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…
Entries:
3/26 Louisiana Derby (G2): pp’s, videos, and articles here
3/26 UAE Derby (G2): entries here (Downey Profile)
Graded Earnings:
· Latest official graded earnings list with press release (Churchill Downs Media)
Articles:
· Machen breezes in :48 with Prado aboard (Fair Grounds News)
· Machen, Wilkinson prepare for La. Derby (Bloodhorse)
· Field for Spiral taking shape (Brisnet) (Bloodhorse) (DRF)
· Sweet Ducky could return for Kentucky Derby, and other Dubai notes (Downey Profile)
· The Factor may be setting the pace for closers in the field (The Star-Ledger)
· Front-running ‘Factor’ could steal race (Lexington Herald Leader)
· Pedigree Spotlight: The Factor, Jaycito, Cal Nation (Zipse At The Derby)
· Steve Haskin’s Kentucky Derby Trail: Talking points (Bloodhorse)
· Kentucky Derby 137 Update: 3/21 (Brisnet)
· Under the radar: Elite Alex (DRF)
· Derby could have 2 women trainers (Miami Herald)
· UPI thoroughbred racing roundup (UPI)
· Mexico to be featured Preakness day (Bloodhorse)
Works:
· Blue Laser: WTC: 4F- 51:40- B- 3/3 (Track: Good)
· To Honor and Serve: PPTC- 5F- 1.02:40- B- 3/11
· Populist Politics: FG- 5F- 1.00:20- B- 1/21
· Machen: FG- 4F- 48:00- B-4/69
· Wilkinson: FG- 4F- 48:20- B- 5/69
· Mavericking: FG- 4F- 48:60- 9/69
· Liondrive: FG- 4F- 48:80- 14/69
· Majestic Harbor: FG- 4F- 50:80- B- 50/69
· Justin Phillip: FG- 6F- 1.13:00- B-1/2
· Travelin Man: PMM- 5F- 1.00:90- B- 1/22
· Arch Traveler: PMM- 7F- 1.27:50- B- 1/1
· Crimson China: PMM- 5F- 1:03.80- 1/9 (Turf)
· Animal Kingdom: PMM- 5F- 1:03.80- 1/9 (Turf)
Rankings:
· Steve Haskin’s Derby Dozen (Bloodhorse)
· Road to the Triple Crown Poll (Thoroughbred Times)
· Derby Dozen (Lexington Herald Leader)
· Bo Derek’s Top 10 (Courier Journal)
Futures:
· Wynn Las Vegas Kentucky Derby Futures 3/21 (Courier Journal)
Notes:
· Florida Derby field- Probable: Dialed In, Stay Thirsty; To Honor and Serve, Soldat, Arch Traveler. Other possible starters include Flashpoint, Watch Me Go and Reprized Halo.
· Wood Memorial field- Probable: Isn’t He Perfect, Norman Asbjornson, Toby’s Corner, Uncle Mo, Jaycito
