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.
Entries:
· Risen Star entries, along with a link for free PPs, videos, and articles can be found on the “Upcoming” page here
Articles:
· Risen Star attracts field of 10 (DRF) (Brisnet) (Thoroughbred Times) (Bloodhorse)
· J P’s Gusto, Elite Alex, Caleb’s Posse, other Southwest probables work at Oaklawn (Bloodhorse) (DRF)
· Silver Medallion may go to UAE Derby… or three other possibilities (Thoroughbred Times)
· List of where contenders are headed next (Downey Profile)
· California Keep Dreaming, Brethren impresses (Miami Herald)
· Steve Haskin covers recent important allowances and maidens (Bloodhorse)
· Brethren doing fine (DRF)
· Under the radar: Wilkinson (DRF)
· Uncle Mo leads way on road to Kentucky Derby (New York Times)
· Uncle Mo tops the list (AP)
Rankings:
· The first top 10 from “The Rail” blog (New York Times)
· Updated Haskin Derby Dozen (Bloodhorse)
Works:
· Sweet Ducky: PMM- 5F- 1.00:40- B- 3/12
· Pants On Fire: PMM- 4F- 50:50- B- 11/30
· To Honor and Serve: PPT- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 3/20
· Alternation: OP- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 4/84
· Caleb’s Posse: OP- 5F- 1:03.20- B- 26/84
· J P’s Gusto: OP- 6F- 1:15.30- B- 3/12
· Elite Alex: OP- 7F- 1:27.00- HG- 1/1
· Wilkinson: FG- 5F- 1.01:80 B- 24/53
· Justin Phillip: FG- 4F- 48:00- B- 5/107
· Machen: FG- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 24/53
· Indian Winter: SA- 5F- 59:80- H- 4/37
· The Factor: HOL- 7F- 1.24:40- H- 1/4
Notes:
I had a chance to review Machen’s past two races today. While they are impressive overall, there were a few things that are troubling- especially with the last race. He seemed to be very keen and not relaxed. Also he seemed to drift quite a bit in the stretch. Not to mention, overall his stride seems compact and not very fluid (I realize this can’t necessarily be corrected). He has unbelievable talent and could very well win on Saturday, but hopefully he can overcome his negative tendencies moving forward. Check for yourself here
