Summary:
We’ve read this script before: Highly touted favorite disappoints in key Kentucky Derby prep. The latest chapter was written by The Factor, who was absolutely no factor in the Arkansas Derby. As we’ve also read before, there was an excuse. Add flipped palate to a long list that includes GI tract infections, quarter grabs, lost shoes, and broken teeth. Whether it actually happened-- which would cause difficulty in breathing-- or not is unclear. What is clear is that The Factor was simply out-jumped leaving the gate and never comfortable trailing horses. The winner, Archarcharch deserves all praise that can be given, which will probably not be much considering many will say he benefitted again from closing off a cooked pace. This horse is the only Derby contender who has won two graded preps going two turns in 2011 and the only to finish in the money in three stakes this year. 2nd place finisher Nehro was almost equally impressive barreling down the stretch and continuing on past the winner after the wire. If these guys can navigate their way through a 20-horse field on May 7 look out.
The Blue Grass Stakes assumed its usual role of big priced ho hum winner. Brilliant Speed just out-nosed Twinspired at the wire to guarantee a spot in the Kentucky Derby gate. Twinspired could join him with a few other defections. Both horses have raced on true dirt just three times and were beaten by a combined 52 lengths, which begs a debate on changing the criteria of qualifying for the Derby. As respectable as the Blue Grass Stakes was (produced more Derby winners than any other race), its relevance since the change to Polytrack is lower than a maiden race at Gulfstream.
Mucho Macho Man worked a long seven furlongs in Florida. All reports were positive and he is on his way to Louisville for a Sunday arrival//more…
Results:
Arkansas Derby winner: Archarcharch chart / video
Blue Grass Stakes winner: Brilliant Speed chart / video
Blue Grass Stakes winner: Brilliant Speed chart / video
Articles:
· Archarcharch wins Arkansas Derby (Bloodhorse) (TTimes) (DRF) (Brisnet) (Courier Journal) (
· Brilliant Speed wins Blue Grass Stakes (Bloodhorse) (TTimes) (DRF) (Brisnet) (Sports Network) (Lexington Herald Leader) (Courier Journal)
· Blue Grass needs its winner to step up in Derby (Lexington Herald Leader)
· Mike Battaglia has no idea who should be favorite in Kentucky Derby (Courier Journal)
Rankings:
· Courier Journal Media Poll 4/16 (Courier Journal)
Works:
· Mucho Macho Man: GP- 7F- 1.23:65- H- 1/1
· Animal Kingdom: KEE- 5F- 59:20- B- 2/39
