Chasing The Derby: Zito Dialed In for Kentucky Derby// Master Of Hounds likely, Mr. Commons could sneak in

Summary:

Dialed In’s official four furlong workout time at Palm Meadows Thursday was a solid 48.40, but Mike Welsch at the Daily Racing Form claims he was “never asked to exert himself at any time”. While some question whether Dialed In’s light workout pattern and short four-furlong moves will have him ready for the mile and a quarter test May 7^th, Zito claims the horse is ultra fit, ready for the challenge, and won’t be short. Soldat, also stationed at Palm Meadows, will have his final work Friday and then join Dialed In on the flight to Louisville Saturday// Master Of Hounds was officially withdrawn from Newmarket’s 2,000 Guineas, which means the Kentucky Derby is very likely. Garrett Gomez is still considered the frontrunner to get the mount// Archarcharch and Decisive Moment are set to put in their final works Friday// With all of the recent movement and defections among the all important graded earnings list, lightly raced Mr. Commons now sits at spot #23. What was once an unthinkable scenario for a colt with only $120,000 in earnings, qualifying for the Derby now doesn’t seem entirely far-fetched. Trainer John Shirreffs decided to work the recent Santa Anita Derby third-place runner an extended seven furlongs at Hollywood Park just in case he stretches out to a mile and a quarter May 7th// TVG is reporting that Derby winning jockey Mike Smith will have the mount on Twinspired// I’ve always enjoyed reading the transcripts from the DRF chats just days before the Derby, seeing as it always provides valuable info from some of the game’s best handicappers. Christmas came a little early as DRF laid out several Derby questions for their columnists. A must read// more…

Articles:

· Dialed In has easy breeze at Palm Meadows (DRF)

· Nick Zito ecstatic over Dialed In’s half-mile work (Courier Journal Blog)

· Nick Zito can go the distance (Zipse At The Derby)

· Kentucky Derby barn notes 4/28 (Churchill Downs)

· 4/28 Derby/Oaks training session video (Churchill Downs via YouTube)

· Kentucky Derby questions (DRF)

o Who is the horse to beat?

o Surprise prep winners who can contend

o Prep races worth a second look

o Assessing slow speed figures

o Contenders without a prep win