PPs and previews for Wood and Santa Anita Derby// Blue Grass news// Texas Bling breezes// New rankings// more…

Entries were drawn for two important and historic Derby preps this Saturday- the Wood Memorial (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1). Serious contenders abound in both races, including undefeated Vyjack and Verrazano in the Wood, and graded stakes winners Hear the Ghost, Flashback, and Goldencents in the SA Derby. Previews, features, videos, and a link to free PPs can be found below. New security measures will be taken for entrants in both races. Some may feel it’s a little Big Brother-ish, but it doesn’t bother me. The sport has a horrible reputation of negligence when it comes to illegal substances administered by trainers and vets// Blue Gras probable Tesseron breezed a long 6-furlongs at Keeneland Wednesday. Josie Carroll says the colt is a late bloomer who likes the Polytrack surface. West Hill’s Giant, second last time out in the Gotham (G3), worked 4-furlongs at Belmont and will ship in for the Blue Grass// I had no idea the final time of 1 3/16 mile UAE Derby was so close to the final time of the 1 1/4 mile Dubai World Cup. Just 1.17 seconds separated the two races, which suggests Lines Of Battle’s victory in the UAE Derby was very slow. Oddsmaker Roxy Roxborough says not to be too concerned seeing as Meydan’s Tapeta surface quickened drastically between the two races due to the sudden drop in temperature// more…

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Point Races:

Wood Memorial (G1)

Aqueduct

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Time: 6:28PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

Previews: NYRA / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

Santa Anita Derby (G1)

Santa Anita

1 1/8 Miles

PPs: Click here

Time: 7:00PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

Previews: Santa Anita / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

Articles:

NYRA and NYS Gaming Commission announce enhanced security measures for Wood Memorial participants (NYRA)

Rosario reflects on World Cup, ready for Wood (Bloodhorse)

Verrazano arrives at Aqueduct, Pletcher interview [video] (NYRA via YouTube)

Hear the Ghosts owners have big dreams for bargain horse (DRF)

Santa Anita Derby pivotal race for Always in a Tiz (DRF)

Santa Anita Derby runners to undergo 72 hours surveillance (DRF)

Kentucky Derby: Nakatani still in hunt for first win (DRF)

Blue Grass notes: Tesseron, Java’s War, Falling Sky, West Hills Giant (Keeneland)

Bel-Air based horse breeders have reason for Derby fever [Orb] (The Baltimore Sun)

Roxborough on the UAE Derby (Downey Profile)

3-year-olds to watch 4/3 (In The Money)
Kentucky Derby Daily April 3 (In The Money)

Kentucky Derby report 4/3 (Brisnet)

Mylute… Super Screener Kentucky Derby dark horse (Horseracing Nation)

Who’s hot who’s not April 3 (DRF)

Arkansas Derby: Texas Bling has sharp workout (DRF)

Post race show 3/30 [Fla and La Derbies] (ABR Live via YouTube)

Gary Stevens: ‘Everybody knows the Kentucky Derby. It’s America’s race’ (The Guardian)

Kentucky Derby far more than a race (ESPN)

Speak Logistics tops Calder Derby (Bloodhorse)

Rankings:

Triple Crown Watch 4/3 [Top 40] (ABR Live)

Orb returns to top spot- Top 10 (ESPN)

Kentucky Derby Top 20 (DRF)

Works:

Texas Bling- OP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 1/7

West Hills Giant- BEL- 4F- 49:10- B- 17/30

Tesseron- KEE- 6F- 1.16:20- B- 1/1

Quotes and Tweets:

"Derby third Departing arrived @ChurchillDowns at 7:30 a.m. and was bedded down in trainer Al Stall Jr.'s Barn 45"- Derby Media via Twitter

"David Wilkenfeld, owner of Vyjack, said he will match previously announced $20,000 reward for information regarding Rudy's latest positive"- David Grening via Twitter

"Rydilluc is settled nicely into Keeneland and had a great gallop today. Will breeze Thursday" Gary Contessa via Twitter

"Battaglia: #Verrazano needs to win #Wood impressively to be #KyDerby fave over #Orb"- Jennie Rees via Twitter

Orb gets the best of Lucky in Florida Derby// Revolutionary by a neck in Louisiana Derby// Lines of Battle joins Derby cast via Dubai

Kentucky Derby Point Races:

Florida Derby (G1)

Winner (pts): Orb (100)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Itsmyluckyday(40), Merit Man(20), Narvaez(10)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 97/97

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Louisiana Derby (G2)

Winner (pts): Revolutionary (100)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Mylute (40), Departing (20), Golden Soul (10)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 93/105

Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

UAE Derby (G2)

Winner (pts): Lines of Battle (100)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Elleval, Secret Number, SnowBoarder

Chart: Equibase

Replay: YouTube

Recaps: Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Articles:

Wood Memorial: Verrazano delivers bullet five furlongs before leaving for Aqueduct (DRF)

Verrazano, Normandy Invasion post sharp works (Bloodhorse)

Santa Anita Derby comeback spot for Power Broker (DRF)

Power Broker turn in snappy four-furlong workout (DRF)

O’Neill tries tactical change with for Goldencents (Bloodhorse)

Revolutionary will stop at farm before settling in at Churchill (DRF)

Orb will head to Kentucky Derby in peak form (DRF)

Countdown to the Crown: Week 13- March 29 (DRF)

Works:

Sunday

Power Broker- SA- 4F- 47:40- H- 4/43

Dewey Square- GP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 10/14

Overanalyze- PMM- 5F- 1.01:53- B- 9/17

Verrazano- PMM- 5F- 1.01:17- B- 1/17

Normandy Invasion- PMM- 4F- 47:95- B- 1/35

Falling Sky- PMM- 6F- 1.13:43- B- 1/2

Saturday

Elnaawi- BEL- 5F- 59:80- B- 1/35

Vyjack- AQU- 6F- 1.12:63- B- 1/2

Dynamic Sky- PMM- 5F- 1.00:66- B- 2/26

Honorable Dillon- PMM- 4F- 48:59- B- 9/53

Clearly Now- PMM- 5F- 1.01:63- B- 10/26

Java's War- GP- 4F- 48:30- B- 6/45

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 5F- 1.02:00- H- 2/2

Friday

Goldencents- SA- 6F- 1.14:00- H- 1/6

Can Bobby go the distance?// More Florida Derby works// Kentucky Derby next for Govenor Charlie// Stevens gets mount on Oxbow// Updated Futures// more…

If Shanghai Bobby fails to give a convincing effort in Saturday’s Florida Derby (G1), get ready for critics to crawl out of the woodwork. There will be critics of the 2-year-old Champion’s distance capabilities, seeing as they already made noise after his defeat in the Holy Bull (G3)- a second place finish that not only registered high speed figures but came off a nearly three month layoff. There will also be critics of the new Kentucky Derby point system, seeing as Shanghai Bobby would likely not make the Kentucky Derby field with a finish outside the top four on Saturday. Yes, he won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and was crowned 2-year-old Champion but would you really include him on any of your Derby tickets after a fifth or worse finish in the Florida Derby?// Below are Florida Derby stories on trainer Shug McGaughey and his quest to have a real Derby contender and hometown hero Eddie Plesa and his dreams with Itsmyluckyday. Two likely entrants breezed four furlongs Tuesday: Turf and synthetic runner Are You Kidding Me and maiden winner Pick of the Litter// As expected, dominating Sunland Derby (G3) winner Govenor Charlie will train straight up to the Kentucky Derby (G1) instead of squeezing in one more prep// It was announced Gary Stevens will ride Oxbow in the Arkansas Derby (G1) for trainer D. Wayne Lukas. The trainer said the horse belonged to Stevens all along and Mike Smith was just a substitute in the Rebel when Stevens was committed to ride at Santa Anita. That’s a little humorous seeing as Stevens has never ridden Oxbow in any of his eight career races// Looks like impressive Santa Anita maiden winner Summer Exclusive will stay off the Derby trail. Trainer Peter Miller didn’t like the end of his 7-furlong workout and feels the colt needs to stick to one turn for the time being. He will ship to Aqueduct for the Bay Shore (G3)// When I commented a few days ago that video production quality could easily be improved by some racing outlets, I didn’t really have in mind what Brisnet released on YouTube late Monday night. It’s different, I’ll give them that// more…

Articles:

Eddie Plesa targets Florida Derby with Itsmyluckyday (Gulfstream Park)

Laughing his way to the Derby with Orb? (Gulfstream Park)

Shanghai Bobby looks to prove he can go the distance (DRF)

Campbell ready for takeoff with Palace Malice (Bloodhorse)

Louisiana Derby: Golden Gate-based Nina’s Dragon targets upset (DRF)

Louisiana Derby looking like full field of 14 (DRF)

Gary Stevens to ride Oxbow in Arkansas Derby (DRF)

Summer Exclusive eyes Bay Shore instead of Santa Anita Derby (DRF)

Verrazano remains the standout (In The Money)

Where they’re going next (Downey Profile)

Kentucky Derby Daily March 26 (In The Money)

The Bullet Train Derby platform 3/25 [video] (Brisnet via YouTube)

A bloodstock agent’s view [on Shanghai Bobby] (Courier Journal Blog)

PPs

Updated Brisnet PPs for all Triple Crown nominees [pdf] (Brisnet)

Future Odds:

Wynn Las Vegas 3/25 (View From Vegas)

William Hill 3/25 (View From Vegas)

Rankings:

Down and Derby Sweet 16 (Zipse At The Track)

Works:

Are You Kidding Me- PAY- 4F- 48.30- B- 1/12

Pick of the Litter- GP- 4F- B- 49.62- 4/4

War Academy- SA- 4F- 47:60- H- 2/20

Manando- SA- 4F- 48:60- H- 11/20

Quotes and Tweets:

"Spiral champ Black Onyx to arrive @ChurchillDowns Wednesday 9-9:30 a.m. Barn 41, Stall 12. Will be 1st #KyDerby horse on grounds"- Derby Media via Twitter

“Govenor Charlie and Midnight Lucky will go straight to Ky Oaks and Derby"- Bob Baffert via Twitter

Orb ready for showdown with Bobby, Lucky// Bullet for Flashback// Louisiana Derby could be wide open// Late nominations// more…

Mike Welsch has a nice first-hand account of Orb’s final breeze ahead of Saturday’s Florida Derby (G1). He claims the colt was authoritative in the last strides of the four furlong work and barely came back blowing afterwards. The likely Florida Derby field has already swelled to nine horses from just three listed as probable two weeks ago. In addition to Orb and other headliners Shanghai Bobby and Itsmyluckyday, the field will probably include Frac Daddy, Pick of the Litter, Merit Man, Pontiff, Narvaez, and Are You Kidding Me// The Louisiana Derby (G2) figures to be a full field of 14, with the connections for Sunbean keeping their fingers crossed there are no surprise additions. Sunbean would push to the also-eligible list considering he’s only raced in Louisiana-bred restricted races. Departing is the other Al Stall Jr. possible Louisiana Derby prospect and will probably be among the favorites in the race. Revolutionary figures to be the top choice, along with stablemate Palace Malice taking a fair share of betting money as well. Dallas Stewart still believes in Golden Soul, a close 6th last time out in the Risen Star, and thinks added distance will help// Bob Baffert’s Flashback worked six panels at Santa Anita in the fastest time of 14 others, but it was still called “smooth”. Baffert said on the radio Monday that War Academy will likely head to the Arkansas Derby (G1) and Power Broker will join Flashback in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). The trainer announced he is backing off Tiz the Truth and pointing for a Summer or Fall campaign instead// The list of late Triple Crown nominations were announced Monday, with recent Spiral Stakes (G3) winner Black Onyx headlining the additions.  Among the notable exceptions were Show Some Magic, currently #25 on the leaderboard, and El Camino Real (G3) winner Dice Flavor. A full list can be found below// Speaking of Dice Flavor, he’s set to race in the UAE Derby Saturday in Dubai along with Breeders’ Cup Juvenile runner-up He’s Had Enough and others// The Kentucky Derby trophy arrived safely at Churchill Downs today, so you can breathe a sigh or relief// more…

Articles:

Florida Derby preparation finds Orb in perfect spot (DRF)

Flashback, Orb work for final Derby preps (Bloodhorse)

Proud Strike, Code West, Revolutionary, Palace Malice Get Louisiana Derby Works (Fair Grounds)

Louisiana Derby: Risen Star also-rans look to take big step forward (DRF)

Kentucky Derby berth assured, Govenor Charlie heads home (DRF)

Black Onyx heads 13 late nominees… [pdf] (Churchill Downs)

Derby points up for grabs in Dubai (Brisnet)

Sunland success credit to Pegram’s program (Courier Journal)

Spiral, Sunland Derby thoughts (DRF Blog)

Black Onyx: Contender or pretender? (Horse Racing Nation)

A Kentucky Derby field with just 14 horses? (Horse Racing Nation)

Under the radar: Titletown Five (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Daily: March 25 (In The Money)

Derby Championship handle (Brisnet)

A legacy to John Nerud (Bloodhorse Blog)

Kentucky Derby trophy arrives safely at Churchill Downs (Churchill Downs)

Rankings:

Haskin’s Derby Dozen (Bloodhorse Blog)

Top 15 (NY Daily News)

Works:

Falling Sky- PMM- 5F- 1.03:03- B- 5/8

Orb- PAY- 4F- 48:30- B- 3/7

Power Broker- SA- 6F- 1.12:00- H- 2/15

Flashback- SA- 6F- 1:11.80- H- 1/15

Quotes and Tweets:

"Govenor Charlie, Midnight Lucky came out of Sunland wins in good order, Baffert said today. They fly back to CA on Tues"- Jay Privman via Twitter

"[Bob Baffert]tells ATR listeners he's stopping on Mercedes Stables' Tiz the Truth (Tiznow) anticipating a 2nd half of the year campaign. Flashback a smooth 6f this a.m. & Power Broker now probable for SA Derby as well; War Academy most likely to AR Derby"- Steve Byk via Twitter

Palm Beach runners may have Derby aspirations// He’s Had Enough headed to Dubai// Picks for Gotham// more…

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

Daily Feed: News on Will Take Charge, Oxbow// UAE Derby could get Derby contenders// more…

Articles:

Will Take Charge headed to Soutwest (DRF)

Lukas to stage another raiding party at Fair Grounds (DRF)

Purse hiked for Illinois Derby (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby points and the chaos theory (Horseracing Nation)

Borel to miss at least another week with broken wrist (Courier Journal Blog)

UAE Derby draws 27 U.S. nominations led by Baffert, McPeek (The Downey Profile)

Workouts:

Carried Interest- PMM- 3F- 38:44- B- 6/11

Weekend Hideaway- PMM- 4F- 49:44- B- 12/27

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 4F- 49:20- H- 19/35

Quotes and Tweets:

“Avare, Eddie Logan winner who ran in Smarty Jones, flew back to Santa Anita today, per trainer Doug O'Neill. "Next start in own backyard."- Mary Rampellini via Twitter

Take Charge Indy surprises in Floriday Derby// Daddy Long Legs takes UAE Derby, top 3 Kentucky Derby bound?// Hansen works

Results

Florida Derby (G1)

Winner: Take Charge Indy        

Trainer: Patrick Byrne

Jockey: Calvin Borel

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: YouTube

Beyer: 95 (preliminary)

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

UAE Derby (G2)

Winner: Daddy Long Legs

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien

Jockey: Colm O’Donoghue

Replay: YouTube

Wrap-up articles: Time Out Dubai / Brisnet / TTimes / DRF / Bloodhorse

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #3

Live Odds

Articles

Despite loss, Union Rags is futures favorite (Brisnet)

Hansen sharp in Trackside work (Paulick Report)

Works

State of Play KEE- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 32/42

Howe Great KEE- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 32/42

Majestic Stride OP- 5F- 1.05:40- B- 46/47

Overdriven PMM- 4F- 50:62- B- 25/38

Hansen CDT- 5F- 59:80- B- 2/10

Cozzetti GP- 5F- 1.00:70- H- 2/13

Not scared of Union Rags? Florida Derby gets 9// Dullahan back on schedule// Creative Cause works// Sabercat will try again

Proximity and convenience must have trumped competition for the connections of most contenders in Saturday’s Florida Derby (G1).  The field was expected to number seven, but swelled to nine when entries closed Wednesday.  That’s one more than last Sunday’s Sunland Derby (G3), which featured only two Grade 3 winners. The Florida Derby on the other hand features Grade 1 winner and early Kentucky Derby favorite Union Rags as well as Grade 2 winner El Padrino, who is considered a top 5 prospect in most rankings.  Those two will undoubtedly take the lion’s share of wagering seeing as the other seven possess no graded victories and inferior résumés. Full entries, PPs, and preview articles can be found below// Speaking of Union Rags, he’s favored in the final Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool at 3-1 followed by ‘all others’ and Hansen at 6-1.  There are six new wagering interests including recent Derby trail winners and filly On Fire Baby//  On Fire Baby’s next race remains undecided, but trainer Gary Hartlage could enter her in both the Fantasy Stakes (G2) and Arkansas Derby (G1) before deciding which is the better fit.  It still seems as if the First Saturday in May is the long-term goal// There were rumors earlier in the week that something was amiss with Dullahan.  Wednesday the Daily Racing Form reported the colt did pop a splint, but is recovered and still on target for the Blue Grass (G1)// Tom Amoss will put blinkers on Shared Property for the Louisiana Derby (G1) due to the speed bias at the Fair Grounds// Lucky Chappy was chippy during training in Dubai for the UAE Derby (G2) when he threw his exercise rider.  Both parties seem to be ok// Creative Cause worked 6-furlongs at Hollywood Park in preparation for the Santa Anita Derby (G1)// more…

Florida Derby

Entries

PPs (look for Saturday 3/31 El Padrino)

Preview Articles: Gulfstream Park / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet / TTimes

Articles

Matz feels Union Rags has point to prove (Bloodhorse)

Union Rags sitting on big one in Florida Derby (DRF)

Matz tried to buy El Padrino (The Downey Profile)

Reveron camp wants him close to home- for now (The Downey Profile)

Union Rags favored in final Kentucky Derby Futures Pool (Brisnet)

Wednesday’s UAE Derby notes (The Downey Profile)

Lucky Chappy drops rider during UAE Derby training session (TTimes)

Dullahan recuperates in time to make Blue Grass (DRF)

Comisky’s Humor goes from $1200 purchase to $1 Million Louisiana Derby (Sports Nola)

Finnegan’s Wake starts to focus for Louisiana Derby (DRF)

Sabercat working toward Arkansas Derby (Bloodhorse)

Baffert kept in loop as stable moves ahead (DRF)

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile ‘Big 3’ make 2012 classics trail exciting (TTimes)

Options abound for On Fire Baby (Bloodhorse)

3-year-olds to watch 3/28 (In The Money Blog)

Who’s hot, who’s not 3/28 (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Report 3/29 (Brisnet)

Point/Counterpoint: Alpha vs. Bodemeister (Horseracing Nation)

Went the Day Well joins Derby chase (Fox Sports)

Taking a look at the top 10 on the Derby earnings list (Bleacher Report)

Rankings

Top 20 (DRF)

Works

Brother Francis SA- 5F- 59:00- H- 3/50

Creative Cause HOL- 6F- 1.12:80- H- 2/6

Notes and bits from web and Twitter:

“Arm Force out of La. Derby. Trainer Harty looking for better spot. That leaves 13 & removes a potential pace player”- DRFHersch via Twitter

“Teeth Of The Dog likely headed to Illinois Derby next. Wood & KEE preps alternatives”- DerbyContenders via Twitter

“Alpha will work Friday at Palm Meadows, ship to NY that afternoon, runs in Wood. Dominguez rides -- unless Hansen shows up”- Jav Privman via Twitter

Rag numbers suggest Mucho not strong favorite// Riveting Reason off trail// King Congie scratched from Spiral

Summary:

According to Ragozin numbers, Mucho Macho Man has no value as the favorite in the Louisiana Derby.  Elite Alex and even longshots Le Mans, Majestic Harbor, and Populist Politics could be players in the exotics// John Asher from Churchill wonders why Calvin Borel only has one possible contender (Elite Alex) for the Derby, seeing as he’s won 3 of the last 4 runnings// Great article below from the Sacramento Bee on Positive Response’s jockey Julien Couton and his journey from France. His biggest challenge in the Spiral Stakes, King Congie, is a scratch// Rumblings of Sweet Ducky still being on the trail are getting louder.  His trainer says if he finishes in the top 3 in Dubai tomorrow, Derby could be next// Riveting Reason is latest contender that will not make the Derby, out with a hoof injury// Although Rick Dutrow thinks Flashpoint should stay sprinting, he hints that the owners may insist on stretching him out in the Florida Derby.  Derby fever... tough to get rid of…

Dialed In quashes rumors with bullet move// Mucho handicappers don’t like Macho Man in La Derby//

Summary:

Some were concerned with the status of Holy Bull winner Dialed In based on the fact he had not returned to the workout tab since his last allowance race.  Those fears should be eased with his big bullet move at Palm Meadows this morning.  Nick Zito was about as exuberant as he can be and claimed Dialed In came home in a blistering 11.4 seconds// If you run through some of the handicapping articles and videos below for the Louisiana Derby, you’ll see there are several Mucho Macho Man doubters.  Despite being a heavy favorite, handicappers tend to like Nacho Business, Machen, Elite Alex and Wilkinson instead.  Although I’ve been leaning towards Elite Alex, Dick Downey notes he missed a workout two back for reasons unknown// More news and notes on the upcoming Vinery Spiral Stakes, Sunland Derby, and UAE Derby// Elliot Walden at Winstar suggested Cal Nation will take the Bernardini route to the Preakness and revealed Brethren could go to the Santa Anita Derby, although the Arkansas Derby is more likely// more…

Mucho Macho Man grabs Tuesday headlines// Asmussen high on Maclean’s Music// The Factor in same breath as Big Brown, Fusaichi Pegasus?

Summary:

Today was Mucho Macho Man’s day in the press. From appearing lifeless at birth, owners who paid as little as $800 a share, and a trainer who is living a second life on a heart transplant, it’s a guarantee there will be a signature NBC segment on Derby Day// In other Louisiana Derby news, long shot Populist Politics was scratched.  Elite Alex’s trainer Tim Ritchey says the million dollar purse and long stretch were reasons to enter.  He’s currently on the outside looking in to the Derby// Several articles today on Maclean’s Music, the most recent blistering maiden winner at Santa Anita I touched on yesterday.  Trainer Steve Asmussen didn’t rule anything out, but due to timing he may have to point for the Preakness.  The Bloodhorse story has several other good tidbits from Asmussen; Astrology, scheduled to race Sunday in the Sunland Derby, had a delayed start due to illness and he was also not pleased with Garret Gomez’s trip aboard Albergatti in the San Felipe (neither was my wager)// Mike Shutty draws comparisons between The Factor’s performance on Saturday and the second-to-last prep races of Derby winners Big Brown and Fusaichi Pegasus// more…

Prado flies in to take Machen for a spin, 5 others work for La Derby// Sweet Ducky not off the Derby Trail just yet// UAE Derby Set...

Summary:

Six Louisiana Derby contenders worked today. Longshot Populist Politics gets the bullet but Neil Howard’s Machen and Wilkinson were sharp too. Edgar Prado flew in to test-ride Machen for the first time// Kiaran McLaughlin describes more of Florida Derby-bound Soldat’s work yesterday.  Apparently he took a lot of dirt in the face by design, which seems like a smart tactic looking forward// Sweet Ducky’s trainer doesn’t rule out the Derby if he finishes well in Dubai’s UAE Derby.  That field is set as well// The Wood Memorial looks like it now has a chance of filling for Uncle Mo. Two horses originally scheduled to go elsewhere, Norman Asbjornson and Toby’s Corner, may now stay in New York.  Bob Baffert also announced Jaycito will join the cast// The familiar debate about The Factor dominated news again today. Will he get the distance, and more specifically can he win the Derby with his running style?// It’s time to start looking more closely at the graded earnings list. The top 20 qualify for the Derby.  The Factor jumped to #5 with his Rebel win.  Some big names that need an extra boost: Astrology, Sway Away, and Wilkinson.  Even Brethren and Archarcharch may need more dough// An array of new rankings released today, including celebrity Bo Derek who likes The Factor// I failed to note MacLean’s Music’s impressive maiden win at Santa Anita on Saturday (video at bottom of post).  He earned a whopping 114 Beyer which is highest first-time number ever. No word on his next start and if the Derby Trail is even in the cards// more…