Chasing The Derby: Baffert in stable condition following heart attack // 14 drawn for Louisiana Derby// Isn’t He Clever, Trinniberg lead 20 new TC nominations

Almost every post on the site this year has made some mention of Hall of Fame trainer and 3-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert. While it’s usually concerning one of his many Derby prospects and where they’re headed next, today is of a more serious nature. The trainer suffered a heart attack in Dubai, where he was overseeing two horses preparing for Saturday’s World Cup meeting. Luckily the issue was caught quickly by his wife and the trainer is recovering in the hospital// The Louisiana Derby (G2) drew a large field of 14. The coupled entry of Mark Valeski, who just missed beating El Padrino in the Risen Star (G2), and Mr. Bowling, winner of the LeComte (G3) lead the field at 2-1. Dominating maiden winner Cigar Street is the second favorite at 7-2. Full entries, pps, and more can be found below// 20 late Triple Crown nominations were released today. Those that paid the $6,000 late fee include Trinniberg, winner of the Swale (G2) and Sunland Derby (G3) runner-up Isn’t He Clever. Bourbon Courage was also a late nominee and is most likely pointing to the Preakness if all goes well in the Derby Trial (G3) at Churchill. A full list of nominees can be found below// Seven are still probable for the Florida Derby on Saturday including Union Rags and El Padrino// This past weekend’s Derby prep winners are doing well. Sunland Derby winner Daddy Nose Best will ship to Kentucky Tuesday and train up to the Derby as trainer Steve Asmussen thinks he does best with time between races. His Beyer Speed figure came back a very respectable 100, but nonetheless Daddy Nose Best will enter the Derby scene a longshot. Isn’t He Clever could go to the Arkansas Derby (G1) next if his $188,000 in graded earnings is not enough for the Kentucky Derby. Spiral Stakes (G3) winner Went the Day Well may still be a little immature and need another race according to jockey John Velasquez. Trainer Graham Motion mentioned the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland is being considered, which only gives the colt two weeks to train for the Kentucky Derby. Either way, I’m guessing the horse will be an underlay Derby day based on his trendy connections and fact he hasn’t raced against any other likely Derby starters// New future odds were released for all Triple Crown nominees and can be found below…

Louisiana Derby (G2)

Entries: Entries

PPs: Click here (Look for Sunday April 1 Windsurfer)

Preview Articles: Fair Grounds / Bloodhorse / DRF / TTimes / Brisnet

Late Triple Crown Nominations

3/20 (Churchill Downs)

PPs (including all current nominees) courtesy of Brisnet

Future Odds

Wynn Las Vegas 3/26 (via Courier Journal)

Articles

Bob Baffert recovering from heart attack in Dubai (DRF)

20 Late Triple Crown Nominations (Bloodhorse)