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 7th. He seems best suited for turf/poly over true dirt. Favorite Positive Response had no response by finishing 8th// 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.
Results:
UAE Derby winner: Khawlah order of finish / video
Fair Grounds 4th Race Allowance: winner: Prime Cut- chart
Entries:
3/27 Sunland Derby (G3): link to pps, videos, articles, and handicapper picks here
Articles:
· Pants On Fire wins Louisiana Derby (TTimes) (DRF) (Bloodhorse) (Brisnet) (Times Picayune) (Courier-Journal) (Miami Herald)
· Rosie’s pants on fire (Zipse At The Derby)
· Animal Kingdom takes Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes (TTimes) (DRF) (Bloodhorse) (Brisnet) (Courier-Journal)
· Swift Warrior flies home in Rushaway (Brisnet)
· 2011 Sunland Derby: Graded status helps elevate young Derby (El Paso Times)
· Sold on Soldat: How a Triple Crown candidate came to be sold (Bloodhorse)
Works:
· Smoke It Right: OP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 5/37
· Rattlesnakebridge: PMM- 4F- 48:40- 6/41
· Manicero: CRC- 6F- 1.16:40- B- 1/4
· Monzon: Sagamore- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 2/2
