Chasing The Derby: 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…

Entries:

Louisiana Derby entries, a link to PPs, and videos can be found on the race page here

Articles:

· Louisiana Derby attracts 13, including Mucho Macho Man (Fair Grounds News) (DRF) (Bloodhorse) (Thoroughbred Times) (Brisnet)

· Elite Alex works towards Louisiana Derby (Downey Profile)

· Where does The Factor’s Rebel fit in with other Derby preps? (And Down The Stretch They Come)

· Baffert on The Factor: ‘Lots of options’ (Bloodhorse)

· Baffert calls The Factor Win ‘amazing’ (Thoroughbred Times)

· The Factor is a force (DRF Blogs)

· The Factor has endurance (Fort Smith Times Record)

· Help me understand getting the distance (TTimes Blog)

· Preakness prepping: Thinking outside the (Band)box (Zipse At The Derby)