Grade 1 winner Dullahan will make his 2012 debut on turf in the Palm Beach
Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream. His connections are hoping to take the same path to
Kentucky they took with Paddy O’Prado in 2010. The Palm Beach only drew six total entries and will really
not offer much of a read either way on where Dullahan fits with other serious
Derby contenders. Entries and a link to free PPs are below// Jason Shandler
points out the Tampa Bay Derby has had more impact on the Kentucky Derby than
any other prep race in the last five years. The race has produced 2 Derby winners and a third-place
finisher. Shandler likes Take
Charge Indy, Spring Hill Farm, Battle Hardened, and Cozetti in this year’s
running, all of which I’m inclined to agree in that order// Jay Privman notes
that maiden winner Bodemeister is the only entry in the San Felipe (G2) to earn
a triple digit Beyer speed figure, yet most of the other nine challengers are
more experienced and accomplished.
Bodemeister is the second choice at 3-1 right behind favorite Creative
Cause at 5-2// Trainer Bob Baffert posted on his Twitter account that Fed Biz,
a horse that was suppose to run in the San Felipe, returned to the track Thursday
and seems to have recovered from his stomach cramping. The Santa Anita Derby (G1) or Wood
Memorial (G1) will offer his only shot at joining the Kentucky Derby field//
Brother Francis, a multiple graded stakes placed colt, is still eligible for
maiden level racing. He’ll try to
get his first win Saturday and move onto the Santa Anita Derby// Lots of
handicapper picks linked below// For PPs, articles, and picks for all weekend
Derby preps go to the upcoming
page here
Palm Beach Stakes (G2)
Preview Articles: Bloodhorse
/ Brisnet
San Felipe (G2), Tampa Bay
Derby (G2), Swale (G2)- For free PPs, articles, and picks click
here
Articles
Santa
Anita stable notes 3/8 (Santa Anita)
Tampa
Bay Derby favorite to be tested (Sports Network)
Rebel
plan comes together (Arkansas News)
Injuries
becoming factor on Derby trail (Sports Network)
Kentucky
Derby contenders injury report (Graded Stakes Blog)
Handicapper Picks
Weekend
Warrior 3/10(DRF)
San Felipe: Dick’s Picks (The Downey
Profile) / That
Handicapping Show (Bloodhorse), San Felipe up for grabs
(Thoroughbred Horse Racing Blog)
Tampa Bay Derby: Commish’s Picks (The
Downey Profile), TP Derby in national
spotlight (Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds) The
Derby trail runs through… Tampa? (Bloodhorse Blog)
Works
Right to Vote- PMM- 6F- 1.14:40- B- 1/1
Bourbon Courage- FG- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 8/16
Notes
and bits from web and Twitter:
“Fed Biz went back to
track today. Looked good. Maybe Santa Anita Derby or Wood next”- Bob Baffert
via Twitter
