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…
Entries:
Florida Derby (G1) entries, articles, PPs, and video here
Swale Stakes (G2) entries here
Santa Anita Race 7 Allowance featuring Wilburn. Entries here
Articles:
· Florida Derby previews (Gulfstream Park) (Bloodhorse) (TTimes) (Brisnet) (DRF) (Courier-Journal) (Miami Herald)
· Florida Derby to air on HRTV (Bloodhorse)
· Women’s handicapping/Florida Derby Preview party (Courier Journal Blog)
· Swale Stakes previews (Bloodhorse) (Brisnet) (DRF)
· Comma To The Top out of final wager pool (Brisnet)
· Baffert’s Derby decision nears (Fort Smith Times Record)
· J P’s Gusto, Sway Away work for Arkansas Derby (Brisnet) (Bloodhorse) (DRF)
· Wood Memorial field starting to come together (Bloodhorse)
· Lukas aiming high on Derby Trail (Bloodhorse)
· Illinois Derby gets purse increase (Bloodhorse)
· Kentucky Derby Report 3/31 (Brisnet)
· Late Triple Crown nominations are in (Zipse At The Derby)
· Kentucky Derby Trainers dinner set for May 3 (TTimes)
· The Kentucky Derby costume party (The Michigan-Bred Claimer Blog)
· Pass the keg…and make a bet while you’re here (Bloodhorse Blog)
Handicapper Picks:
· That Handicapping Show: Florida Derby (Bloodhorse)
Works:
· J P's Gusto: OP- 5F- 58:60- B- 1/22
· Sway Away: OP- 5F- 59:60- B- 2/22
· Yankee Passion: OP- 3F- 37:80- B- 4/8
Notes:
· Wood Memorial: Probable- Uncle Mo, Duca, Isn’t He Perfect, Norman Asbjornson. Possible- Jaycito, Rattlesnake Bridge, Toby’s Corner, Arthur’s Tale, Preachintothedevil, Starship Caesar
