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.

Articles:

·       Unclo Mo won’t face crowd at Gultream in 2011 debut (DRF)

·       Uncle Mo’s return effort will play big role in Wood lineup (DRF)

·       Tampa Bay Derby rides on Pletcher’s decision (DRF)

·       Runflatout sizzles in San Felipe stakes prep- plus other work reports (Thoroughbred Times)

·       Archarcharch and Elite Alex training well for Rebel (Thoroughbred Times)

·       Pedigree Spotlight: Alternation, Dialed In, Premier Pegasus (Zipse at the Derby)

·       Make up your mind already dept. (Downey Profile)

·       San Felipe a proving ground for Jaycito (DRF)

·       Steve Haskin’s KY Derby Trail: Thirst Quencher (Bloodhorse)

·       Mike Watchmaker’s thoughts on Stay Thirsty and two prep theory (DRF)

·       Stay Thirsty, Dialed In gain experience (Lexington Herald Leader)

·       Derby Watch: Repole has another Derby hopeful (The Star-Ledger)

·       Gotham Ruler (Horseracing Nation)

·       On This Trip I will Stay Thirsty (Zipse at the Derby)

·       Day at the races: March 7: more on Dialed In and Uncle Mo (NY Daily News)

·       Derby 2011:Under The Radar- Mr. Commons (DRF)

·       UPI Racing Roundup (UPI.com)

Works:

·       Wilkinson: FG- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 20/66

·       Machen: FG- 5F 1.01:60- B- 20/66

·       To Honor and Serve: PPTC- 4F- 51:00- B- 11/20

·       Albergatti : SA- 4F- 49.80-B- 15/17

·       Runflatout: SA- 6F- 1.10:40 H-1/14

·       Silver Medallion: SA- 6F- 1.12:00 H- 3/14

Rankings:

·       Steve Haskin’s Derby Dozen (updated 3/7)

·       Celeb Derby Top 10: Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville (Courier-Journal)

Futures:

·       Wynn Future Book (updated 3/7)

Video:

·       Gotham review by Jill Bryne (Churchill Downs)

Entries:

The rescheduled Grindstone Stakes entries here

Notes:

Tampa Bay Derby probables: Too Experience, Watch Me Go, Beamer, Free Entry, Brethren,  and if no Uncle Mo then Economic Summit, Moonhanger, Striding Ahead, Symphonic Hero