Derby could have International flavor, Mo and the field drop in futures, The Factor and others will answer questions soon

Summary:

The Derby may get a French runner. Other international runners a possibility//Tim Richey surprised Elite Alex overlooked in futures// Speaking of futures, Uncle Mo is down to 2-1 and “all others” even.  That’s causing some nice odds on others, especially Stay Thirsty (69-1)// Plonk makes a good point on Dutrow// Lots of video today// What’s most exciting for the upcoming weekend is that questions will be answered.  Are The Factor and Machen for real? Will Justin Phillip return to form with blinkers off?

Articles:

·       French horse Monte Pelato sets sights on Derby (DRF)

·       Ragozin insider: Machen, Santiva offer value in Risen Star (Thoroughbred Times)

·       Nacho Business will skip Fountain of Youth, may go allowance or new stakes (DRF)

·       Plonks’ weekly Derby Trail review, picks, rankings (ESPN)

·       It’s Dream Time for Kentucky Derby hopefuls (Star Telegram)

·       All eyes on The Factor in San Vicente (DRF)

·       Derby fever comes to the Fair Grounds (Times-Picayune)

·       Rogue Romance tops Louisiana Derby Prep (Racing Post)

·       Sneak peak of Saturday’s road to the Derby (Courier-Journal)

·       Who’s Hot, who’s not (DRF)

·       Road to the Derby battle of attrition (Las Vegas Review Journal)

·       Derby Threat: Brethren (Bloodhorse/TrueNicks)

·       The Faour Five (Examiner)

·       Poll: Any value in future wager? (Bloodhorse)

·       Update on Future Pool (DRF)

·       Predict the order of finish in the Risen Star (Bloodhorse)

·       Derby Report 2/18 (Brisnet)

·       Queen’s Plate, not the Derby is the goal for Bowman’s Causeway (DRF)

Picks:

·       The Commish’s picks for San Vicente (Downey Profile)

Videos:

·       San Vicente Preview with Jill Byrne (Churchill Downs)

·       Risen Star Preview with Jill Byrne (Churchill Downs)

·       West Coast Derby Contender Update with Jill Byrne (Churchill Downs)

·       Derby Watch Video Feb 18 (DRF)

·       Inside Post: Risen Star (Thoroughbred Times)

Works:

Pluck: PMM- 5F- Turf- 1.03:90- B- 12/14 (There is little chance they will run him on dirt, thus very removed from the trail)

Notes:

Quotes from Quinonez on Premier Pegasus: “He doesn’t have to be on the lead, but when they let us have it, he goes on it easily.” “The horse has a lot of speed, but you can do whatever you want with him.”  “They’ve given him some time to freshen him up, but there’s nothing wrong with him. He’s in good condition." (Derby Contenders Twitter)