Sent off at odds of 1-5, Thunder Moccasin easily dispatched pacesetter Il Villano in the far turn to cruise to a 6 3/4 length victory in the Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Todd Pletcher threw a wet blanket over any hopes of Thunder Moccasin pointing for the Kentucky Derby when he reiterated his feelings the son of A.P. Warrior is best suited to one-turn races. Despite his pedigree suggesting he could go further, Pletcher thinks his temperament and running style shout sprinter. Many were anticipating the return of Ever So Lucky, but he was scratched by trainer Jonathan Sheppard due to wet track conditions and the trainer still feeling uneasy about his recent preparation. He’ll probably wait for the Swale (G2), which really puts him behind schedule for making it to the Kentucky Derby//
Bodemeister, Bob Baffert, and Rafael Bejarano
Results
Hutcheson (G2)
Winner: Thunder Moccasin
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Johnny Velazquez
Chart: Equibase chart
Replay Video: YouTube
Wrap-up articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet
Sweet Envoy S.
Winner: Pretension
Trainer: Christopher Grove
Jockey: Javier Santiago
Chart: Equibase chart
Video Replay: Bloodhorse Replay
Wrap-up articles: DRF
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #1
Articles
Bodemeister sizzles, Street Life flies late (Zipse At The Track Blog)
Apprender, No Spin work toward Southwest (Brisnet)
I’ll Have Another doing well (The Downey Profile)
State horses prep for Derby (Tulsa World)
Works
Friscan- FH- 4F- 49:80- B- 1/8
Ted's Folly FG- 5F- 1.03:60- B- 36/45
Apprender- OP- 4F- 51:00- B- 41/56
No Spin- OP- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 2/29
Hansen’s connections announced the colt will ship to New York for the Gotham (G3) instead of staying in Florida for the Fountain of Youth (G2). The decision not only denies a rematch between Hansen and Union Rags, but also avoids facing Algorithms in the near future. The pace scenario changes for the Fountain of Youth making it a little easier for Discreet Dancer// Apprehender and No Spin worked for the Southwest (G3). John Servis of Smarty Jones fame is bringing a Southwest contender from Florida named Adirondack King//
As of 10pm Saturday, Union Rags is the individual favorite at 7-1 in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #1, with “all others” still favored at 6-5. Wagering ends at 6pm EST Sunday//
The Hutcheson was not the only race Kentucky Derby followers were watching Saturday. Race 3 at Gulfstream was a competitive optional claimer that featured several horses with connections hoping to advance on the Derby Trail. Not surprisingly, it was won by Todd Pletcher-trained Spring Hill Farm. The victory gave Pletcher his 3,000 career win and the feat somewhat overshadowed Spring Hill Farm’s big win. No news yet on what’s next for him// Bob Baffert looks to have yet another Derby hopeful in Bodemeister who dominated his second maiden try at Santa Anita Saturday. The son of Empire Maker covered the mile distance in just a second off the track record with a wining margin of 9 1/4 lengths. See the video below for reaction from Bob Baffert and Rafael Bejarano:
