for the mount on Stay Thirsty, but decided to stick with the familiar Ramon Dominguez// Machen, who was once a buzz horse along the Triple Crown trail proved that shorter distance is more in his wheelhouse by winning the Derby Trial Stakes Saturday// more…

Zito Dialed In for Kentucky Derby// Master Of Hounds likely, Mr. Commons could sneak in

Summary:

Dialed In’s official four furlong workout time at Palm Meadows Thursday was a solid 48.40, but Mike Welsch at the Daily Racing Form claims he was “never asked to exert himself at any time”. While some question whether Dialed In’s light workout pattern and short four-furlong moves will have him ready for the mile and a quarter test May 7^th, Zito claims the horse is ultra fit, ready for the challenge, and won’t be short.  Soldat, also stationed at Palm Meadows, will have his final work Friday and then join Dialed In on the flight to Louisville Saturday// Master Of Hounds was officially withdrawn from Newmarket’s 2,000 Guineas, which means the Kentucky Derby is very likely.  Garrett Gomez is still considered the frontrunner to get the mount// Archarcharch and Decisive Moment are set to put in their final works Friday// With all of the recent movement and defections among the all important graded earnings list, lightly raced Mr. Commons now sits at spot #23.  What was once an unthinkable scenario for a colt with only $120,000 in earnings, qualifying for the Derby now doesn’t seem entirely far-fetched.  Trainer John Shirreffs decided to work the recent Santa Anita Derby third-place runner an extended seven furlongs at Hollywood Park just in case he stretches out to a mile and a quarter May 7th// TVG is reporting that Derby winning jockey Mike Smith will have the mount on Twinspired// I’ve always enjoyed reading the transcripts from the DRF chats just days before the Derby, seeing as it always provides valuable info from some of the game’s best handicappers.  Christmas came a little early as DRF laid out several Derby questions for their columnists. A must read// more…

Kentucky Derby drama starts before dawn; Tuesday brings defections, major workouts, jockey decisions

Summary:

The Derby drama started early Tuesday-- 5:45 AM early.  Trainer Todd Pletcher decided to beat the rain and send out Uncle Mo nearly three hours prior to the scheduled Derby/Oaks training session. From that moment on, major developments affecting the Kentucky Derby field, pace scenario, and jockey assignments seemed to be announced by the minute. The Factor and J P’s Gusto were confirmed out of the Derby field (along with the expected defection of Astrology). That allows Shackleford and Twinspired to slide into the top 20.  It also helps Shackleford deal with two less potential front-runners.  Spots 21 and 22 are now Silver Medallion and Anthony’s Cross, with the latter booked for a flight to Churchill next Tuesday// Some believed Calvin Borel would be named to ride Stay Thirsty, but Ramon Dominguez was confirmed instead.  The rumor of Borel landing on Master Of Hounds continues to grow.  Derby winning jockey Mike Smith was named to ride new entrant Twinspired// As for the workouts, Pletcher was clearly thrilled with Uncle Mo’s five furlong drill.  Jockey Johnny Velazquez and DRF analyst Mike Welsch claimed the old Mo is back.  Welsch did comment he could have galloped out stronger, but admitted that was “nitpicking”.  Midnight Interlude worked a bullet six furlongs, but according to Welsch had some trouble catching up to his workmate.  Santiva, who worked four panels, pleased his trainer Eddie Kenneally but did not impress Welsch// Uncle Mo’s owner Mike Repole held a press conference today and offered strong words to the press on questions related to Uncle Mo and full disclosure// Tom Durkin, the voice of the Kentucky Derby the past 10 years decided to bow out of contract negatiations for this year’s call on NBC.  Rumors are that Larry Collmus, track announcer at Gulfstream Park and Monmouth Park will assume the duty// Although not Derby related, it is worth noting that during all of the excitement this morning at Churchill Downs there was also tragedy.  Gilded Gem, a workmate of Kentucky Oaks contender Plum Pretty, was fatally injured during the Derby/Oaks training session.  Trainer Bob Baffert, who recently withdrew two horses from the Derby field, had to deal with the biggest blow of them all// more…

Kentucky Derby field becoming clear, contenders migrate to Churchill

Summary:

Sunday was a day for planning and moving on.  The top two finishers from the Arkansas Derby (Archaracharch, Nehro) and Blue Grass Stakes (Brilliant Speed, Twinspired) appear headed to Louisville, where all but Twinspired are guaranteed a spot in the Derby gate.  Brilliant Speed will wait until just a week before, while the others will arrive this week.  As for the show horses and also-rans; The Factor, J P’s Gusto, Brethren, Dance City, Sway Away, and Santiva are also shipping to Churchill with only the first two being within the top 20 in graded earnings.  Bob Baffert is still undecided if he will enter The Factor based on his dull performance and the possibility of surgery for a displaced palate// Speaking of graded earnings, the all important official list was released late Saturday and a link is below// Archarcharch earned a 98 Beyer speed figure in the Arkansas Derby which is the highest of all last-round Derby preps, but still sub-100 which gives more support to the “less than mediocre” tag on this year’s crop// Decisive Moment appeared to relish the muddy track at Churchill by firing a bullet work. Stay Thirsty also breezed a quick four panels// Below are links to some nice blog postings on Saturday's preps and justified questions on the relevancy of the Blue Grass Stakes// more…

Graded Earnings List (Top 20 qualify for Kentucky Derby)

·       Official 4/16 (Churchill Downs)

Archarcharch stuns again// Brilliant Speed noses out Twinspired in Blue Grass

Summary:

We’ve read this script before:  Highly touted favorite disappoints in key Kentucky Derby prep.  The latest chapter was written by The Factor, who was absolutely no factor in the Arkansas Derby.  As we’ve also read before, there was an excuse.  Add flipped palate to a long list that includes GI tract infections, quarter grabs, lost shoes, and broken teeth.  Whether it actually happened-- which would cause difficulty in breathing-- or not is unclear.  What is clear is that The Factor was simply out-jumped leaving the gate and never comfortable trailing horses.  The winner, Archarcharch deserves all praise that can be given, which will probably not be much considering many will say he benefitted again from closing off a cooked pace.  This horse is the only Derby contender who has won two graded preps going two turns in 2011 and the only to finish in the money in three stakes this year.  2^nd place finisher Nehro was almost equally impressive barreling down the stretch and continuing on past the winner after the wire.  If these guys can navigate their way through a 20-horse field on May 7 look out.

The Blue Grass Stakes assumed its usual role of big priced ho hum winner.  Brilliant Speed just out-nosed Twinspired at the wire to guarantee a spot in the Kentucky Derby gate.  Twinspired could join him with a few other defections.  Both horses have raced on true dirt just three times and were beaten by a combined 52 lengths, which begs a debate on changing the criteria of qualifying for the Derby.  As respectable as the Blue Grass Stakes was (produced more Derby winners than any other race), its relevance since the change to Polytrack is lower than a maiden race at Gulfstream.

Mucho Macho Man worked a long seven furlongs in Florida.  All reports were positive and he is on his way to Louisville for a Sunday arrival//more…     

Dialed In to face older colts in allowance. Pletcher admits Stay Thirsty not fully cranked up. Handicapper picks for the Gotham.

Summary:

Just hours after Bloodhorse published a story on the Tampa Bay Derby being Dialed In’s next logical race, an allowance with his name as an entry filled at Gulfstream.  Everyone seems happy.  So are there any reservations of running against older colts at such a critical time? His competition includes a graded stakes placed runner and recent allowance winners.  Dick Downey still believes it’s a weak bunch//There is a quote from Todd Pletcher on Stay Thirsty’s tight workout schedule.  Is Pletcher’s “not fully cranked up” the same as Mott’s “not fully cranked up”?// More background articles on the Gotham plus a few expert handicapper picks// Some of the other upcoming 3YO stakes got some ink today- Battaglia and Mountain Valley

Three bullets by contenders, Sam F. Davis field comes into focus, trainer plans and more

Summary:

Bullet works by To Honor and Serve, Awesome Patriot and Justin Phillip.  The field for the Sam F. Davis becomes clearer- Brethren steps up.  Updates on trainer plans for Wilkinson, Toby’s Corner, and Casper’s Touch.

King Mo steps it up, bullets already flying for the El Camino, and more

CTD Daily Feed Summary:

Uncle Mo works nicely along with a slew of others including the likely two favorites for the Camino Real.  Nominations and some confirmations for the Camino. A coy response on Twinspired’s next race plans.

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.