Chasing The Derby: Kentucky Derby: Eennie meenie miney Mo

Summary:

The national press is picking up on the parity in this year’s Derby. An ESPN article goes so far as comparing it to a local dog race and betting your favorite numbers. We get it, it's wide open// More maybes and probably nots today. Comma To The Top and Watch Me Go, once thought to be out of the Derby picture, are now back in the mix. The Factor was labeled as “probable” by trainer Bob Baffert and J P’s Gusto is still a possibility according to his owners. Meanwhile, Jaycito is still not recovering well from his foot injury and doesn’t look likely for Saturday’s Lexington Stakes or the Derby. With all of the uncertainty and possible defections, Anthony’s Cross, currently #25 will train in hopes of making the field. While a bland 5^th place finish in his last race might not seem enticing, he has proven himself on the Churchill strip and evenly stacks up with most of the prospective field// Jason Shandler in his Bloodhorse Blog suggests not overlooking the turf and poly horses. I’m still going to do so seeing as they have proven to be inferior on dirt, even in maiden company// Todd Pletcher was in Louisville to monitor Uncle Mo’s morning gallop, in which we never really heard much about how he looked on the track and how he was actually doing. Instead Pletcher gave more vague quotes about appetite issues (not necessarily with Uncle Mo) and the wait-and-see approach we’ll be hearing a lot about in the coming weeks// Winning Beyer speed figures from two Derby preps were increased today. Brilliant Speed in the Blue Grass changed to 93 (from 89) and Midnight Interlude in the Santa Anita Derby is now 97 (from 95)// more…

Here is where we stand as of April 19:

In: Archarcharch, Brilliant Speed, Decisive Moment, Dialed In, Midnight Interlude, Mucho Macho Man, Nehro, Pants On Fire, Santiva, Soldat, Toby’s Corner, Twice The Appeal

Most likely in: Master Of Hounds, Stay Thirsty

50/50: Comma To The Top, Uncle Mo, Animal Kingdom, The Factor, J P’s Gusto

Most likely out: Jaycito

Out: Astrology

Outside looking in: Watch Me Go, Shackleford, Twinspired, Silver Medallion, Anthony’s Cross

Graded Stakes Earnings:

· Official 4/18 (Churchill Downs)

Articles:

· A look at who’s looking at Kentucky Derby (Courier Journal)

· Some 27 horses looking at Kentucky Derby (Courier Journal)

· Jaycito’s Lexington status in doubt (DRF)

· Pletcher keeping close eye on Uncle Mo (Bloodhorse)