Uncle Mo leads cast for three big preps// Elite Alex altering running style for Arkansas Derby

Summary:

A big day of entries for three Kentucky Derby prep races today.  Healthy field sizes for all, but each race will have its own short-priced favorite// The Uncle Mo show opened in New York today, as the colt’s every move both in-flight and de-boarding were monitored like OJ’s white Bronco.  His opposition looks less than imposing but the race did draw a sizable 10 total entries.  It would be nice to see a hot pace, dirt flying, and maybe some minor traffic issues in order to get a read on how Mo will fair in the Derby// Brian Zipse discusses how important earnings from the Santa Anita Derby will be for all of the entries.  Even notable Kentucky Derby contenders Premier Pegasus (the favorite at 8-5), Jaycito, Anthony’s Cross, and Silver Medallion need an extra boost to secure a place in the gate// The Illinois Derby, Saturday’s opening act, drew a full field of 12 lead by Tampa Bay Derby winner Watch Me Go.  It looks as though any other winner besides him would still fall short on cash needed for May 7 at Churchill Downs// Reports on Elite Alex’s work in blinkers today were all glowing.  Trainer Tim Ritchey admitted they are trying to alter his running style from a closer to showing more speed for the Arkansas Derby.  To me, that sounds a bit risky heading into his final attempt to make the Derby, especially considering The Factor will set a quick pace.  J P’s Gusto will also sport blinkers in the Arkansas Derby, while Caleb’s Posse could potentially forgo the race and head to Keeneland for a last-ditch effort in the Lexington Stakes// Be sure to check out Matt Gardner’s piece on comparing different speed ratings among Derby contenders// more…

Entries:

Wood Memorial (G1): Entries, PPs, video, and articles here

Santa Anita Derby (G1):  Entries, PPs, video, and articles here

Illinois Derby (G3): Entries, PPs, video, and articles here

Articles:

·       Wood Memorial preview articles (NYRA) (Bloodhorse) (TTimes) (Brisnet) (DRF) (Sports Network) (Courier Journal)

·       Santa Anita Derby preview articles (Santa Anita) (Bloodhorse) (TTimes) (Brisnet) (DRF) (Courier Journal)

·       Illinois Derby preview articles (Bloodhorse) (TTimes) (Brisnet) (DRF)

·       Uncle Mo arrives in New York [with video] (NYRA)

·       Uncle Mo and the Wood Memorial curse (The Brock Talk)

·       All eyes on Uncle Mo in Wood Memorial (Daily Racing News)

·       Be like Mike [Repole] (ESPN)

·       Santa Anita Derby earnings are important to all (Zipse at the Derby)

·       Santa Anita seen as less of a bad fit for Jaycito’s prep (Courier Journal)

·       Santa Anita Derby: Smith, Shirreffs team again with Mr. Commons (DRF)

·       This weekend’s stakes races: This and that (Downey Profile)

·       Arkansas Derby: Valenzuela will ride Sway Away (DRF)

·       Arkansas Derby: Elite Alex, J P’s Gusto look for more early speed (DRF)

·       Elite Alex blazes 6 furlongs with blinkers (Bloodhorse)

·       Elite Alex adds blinkers, works toward Arkansas Derby (Downey Profile)

·       Blue Grass group grows (Downey Profile)

·       Comparing figures of Kentucky Derby Contenders (And Down The Stretch They Come)

·       Road to the Triple Crown: Uncle Mo following hot path to Derby (TTimes)

·       Move over Uncle Mo [story on Dialed In] (Louisville Eccentric Observer)

·       Dialed In’s next call: Kentucky Derby [includes Pedigree info] (Bloodhorse)

·       Keeneland, Kentucky Derby the next frontier from Rosie Napravnik (DRF)

·       Derby Trial to be under the lights at Churchill (Bloodhorse)

·       $100,000 Derby Dream Bet is back (Churchill Downs)

Video:

·       And they’re off 4/6 [discuss Florida Derby] (Bloodhorse)

Rankings:

·       Super six Derby pix (They Are Off)

Works:

·       Elite Alex: OP- 6F- 1.11:60- H (G)- 1/4