Florida Derby features strongest field yet, pace should be hot// Comma To The Top removed from KDFW Pool

Summary:

Today’s Florida Derby draw made if official: we have the strongest Derby prep of the season thus far. Soldat, Dialed In, and To Honor And Serve offer three marquee names in one race, something we’re not used to seeing in recent three-year-old stakes. With the connections of Flashpoint deciding to stretch out the distance-questionable colt, the pace scenario just got a lot quicker and more beneficial for closer Dialed In. While many believe Flashpoint should not have entered, it will be good for handicappers with an eye towards the Derby to see how favored Soldat handles a stiff pace on dirt// Although Comma To The Top has been removed from the Future Pool in light of comments from his trainer not intending to run in the Derby, don’t rule him out completely.  There are several quotes from the article below that suggest the door is not closed// For the Wood Memorial starring Uncle Mo, it looks like only 4 total probable entries.  However, the field size could expand up to 10 if and when some trainers make up their minds// Works today for the Arkansas Derby included J P’s Gusto in a bullet with blinkers and Sway Away.  D. Wayne Lukas is high on Saratoga Red for that race// The purse for the Illinois Derby was raised to $300,000.  Might not seem like much, but it may make a difference once the dust settles for graded earnings// We knew there was a possibility European runner Master Of Hounds could join the Derby, but now there is another “potential” entrant from across seas in War Pact.  However, I’m not exactly sure why that’s a story seeing as he has $0 graded earnings and no plans to run in any eligible preps// more…

Churchill releases slew of Derby updates// Connections undecided on Flashpoint// Mystery solved on Gourmet Dinner

Summary:

Churchill Downs released three important Derby elements today- #1: the updated graded earnings list, which always differs slightly from other unofficial versions floating around.  #2: list of the 13 horses who filled in a late Triple Crown nomination, among them Tampa Bay Derby winner Watch Me Go and Rushaway Stakes winner Swift Warrior.  #3: preliminary odds for Future Pool #3.  Uncle Mo is still the favorite at 3-1 while there were 8 new additions including Premier Pegasus at 8-1 and other surprise Derby prep winners// Mystery solved on Gourmet Dinner, who ran an impressive second place in the Fountain Of Youth.  Brian Zipse spoke with trainer Steve Standridge and learned he’s definitely off the trail with a sore shin// Elite Alex is confirmed for the Arkansas Derby// You gotta love it when trainers and owners say they’re not eyeing the Kentucky Derby.  The connections of Data Link, Flashpoint, and Comma To The Top all claim racing at Churchill on May 7^th is not a priority. Most of the reasons are actually logical (distance, surface), but we’ll see if they hold that line after a good performance in an upcoming prep// more…

Arch Traveler faces tall order in Florida// Borel to watch Derby on TV?// Joe’s Blazing Aaron latest to muddy Derby waters

Summary:

Old-school trainer Jimmy Jerkens explains the breed has changed in current thoroughbreds.  That’s why he’s doing what was once unthinkable by elevating Arch Traveler from an entry-level allowance to Grade 1 company in Sunday’s Florida Derby.  It won’t be just any Grade 1 company either - the small field will include 4 horses on most experts’ top 10 Derby lists// Expect more buzz about Calvin Borel and his Derby mount situation (or lack thereof) as the Derby draws closer.  The winner of 3 of the last 4 “Run For The Roses” is currently hoping Elite Alex can get the earnings in Arkansas, or he and his agent will have to campaign for Brethren, J P’s Gusto, or Astrology// Bob Baffert seems to “mull” a lot.  Not that you can fault him.  His last minute decisions on where his horse will go or which jockey will ride usually payoff.  He’s deciding between The Wood Memorial or Santa Anita Derby for Jaycito// Joe’s Blazing Aaron, winner of the Palm Beach Stakes on turf, has switched barns to Mike Maker and will try to get in the Derby through the back door.  If he finishes first or second in the Blue Grass Stakes he will go to the Derby sporting an atrocious dirt record of 7-1-0-0.  That 1 is from a Maiden Claiming// more…

First Derby horse arrives on Churchill grounds// Master Of Hounds may throw name in Derby hat// Dialed In better be on Saturday

Photo: Churchill Downs

Summary:

There’s probably not much buzz around the Twin Spires right now. It’s only one Derby horse. It’s only unheralded Decisive Moment. Nonetheless, his presence in stall 12 of Barn 41 this morning serves a reminder that the Kentucky Derby, less than 6 weeks away, is fast approaching.  Prep races from here out are serious, of the grade one variety. Jockeys (and their agents) are prepared to scratch, claw, and burn bridges for mounts. Trainers are racking their brains over timing, graded earnings, travel, surfaces, equipment changes, and all other matters related to squeezing their colt into the 20 horse field// Aidan O’Brien from across the pond didn’t make it easier for anyone as he announced the Derby is a possibility for Master Of Hounds, who finished 2^nd in the UAE Derby. His appearance on the crowded graded earnings list elbows out whoever will assume the #21 spot, plus adds another potential starter with real dirt questions// Matt Gardner makes a good point that Nick Zito possibly misjudged the campaign for Dialed In.  Seeing as the graded earnings mark to make the Derby is higher than usual, he will need a strong performance in the Florida Derby to make the gate in Louisville// In his weekly column, Steve Haskin makes a case for those horses who didn’t win last weekend’s preps but still showed promise: Elite Alex, Crimson China, Astrology, and Nehro.  Elite Alex and Nehro will have to run in the Arkansas Derby in order to get more earnings, while Astrology could end up there too, although only for fitness purposes// To Honor And Serve worked a bullet at Payson in preparation for this weekend’s Florida Derby. That field looks to be a relatively small 6 to 7 horses// Cris Collinsworth is this week’s celebrity top 10 for the Courier Journal// more…

Twice The Appeal caps unappealing weekend// Big Guns Uncle Mo and Soldat work

Summary:

Long shot Twice The Appeal crawled home in 40 seconds in the final 3 furlongs to win the Sunland Derby. He and Astrology earned enough to book a trip to Louisville, but like other winners from this weekend don’t figure to have many backers at the betting window// Many important workouts today:  Early Kentucky Derby favorite Uncle Mo worked in company and took some dirt in the face.  Todd Pletcher was pleased with his response, but not thrilled with the work by his stablemate Stay Thirsty.  He seemed “intimidated” by struggling to never catch his older workmate. Pletcher is considering blinkers for the Florida Derby.  Soldat, another probable for the Florida Derby, impressed his trainer Kiaran McLaughlin in the manner he ran his 5 panels// The winners from yesterday’s Louisiana Derby and Spiral Stakes will race next in the Kentucky Derby. Pants On Fire, the winner in the Bayou, earned a 94 Beyer fig while Animal Kingdom gets a 92 from the Spiral.  2^nd and 3^rd place Nehro and Mucho Macho Man in Louisiana came out well and should go to the Derby.  Decisive Moment also earns a spot in the Derby gate with his second place money at Turfway// Mike Watchmaker from The Daily Racing Form sums up the weekend pretty nicely in the last article below// more…

3 big preps, 0 to get excited about: Pants On Fire and Animal Kingdom guaranteed for Derby gate and long odds// Sweet Ducky disappoints

Summary:

While the finish of the Louisiana Derby was exciting, the race as a whole was not impressive.  Pants On Fire tracked average fractions and fought on to win. Mucho Macho Man, who apparently lost a shoe, was in a perfect spot to pounce.  Elite Alex, who most everyone thinks ran the best race by closing like a freight train, probably won’t have the earnings to make the Derby gate unless his connections decide to squeeze him into a late prep. The most noteworthy accomplishment came from the winning jockey, Rosie Napravnik, who was the first woman jockey to win the Louisiana Derby in 98 years and could be the first to win the big one.  Second place Nehro is headed for the Arkansas Derby// In the interesting undercard allowance, much-hyped Bind couldn’t hold off Prime Cut.  The final time was less than a quarter second off the track record// As far as chasing the Derby goes, the lone contender in the UAE Derby, Sweet Ducky finished second-to-last.  No word from his trainer, but it looks like a trip back to the States will be ruled out// Animal Kingdom took the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes.  The son of Leroidesanimaux is probably another not to get too excited about for May 7^th.  He seems best suited for turf/poly over true dirt.  Favorite Positive Response had no response by finishing 8^th// Swift Warrior wins the undercard Rushaway Stakes at Turfway. He’s now headed for the Bluegrass Stakes. All this poly, all this mediocrity… the Florida Derby can’t come soon enough.

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…

Positive Response needs just that in Spiral Stakes// Astrology’s 2011 debut begins in the outside post with possible jet-lagged jockey?

Summary:

Sunland Derby entries closed today with 11.  Astrology’s much anticipated 2011 debut got that much harder with a far outside post. I noticed Julien Leparoux has the mount. Are there any concerns with coming back from racing in Dubai the day before?// 12 horses are lined up for the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes at Turfway.  Positive Response is installed as the 3-1 favorite based on his romp in the Battaglia Stakes.  None of the horses in the field qualify for the Derby…yet.  Win and they’re in with $300,000 in graded earnings// While Populist Politics is a definite scratch from the Louisiana Derby, the rumor of Pants On Fire joining him are untrue according to his trainer// 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…

Louisiana Derby gate near capacity// The Factor gets high 103 Beyer// Keys works include 2 bullets…

Summary:

A recent article outlined 5 possible entries for the Louisiana Derby.  Elite Alex even skipped the Rebel to face a smaller crowd and better post.  He gets neither as entries closed with 13 horses and he draws the 12// The Factor gets a 103 Beyer from yesterday. That ties for the highest this year among Derby contenders going a mile or more. Ed DeRosa at Thoroughbred Times wonders why people are still questioning The Factor and getting the Derby distance.  He makes good points on his pedigree, but I still don’t understand why he’s so sure.  Not since 2002 has a horse gone gate-to-wire and won the Derby.  That year, Baffert's War Emblem was lucky to run fractions slower than yesterday’s Rebel (which is a Derby anomaly).  In most Derby scenarios there are 20 horses with several speedballs pushing the pace, making it very difficult for any of them to maintain the lead. Also, if you check out Matt Gardener’s recap of raw times and splits (Down The Stretch They Come) you’ll see The Factor ranks in the middle of the pack as far as finishing strong// Workouts today included bullets by Soldat and Anthony’s Cross// more…    

The Factor goes the distance// Rouge Romance off the Trail// Dance city noses out hyped stablemate…

Summary:

The Factor answered the two turn question in the Rebel Stakes today. Now the question will be added distance, but let’s give credit where credit is due.  You can’t deny he was impressive by setting honest fractions, feeling a little breath from Saratoga Red, and pulling away to win by over 6 lengths against a competitive field.  He’s legitimate (although some critics below will note his final fractions).  On the not-so-impressive side we had a no show from Sway Away.  As his trainer insisted, he had a bad trip, but serious Derby horses need to settle at some point and he never looked comfortable. Also disappointing was the scary scratch of Alternation. Luckily, it sounds like everything is ok, but I was looking forward to his move up// Bandbox wins easily in the Private Terms Stakes at Laurel.  Trainer Rodney Jenkins says he could very well be pointed to the Preakness (no Derby)// Rogue Romance is the latest casualty on the Derby trail. He’s out with a fractured foot// Dance City held off his much-hyped stablemate Cal Nation in an allowance at Gulfstream.  What will Pletcher do with them next?// Loads of works today including Louisiana Derby contenders Left and Mucho Macho Man. Macho Man also gets a nice background article from the Atlanta Journal Constitution// more…

The Rebel morning line set, 2 scratches// Uncle Mo looks good on Rag numbers, has a lunatic fan in Iowa// Flashpoint flashy in work...

Summary:

Glint and Dreaminofthewin scratched from tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby prep race The Rebel Stakes. We won’t know Elite Alex’s status until tomorrow// According to Uncle Mo’s adjusted Ragozin number of 4, he’s in perfect position to peak May 7^th.  In his weekly column, Jeremy Plonk disagrees.  He claims if you’re only having two preps they need to be tough.  He must not remember Big Brown’s allowance (or workout) at Gulfstream against 4 horses. Yes there was more pace in that race, but Big Brown was sitting off of it and cruised to a 12 length win// Speaking of Mo (and if you’re into homemade rabid fan videos), be sure to check out the fan video from Iowa on the Zipse At The Derby blog// Flashpoint flashes a bullet and still most likely going to the Swale Stakes. Dutrow is not ruling out the Derby, but I can’t imagine asking a horse to stretch out like that­- in the Derby no less// Sunland Derby and Turfway’s Spiral Stakes probables outlined// more…

Rebel Stakes: crowded with horses, questions, and angles. Elite Alex may bail// A Kentucky Derby Future Pool #2 conspiracy?// The Wood gets a boost...

Summary:

Saturday’s Rebel Stakes will be crowded.  13 total entries with lots of angles and questions. Will The Factor get the distance?  Will J P’s Gusto and Sway Away move up from their last efforts? Is Archarcharch for real? Will Elite Alex even run, or wait for the Louisiana Derby// Dick Downey has an interesting email conversation with John Asher at Churchill Downs about Gourmet Dinner and Sweet Ducky still being in the Future Pool last weekend despite rumblings they were off the trail.  Tough issue, but I probably have to side with the argument that it comes with the inherent risk of the bet itself// The Blue Grass Stakes seems to get a new entrant each day.  Monzon, the winner of the Count Fleet Stakes and well beaten in the Sam F Davis, is the latest pointed there.  That race seems to now be a backdoor entry into the Derby if your horse is questionable on dirt// The Wood Memorial just got a sponsor and purse increase to one million.  It’s not like Uncle Mo needs the extra earnings, but it could improve Norman Asbjornson’s Derby gate chances if he finishes in the money// more…

Gomez’s agent wouldn’t trade places with The Factor// Astrology going to Sunland Derby// Louisiana Derby coming up light...

Summary:

Garret Gomez’s colorful agent Ron Anderson makes some bold statements on Sway Away vs. The Factor in the upcoming Rebel Stakes. He says The Factor “is not going to outrun” him, which I actually tend to agree.  The Daily Racing Form claims Sway Away could be on the pace based on his June 2010 maiden, which doesn’t really hold up considering he’s been off of it his last two races// Speaking of the Rebel, it’s worth noting Dreaminforthewin has been battling a quarter crack// We have what seems to be a definite destination for Astrology: The Sunland Derby March 26. That leaves only 3 weeks between his next possible prep and then another 4 weeks for the Derby.  Many think that’s too tight, especially coming off a long layoff// Gomez gets the mount on To Honor and Serve which makes sense considering Johnny Velazquez has Mo duties // Steve Crist says don’t worry about Uncle Mo’s low Beyer from the Timely Writer// Norman Asbjornson, 2^nd place in the Gotham, is headed to the Wood Memorial and gets a late Triple Crown nomination//For more in-depth reporting on the connections of Premier Pegasus be sure to check out the two part article from Stride Live// // More fallout on the sale of Sweet Ducky to controversial Chechan President.  The original owners are claiming they had no clue.

Spotlight still shines on PrePeg// Archarcharch fires bullet for potential overflowing Rebel//Sweet Ducky goes to Chechan President...

Summary:

Despite Mike Shutty from Horseracing Nation claiming Premier Pegasus is a second tier contender, you still can’t help but get excited after reading more about PrePeg today. In two separate articles, Steve Haskin and Joe Drape shed light on Myung Kwon Cho and his small but effective owning and training operation. Finally, there appears to more to the 2011 Derby than just the Uncle Mo show// Southwest winner Archarcharch fires a bullet for the Rebel. His owners have been fielding offers in the 2 million range but turned them down// 3 other Rebel contenders work// What’s going on with Astrology? He continues to work yet keeps skipping races.  The Rebel is the latest cancellation. No word from Asmussen// The new owner of Sweet Ducky was revealed: Chechan President Ramzan Kadyrov, who is not well respected. Russian Derby could be next// Uncle Mo’s owner Mike Repole bought another Indian Charlie colt today. Can lightning strike twice?

Watch Me Go 'all in'// Sweet Ducky Dubai bound//Mark Cuban talks Derby// Next race plans set for many// Reprized Halo wins OBS// Busy work tab highlighted by bullet from To Honor and Serve

Summary:

Watch Me Go winning Tampa Bay Derby      horsephotos.com

Loads of new Kentucky Derby contender rankings today.  For a guy that sold his company to Yahoo for over 5 billion it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Mark Cuban has Soldat at the top of his list.  However it’s surprising anyone has Mo as low as 4// The Florida Derby lost a serious contender in Sweet Ducky due to being sold to an unknown buyer. He’s headed to Dubai. Tampa Bay Derby winner Watch Me Go, who was nominated to the Triple Crown Sunday for $6,000, may fill the void// I touched on some Beyer numbers yesterday and today we have the BRIS speed ratings: 95 and 100 for Uncle Mo and Premier Pegasus respectively// Pletcher says he’s still leaning towards the Wood for Uncle Mo’s next start, but left the door open for the Florida Derby// The Santa Anita Derby will probably get the top 3 finishers from the San Felipe, although there is a slight possibility Premier Pegasus could go elsewhere// Brethren will go in the Arkansas Derby// Silver Medallion is most likely going to the Louisiana Derby//  Another busy workout day.  To Honor and Serve fires a bullet on the deep Payson surface, while 2 work for the Rebel// Reprized Halo wins the always odd OBS Championship. Noticed he finished last in his last allowance with Dialed In. No indications of heading to the real trail…yet.

Uncle Mo gets 89 Beyer from Saturday's work in company// Premier Pegasus wakes up the West// Tampa Bay stunner and bad ride// Future Pool closes with Uncle Mo favored over the field

Uncle Mo winning The Timely Writer 3/12/11                                                                                                     Horsephotos.com

Summary:

Sorry for the missed feed yesterday. We’ll make this a double// Uncle Mo gets a low 89 Beyer from his workout in The Timely Writer Stakes.  Probably not too concerning see as he was never asked.  Looks like The Wood is still the next target, despite some rumblings of a switch to the Florida Derby// Premier Pegasus put in the performance of the day yesterday.  He earned a 96 Beyer.  Some will analyze the also-rans and make improvement cases for Jaycito and Bench Points, but they were nowhere close and benefitted from the same pace scenario// For the Tampa Bay Derby, I keep thinking of Brethren’s bad ride more than anything else.  Dominguez admits it (kind of)// Mystery surrounds Gourmet Dinner moving his barn to Ocala// Tons of works the past 2 days, all outlined below. The most interesting has to be The Factor going further than he’s ever gone// Future Wager Pool #2 closed with Mo favored over the field.   “The Field” does include Premier Pegasus// You’ll notice photographs will pop up on the site from time to time. Those are made possible by horsephotos.com so please check their site out for race photos and memorabilia. Links will always be on the right column.

Madman scared off by Uncle//Loads of cash placed on Runflatout in Future Wager// Odds set for wide-open San Felipe// Vinery Spiral Stakes takes shape// Rescind The Trade still headed to stakes// Gomez in a “situation” for Louisiana Derby

Summary:

Madman Diaries may scratch from the Timely Writer due to Mo presence// There is a video interview below with Todd Pletcher. The subject is choosing Johnny Velazquez as the rider for Uncle Mo.  Am I missing something? How is this news? He’s Pletcher’s first call jock, ridden Mo in all three starts, and regularly rides at Gulfstream// Odds set for San Felipe. With the favorite Jaycito at just 7-2 the payouts should be excellent// Apparently a sizable wager was placed today on Runflatout for the Future wager.  He’s now the favorite, but that’s not expected to be the case when the pool closes Sunday// Rescind the Trade, who was injured in the Whirlaway may go in the Sunland or Illinois Derby// Preachintothedevil also sustained an injury just before the Gotham, but may try the Spiral Stakes.  Decisive Moment may also head to Turfway for the race// Garret Gomez will be riding in Louisiana Derby, but on which horse is unknown.

Life at Ten saga and Derby implications// Rogue Romance out of Louisiana Derby// Prado picks up mount on Machen// Quinonez discusses tough choice// Oil entrepreneur buys majority interest in Silver Medallion// Handicapper picks

Summary:

The dominating story in the Thoroughbred world today was the release of the Life at Ten Report.  Although there is no direct Derby connection, it obviously shines a distracting light on trainer and jockey of the resounding early Derby favorite Uncle Mo.  If Mo stays the course, expect ESPN, NBC, and all major newspapers to pepper their coverage with mention of Pletcher and Velazquez’s involvement// Be sure to check out Marc Doche’s walking interview with Alonso Quinonez.  He discusses his choice to ride Premier Pegasus over Bench Points in the San Felipe plus thoughts on the race// Rogue Romance has a foot bruise and will miss the Louisiana Derby.  He’s now pointed to the Arkansas Derby or Bluegrass Stakes// Edgar Prado picks up the mount on Machen//A majority interest in El Camino Real winner Silver Medallion was sold// More ink for Mike Repole and Mo.  The Timely Writer favorite is 3-5 on the morning line. Good luck getting that when he goes off.

Timely Writer fills for Uncle Mo// Brethren on the outside in Tampa Bay Derby// San Felipe wide open// Future Pool #2 preliminary odds set

Summary:

Team Mo should be happy as 6 total entries are lined up for the Timely Writer at Gulfstream.  On paper none of the 5 challengers have a chance// Brethren draws the outside again for the Tampa Bay Derby which garnered 10 total entries// 10 are also set for the San Felipe, which is probably the most interesting of the three big Saturday races.  Jaycito returns, Comma To The Top tries to get back on track, and several impressive maiden winners join the fray.  Among those, Garret Gomez chose to ride Albergatti over Runflatout// The odds for the Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool #2 were released.  Betting begins Friday at noon and ends Sunday 6pm ET.  Uncle Mo 7-2 and the field 3-1 are the main favorites with next in line Soldat at 8-1.

Astrology puts in solid work// Positive Response Staying Put// Awesome Patriot to try a step up//Dialed In’s performance evaluated//Repole talks//New rankings

Summary:

Astrology puts in a solid 7 furlong work today. He’s still pointed for the Rebel on 3/19// Positive Response will stay at Turfway and point to the Vinery Spiral Stakes// Jennie Rees claims Dialed In’s performance Sunday was actually pretty good considering how fast he ran the final furlong// Awesome Patriot steps into the deep end// Ed DeRosa brings up an interesting angle: the trend of Derby contenders being sold to millionaires has minimized considerably// Mike Repole held a press conference and offered flashy quotes on his excitement, Todd Pletcher’s taxes, and more// Derby prop bets are available. Dead heat at 30-1? I’ll pass// Several new rankings…

Pletcher, Uncle Mo pull Derby Trail strings // Runflatout does just that in bullet ahead of San Felipe, other contenders work// Baffert uncertain of Jaycito’s attitude adjustment//

Summary:

As if we needed a reminder that it’s Todd Pletcher’s world and we’re all just living in it (as his alter ego on Twitter tells us), today’s articles proved just how much he has dominated the Derby trail so far. Not only does he train 3 of the top 10 Derby prospects on most rankings, but he and Unlce Mo are also causing quite a muddled picture for this weekend’s preps in Florida.  The Tampa Bay Derby field could range from five horses to an almost full field depending on if Mo ends up there or the Timely Writer stakes at Gulfstream. Speaking of the Timely Writer: that may not even fill because of Mo (although the racing secretary is willing to bend protocol because it’s Pletcher and Mo). And speaking of races not even filling: the prestigious $750,000 Grade I Wood Memorial may also have difficulties with entries… again due to Mo.

2^nd place in the Gotham Norman Asbjornson is most likely going to the Illinois Derby with the main target being the Preakness, which you don’t hear often. The Illinois Derby could also be 3^rd place Toby’s Corner’s next race// Baffert admits he’s uncertain if Jaycito’s behavior has changed// Steve Haskin has a new dozen and tells why Stay Thirsty’s prep was a good one// Scott Dicks gives pedigree background on 3 contenders.

Dialed In can’t catch up// Top contenders work including Uncle Mo// Stay Thirsty gets 89 Beyer and will head to Florida Derby// Baffert pulls audible and points The Factor to Rebel

Summary:

Dialed In’s late surge couldn’t catch Zito’s other entry Equestrio in today’s allowance.  While it wasn’t a bad race by any means, I think it proved how tricky it is to time his late burst and how green he still runs// Stay Thirsty gets a low 89 Beyer in the Gotham which puts him a notch below other likely Derby starters.  Florida Derby next for him// Baffert is now leaning towards the Rebel for The Factor, which should have a stronger field than the Borderland// Uncle Mo led a slew of contender workouts today. Pletcher still hoping the Timely Writer fills//

Stay Thirsty takes Gotham although some not impressed// Busy workout day//Another eye-opening maiden winner//Ungraded stakes articles and video//

Summary:

Stay Thirsty wins the Gotham. The TVG crew was harsh. NYRA handicapper Andy Serling was not impressed.  Not sure what everyone expected from a four month layoff, but I would consider a 3 ¼ length win over a sizzling stakes winner and some good up-and-comers a nice first step for 2011// Positive Response romps in the Battaglia// Sensational Slam takes the Caposella. Bay Shore next// Smoke It Right wins the Mountain Valley, Arkansas Derby likely// Sway Away headed to the Rebel// Many works today, including bullets by The Factor and Premier Pegasus.  All trainers seemed happy// Wilburn is the latest impressive maiden winner.  Time is not on his side though// Don’t forget- Dialed In to race tomorrow in the 4^th at Gulfstream at 2:25pm.

Stay Thirsty may be too much of a wildcard// Coa gets his dough// San Felipe field begins to take shape// Bind works

Summary:

Some handicappers (and Ragozin Numbers) are saying don’t get too chalky in the Gotham.  The thought is that Stay Thirsty is too much of a wild card at the price// Baffert says The Factor doesn’t get tired and threw in the Rebel as an option along with Sunland Derby// Meanwhile the probable field for next weekend’s San Felipe is getting clearer// Jeremy Plonk’s weekly review gives Soldat a #1 ranking.  More of a “what have you done for me lately” choice than anything else.  Nonetheless he brings up an interesting comparison between Soldat and Derby winners Barbaro and Big Brown being labeld “turf” horses early in their career// Bind shows up on the work tab again.  Still hoping fever spreads after his next allowance.

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

Stay Thirsty 9-5 favorite in Gotham. Astrology in, Uncle Brent out of Rebel. Mucho confirmed for Louisiana Derby. Any real interest in a Swale Stakes “Challenge”?

Summary:

Nine entries drawn for Gotham, including Stay Thirsty// Many future race decisions were made: Astrology to Rebel, Mucho Macho Man to Louisiana Derby, and maiden winner Albergatti to San Felipe// Uncle Brent has new trainer and will not go in Rebel// The most interesting story from today is the “Swale Challenge” idea from the owner of Flashpoint.  While a matchup with the Factor would be nice, I’m not sure that’s worth one million for Gulfstream.   We’re not talking about Zenyatta vs. Rachel.  Many general racing fans have probably never heard of these three year olds. Also, who is going to back either of those horses in the Derby coming off of two sprint preps and questions surrounding pedigree?

Rebel to get new shooter// Astrology stretches to 6 panels// Toby’s Corner the Gotham Sleeper?

Summary: Crossbow officially off the trai// There will be another maiden winner thrown to the Derby Prep wolves- and another Uncle. Uncle Brent most likely will be asked to stretch from his 6 furlong 89 Beyer performance last Saturday to the Rebel Stakes// Interesting stat in the first article below. 8 of the 11 graded Derby preps have been won by horses who were first or second at every call.  While that leads to the obvious point of looking for more patient runners, it must be noted some of those winners have sat off the pace in earlier races (Soldat, Brethren).  Plus, others in that group of 8 may prove to be sprinters (The Factor, Flashpoint)//