It’s a bit surprising to see eight horses entered in Sunday’s Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream. Given the fact the top three choices are considered by most to be among the upper echelon of Kentucky Derby prospects, you would think the connections of the others would look elsewhere. However, we’ve seen our fair share of overrated 3-year-olds meet their match against supposed inferior competition seemingly every year. Algorithms was installed as the favorite at 8-5, but it will be interesting to see if that holds. Union Rags is the Las Vegas favorite to win the Kentucky Derby and while he’s coming off a layoff, his experience and credentials trump the Fountain of Youth favorite. Discreet Dancer will also get some action at the betting windows, but there should be long prices on the rest// El Padrino, favored in the Risen Star (G2) at the Fair Grounds stepped on that track for the first time Thursday. Todd Pletcher assistant Whit Beckman said he moved well. Another Risen Star entry, Afford, appeared washy during training Thursday, but trainer Greg Geier said that’s normal. D. Wayne Lukas thinks Optimizer is in a good spot given he’s a closer and there should be an honest pace to run off of Saturday. For full stories, handicapper picks, links to free PPs and race videos for the Risen Star and Fountain of Youth go here.
Motor City, winner of the Iroquois S. (G3) at Churchill Downs in October, continues to train for his comeback race. The son of Derby winner Street Sense worked a quick 5 furlongs at Palm Meadows in 1:01 and 4// Another blog post by Dr. Hansen Thursday. He seems fed up with hearing the excuse of Union Rags having to run wide in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. A valid point, but if he wanted to really end the conversation he could have left his horse in Florida to face Union Rags again on Sunday// more…
Upcoming:
Fountain of Youth (G2)- race page with PPs, race videos, articles, and picks
Risen Star (G2)- race page with PPs, race videos, articles, and picks
Articles
Fountain of Youth Preview articles: Gulfstream Park / TTimes / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet
Let’s be frank, don’t overlook Discreet Dancer (Sports Network)
Motor City moves 5 furlongs at Palm Meadows (Bloodhorse)
Pletcher pleased with new FOY distance (The Downey Profile)
All eyes on the 3-year-olds (ESPN)
Pee H Dee and Ring It Up: Lowered expectations? (The Downey Profile)
78 Feet!...ESPN and Trackus, give me a break (Hansen Blog via Courier Journal)
Hansen’s mom: No one’s Mother of the Year (Hansen Blog via Courier Journal)
Kentucky Derby 2012 Point/Counterpoint- Pletcher vs. Baffert (Horse Racing Nation)
Analysis: El Camino Real Derby (Bleacher Report)
Rankings
Jerry Bossert’s Kentucky Derby Rankings (NY Daily News)
Derby Dozen Volume 2 (Wireplayers Blog)
Picks:
Risen Star: Commish’s Picks (Downey Profile)
Fountain of Youth: That Handicapping Show [Video] (Bloodhorse)
Works
Motor City PMM- 5F- 1.01:88- B- 4/13
Right to Vote PMM- 5F- 1.01:10- B- 2/13
I'll Have Another HOL- 4F- 48:60- H- 5/20
Notes and bits from web and Twitter:
“Have to consider Creative Cause on the right path after watching his authoritative gallop just now. Can't fake that kind of body language”- ClockerDH via Twitter
