Chasing The Derby: Mixed signals on The Factor// Soldat sharp// Nakatani goes with the “now” horse

Summary:

George Bolton, co-owner of The Factor, feels it’s unlikely his colt will be entered in the Kentucky Derby. However, a recent quote from Bob Baffert suggests the door is by no means closed, as he raved how well The Factor galloped at Churchill// Soldat had a sharp work at Palm Meadows that had trainer Kiaran McLaughlin thinking roses. If the rain never ends in Louisville, The French Soldier could get some serious consideration based on his January effort in the slop at Gulfstream. Alan Garcia was also confirmed as the Derby rider// In other jockey news, Corey Nakatani has chosen to ride Nehro over Comma To The Top// With impending rain in Louisville Saturday, Animal Kingdom’s workout will be moved to Keeneland// Todd Pletcher reports Uncle Mo’s appetite is getting better// As a point of clarification, I said yesterday Silver Medallion would enter the Derby picture with a win or place in Saturday’s Lexington Stakes. A place would put him in spot #22, so no guarantee, but he would still have a realistic shot with impending defections// Aidan O’Brien still has May 7^th circled on the calendar for Master Of Hounds and plans to ship the horse to Louisville May 3^rd, which doesn’t give him much training time on dirt// more…

Derby Field as of April 21^st (no changes from yesterday)

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, Jaycito, J P’s Gusto

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

Entries:

The Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3): entries, pps, video, and handicapper picks here

Jerome Stakes (G2): entries

Articles:

· Owner is doubtful of Derby bid for The Factor (TTimes)

· Baffert still a Factor? (ESPN)

· Soldat’s Kentucky Derby work encourages McLaughlin (DRF)

· Nakatani takes Nehro over Comma To The Top (TTimes)

· Master Of Hounds’ Derby plans firming up (Bloodhorse)