Summary:
The
Rebel (G2) drew fewer entries than what was expected just days ago. A field of
11 is still strong, but Southwest (G3) winner Super Ninety Nine appears to tower
over the rest on paper. Links to PPs and previews can be found below// Rudy
Rodriguez, trainer of Kentucky Derby points leader Vyjack, will serve a 20 day
suspension for a medication violation. The medication is therapeutic as opposed
to performance enhancing, but nevertheless the trainer will have to deal with
questions over the incident as long as Vyjack is on course for Louisville in
May// Before the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream in January there was talk the
race would come up extremely short on entries. That turned out not to be the
case when 10 ended up lining the gate. For now a short filed is expected in the
Florida Derby (G1) March 30, which will bring back Shanghai Bobby and
Itsmyluckyday for a rematch. Only recent Fountain of Youth (G2) victor Orb is
expected to join them, but with 1 million dollars and enough points to
guarantee a place in the Kentucky Derby for the top two finishers, there is
bound to be more interest closer to the race// Dick Downey combats the theory
that point races within the “Championship Series” would draw fuller fields, but
making any kind analysis based on just five preps seems a bit premature// Frac
Daddy seems to always draw interest and attention from Derby-related sites and
blogs, but he’s still just a maiden winner. His connections hope to enhance his
résumé in the Spiral (G3) at Turfway, but a good performance on the synthetic
surface would not answer questions on whether he’s a serious Derby threat//
Updated Top 15 from the New York Daily
News and Top 20 from DRF below//
more…
Upcoming Points Race
Rebel Stakes (G2)
Oaklawn
Park
1
1/16 Miles
PPs:
Click
here
Previews:
Bloodhorse
/ Brisnet
/ DRF
Articles:
Oaklawn
Park is Baffert’s ‘Lucky Place’ (Bloodhorse)
New
Derby points system: Swelling the ranks? (Downey Profile)
Kentucky
Derby Report March 14 (Brisnet)
Rankings:
Top
15 (NY Daily News)
Top 20
(DRF)
Workouts:
Stormy Holiday- OP- 5F-
1.01:80- B- 1/10
