Arkansas Derby could get 13// Blue Grass loses 1// Mo opinions on Wood

Summary:

The latest official graded earnings list was released today.  As expected, Midnight Interlude and Toby’s Corner are guaranteed-in-the-gate newcomers while a slew of others hover around the 20^th and final spot hoping for either more defections or no further surprises.  If colts other than The Factor, Santiva, or J P’s Gusto finish strong in the upcoming Arkansas Derby or Blue Grass Stakes, the impact could be felt by those in spots anywhere from 17 to 25.

As it stands now, the Arkansas Derby looks to have 13 starters, just one shy of a full gate//The Blue Grass lost a probable starter in Data Link who was injured during his final workout.  Two other contenders, King Congie and Wilkinson put in their final works// Jaycito, one of Baffert’s three Derby hopefuls and a scratch in Santa Anita Derby due to a sore foot, returned to the track and seems likely for the Lexington Stakes//

More analysis and opinion on the Wood Memorial.  As usual, Gary West offers an intriguing and thorough take// While Uncle Mo’s disappointment and Toby’s Corner’s triumph have been the main focus, overlooked second place finisher Arthur’s Tale finally grabbed some attention in articles and rankings today. There are even a few who feel he may be peaking in similar fashion to his sire Bernardini, but I don’t see it.  Arthur’s Tale has been racing since July and only began showing promise in December.  While his finish in the Wood was a big step forward, it in no way compares to Bernardini’s quick ascent to dominance and brilliance// Several good points from various blogs today, including A Saturday Afternoon Horse, who wonders if Victor Espinoza’s hard handling of Midnight Interlude in the Santa Anita Derby could cost him four weeks down the road in the Derby// 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…

Risen Star set, busy workout day, Machen videos reviewed, The Factor ready to roll, new rankings

Summary:

Ten entered for Risen Star.  I’m excited to see Machen step up, but do have some concern for his recent running style// Tons of works today.  Interesting how much ink J P’s Gusto gets.  I’m sure the soap opera of a training switch helps, but To Honor and Serve is #2 on a lot of rankings and gets no story?// The close of nominations and last weekend’s three preps seems to have kick-started the national talk on Derby. Joe Drape at the New York Times and several others write their inaugural Trail articles and rankings// Silver Medallion may run in Dubai next- if he does should I remove him off the contender list automatically?// It appears all systems go for The Factor in the San Vicente.  Brisnet calls it a bullet, but with only 3 others going 7F we’ll just call it a nice one.

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.

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.