Giant Finish crashes Fear the Kitten’s party// Carving not likely to be AE// Albarado to ride Golden Soul// No blow out for Itsmyluckyday

Summary:

Hopefully the connections of Fear the Kitten kept the receipts for their Derby hats as they may be of no use Saturday. In a near-last minute decision, owner Andy Cohen decided to throw Giant Finish, 3rd last time out in the Spiral (G3) at Turfway, into the Kentucky Derby mix. Giant Finish’s 10 points trump Fear the Kitten’s 6, which force the latter to enter as an also-eligible and hope for a defection before Friday. It appeared a second also-eligible was possible with the connections of Carving (2 points) showing interest to enter their colt during Wednesday’s scheduled draw. However, trainer Mike Puhich didn’t seem keen on the idea of waiting for two to drop out// It was also announced late Tuesday that Dallas Stewart has chosen Robby Albarado as the rider for Golden Soul. The team will be among the longest shots in the race, but if they happen to pull off a miracle get ready for the onslaught of stories on Albarado’s fairly recent transgressions// Somehow news that Ryan Moore was named to ride Lines of Battle was labeled “breaking” today but we actually knew that Friday. Lines of Battle arrived on the Churchill grounds early Wednesday morning// Eddie Plesa confirmed that Itsmyluckyday will not have a ‘blow out’ or short breeze between now and the Derby. Itsmyluckyday’s last work was Thursday and his overall time was a very slow 4-furlongs in 53 seconds flat// No serious workouts took place at Churchill Tuesday, but several people noted Falling Sky’s strong gallop. It is safe to assume he will be fairly aggressive in the early stages of the Derby. For gallop videos and interviews see the links below// Andrew Beyer theorizes that Todd Pletcher’s 1-for-31 record in the Kentucky Derby can be attributed to his training methods producing horses that perform better in races well spaced apart as opposed to the compact prep and Triple Crown schedules// Features on Kevin Krigger, Vyjack, Kelly Breen, Golden Soul, Joel Rosario, Orb, and much more below…

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings

Updated Contender Page- featuring PPs, pedigree info, race replays and more

Articles:

Giant Finish joins field on eve of draw (DRF)

Giant Finish owner: ‘You only live once’ (Bloodhorse)

Derby update 4/30 (Churchill Downs)

Itsmyluckyday gallops strongly [Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Falling Sky gallops briskly (DRF)

Falling Sky looks to set the pace in Kentucky Derby (Washington Post)

Pletcher horses visit the track; Orb walks shedrow day after workout (Brisnet)

Pitino to watch Goldencents train; Plesa ready to wear ‘gameface’ (Brisnet)

Kentucky Derby news minute 4/30 (Bloodhorse)

Churchill Downs, TwinSpires.com raise guaranteed pick 6 pools for Oaks and Derby (Brisnet)

Ramseys hoping for Charming Derby result (Bloodhorse)

The Kentucky Derby through the eyes of Molly Jo Rosen (Insider Louisville)

Inspired Gary Stevens chasing Kentucky Derby like it’s 1999 (WDRB-TV)

Riding high, Rosario readies for Derby on Orb (Bloodhorse)

Itsmyluckyday thrives in cooler climate at Churchill Downs (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby Report: Oh, happy day (Bloodhorse Blog)

Golden Soul gets chance to prove he belongs (DRF)

Kevin Krigger “embracing the opportunity” to make Derby history (Sports Illustrated)

Krigger’s journey hits peak with Goldencents (DRF)

Tale of how Pitino got small slice of Goldencents (DRF)

Kelly Breen, an Old Bridge native, changes leads in search of a dream (NJ.com)
Kentucky Derby full of intrigue with Pletcher’s pack, O’Neill’s return (The Baltimore Sun)

Female families and the Kentucky Derby (Horse Racing Nation)

Rodriguez stays focused on Vyjack amid controversy (DRF)

Vyjack would love to follow Funny Cide’s path (Bloodhorse)

Derby Dreams: Mylute (Paulick Report)

Victory starts on the backside (ESPN)

The Kentucky Derby: handicapping the field (Up The Track)

Why does Midas touch desert Pletcher on Kentucky Derby day? (DRF)

Stevens trades in NBC mike to ride in Kentucky Derby (USA Today)

Pedigree: Bringing the battle to Kentucky (Bloodhorse)

Performance trends at the Kentucky Derby [video] (NY Times)

Breaking down every horse and jockey in the race (Bleacher Report)

No lack of buzz on Churchill Downs backside (Business First Louisville)

Videos:

Verrazano gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Normandy Invasion gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Mylute gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Charming Kitten gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Frac Daddy gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Vyjack gallops 4/30 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Chad Brown on Normandy Invasion [video] (Bloodhorse)

Alan Garcia on Fear the Kitten [video] (Bloodhorse)

Ken McPeek on Frac Daddy and Java’s War [video] (Bloodhorse)

Shug McGaughey on Orb [video] (Bloodhorse)

Eddie Plesa on Itsmyluckyday [video] (Bloodhorse)

Krigger talks about Goldencents in Kentucky Derby [video] (Courier Journal)

Rankings:

Haskin’s Derby Dozen 4/30 (Bloodhorse Blog)

Quotes and Tweets:

"Just got a text from Dallas Stewart naming Robby Albarado to ride Golden Soul in the Ky Derby"- Jay Privman via Twitter

“Trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. confirms Itsmyluckyday will not have a blow out before Derby. ‘No upside but downside if he went too fast’ ” - Mike Welsch via Twitter

4 ruled out of Kentucky Derby// Golden Soul, Fear the Kitten make the cut// Orb steals Monday workout spotlight// Oxbow posts bullet// Will Take Charge breezes

Summary:

Derby week kicked off Monday with a flurry of defections, additions, and workouts. Bob Baffert announced his Derby hand is empty after deciding Govenor Charlie is not ready and Code West will point for the Peter Pan (G2). Todd Pletcher quickly stated Lexington Stakes (G2) winner Winning Cause will bypass the Run for the Roses and the connections of Tiz a Minister also concluded it was too much to ask of their colt. Those decisions allowed Dallas Stewart’s Golden Soul and Mike Maker’s Fear the Kitten to take over the open spots #19 and #20 respectively. Alan Garcia was named to ride Fear the Kitten, while Stewart was still mum on the jockey for Golden Soul. Both colts will go off as big price long shots, but cases can be made for both to be part of the superfecta mix. Golden Soul should like the added distance and has closed well in most of his races. Fear the Kitten is undoubtedly bred for the grass, but has won at Churchill on the dirt and also closed strong in a majority of his contests// It’s no secret Daily Racing Form’s Mike Welsch favors Orb for the Kentucky Derby. After his official four-furlong breeze Monday he said it was “reminiscent of Barbaro and Street Sense” before they won the roses. Welsch wasn’t the only one heaping praise on the workout as the backside was abuzz over the potential favorite lighting up the track with ease// Oxbow’s bullet move in five-furlongs was overshadowed by Orb’s work, but the final time doesn’t tell his whole story. Apparently Oxbow bore out five or six wide when going through the turn, which was a cause for concern for Welsch. His stablemate Will Take Charge had an even more troubling breeze as he labored towards the end and was essentially “shut down” with no gallop out. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas didn’t seem too upset and was pleased the time was slow as opposed to fast so close to the Derby. For reports and video see below// Several handicappers are choosing Vyjack as their sleeper. If you can comfortably cross out his dull Wood Memorial (G1) effort, then a case can be made. However, I believe the Wood exposed him as a notch below Verrazano and Normandy Invasion// If you want to get excited about the potential of striking it rich Saturday, check out SB Nation’s chart on Derby payouts from the past twelve years// much more…

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings

Updated Contender Page- featuring PPs, pedigree info, race replays and more

Articles:

Trainer Baffert to sit out Kentucky Derby 139 (Bloodhorse)

Bob Baffert on not having any Derby horses [video] (Bloodhorse)

Pletcher not pointing Winning Cause to Derby (Bloodhorse)

Fear the Kitten brings field to an even 20 (DRF)

Clocker Report: Orb looks strong [plus Clocker video] (DRF)

Orb sizzles four furlongs in final Derby prep (Bloodhorse)

Orb workout video 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

McGaughey talks about Orb’s final work [video] (ABR Live)

In Orb, McGaughey brings real deal and perspective to Kentucky Derby (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby sees Rosario on hot streak aboard Orb (DRF)

New Derby favorite Orb might score elusive win for an old favorite (Insider Louisville)

Lukas contenders turn in final preparations (Bloodhorse)

Oxbow workouts video 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

Oxbow and Will Take Charge [video] (Bloodhorse)

Lukas, Stevens give Kentucky Derby another go (AP)

Itsmyluckyday gallop video 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

Frac Daddy thriving at Churchill (Brisnet)

Frac Daddy gallop video 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

Derby Update 4/29 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby news minute 4/29 (Bloodhorse)

O’Neill back under Kentucky Derby microscope (DRF)

Goldencents gives Doug O’Neill good feeling (AP)

Rick Pitino’s putting his lucky streak on the line with Goldencents (Courier Journal)

Rudy Rodriguez on Vyjack [video] (Bloodhorse)

Vyjack and a case of the flats (Pull The Pocket)

Vyjack is a riddle wrapped in an enigma (Zipse at the Track)

Derby works do the talking (ESPN)

Haskin: A mud-dled Derby (Bloodhorse Blog)

Kentucky Derby Historical payouts 2000-2012 Part 1 (SB Nation)

The quest for winning your first (Horse Racing Nation)

Derby Dartboard Race Preview [video] (NY Times)

How to handicap the big race (Horse Racing Nation)

Most interesting contenders in this year’s field (SB Nation)

Rosie Napravnik aces ’60 Minutes’ interview (DRF)

Behind the scenes with Rosie Napravnik (ABR Live)

NBC Sports group announces 14.5 hours of Kentucky Derby coverage (NBC)

The bullet train Derby platform 4/29 [video] (Brisnet via YouTube)

Works:

Orb- CD- 4F- 47:80- B- 5/43 (Splits 12, 23.80, 35.80. Out 5F in 1:00.80 & 6F 1:14.60)

Oxbow- CD- 5F- 59:80- B- 1/34 (Splits 11.80, 23.40, 35.20, 47.40. Out 6F 1:14.80)

Will Take Charge- CD- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 12/34 (Splits 11.60, 23.20, 35.20. 6F in 1:17.40)

Code West overshadowed// Baffert may sit out// Features on Krigger, Stevens, Invasion, more

Articles:

Derby update 4/28 (Churchill Downs)

Code West outworked by Oaks filly Midnight Lucky (DRF)

Code West workout video 4/28 (Churchill Downs)

Baffert unlikely to have a starter (DRF)

Bob Baffert interview [video] (Bloodhorse)

Owner will decide whether Tiz a Minister should run (DRF)

Derby contenders Goldencents, Itsmyluckyday, take 1^st jogs around Churchill Downs (AP)

Govenor Charlie gallops 4/28 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Winning Cause gallops 4/28 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Itsmyluckyday gallops 4/28 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Ken McPeek on Frac Daddy [video] (Churchill Downs)

Ken McPeek on Java’s War [video] (Churchill Downs)

Lukas on Willl Take Charge [video] (Churchill Downs)

Lukas on Oxbow [video] (Churchill Downs)

McGaughey on Orb [video] (Churchill Downs)

Pletcher on Palice Malice [video] (Churchill Downs)

Pletcher on Overanalyze [video] (Churchill Downs)

Pletcher on Revolutionary [video] (Churchill Downs)

Pletcher on Verrazano [video] (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby minute 4/28 [video] (Bloodhorse)

O’Neill back in search of another Derby (Bloodhorse)

Gary Stevens talks about Oxbow 4/28 [video] (Bloodhorse)

Verrazano’s 4 for 4 record leaves lots of room for doubt (Courier Journal)

Orb brings Kentucky Derby back into the sphere of McGaughey and his owners (Lexington Herald Leader)

Porter has high hopes for Derby Invasion (Bloodhorse)

Normandy Invasion give Tapit solid Derby chance (DRF)

History aside, jockey is just out to win (NY Times)

Plesa assistant hopes third time’s the charm (Bloodhorse)

Haskin’s Derby report: Orb catches the eye (Bloodhorse Blog)

The Derby favorite (DRF Blog)

Works:

Code West- CD- 5F- 1.00:40- B- 6/42 (Splits 12.60, 24.80, 37.20, 48.80. Out 1:12.60 & 1:25.80)

10 contenders put in final works// Breeze videos and analysis// Goldencents arrives// more...

Articles:

Kentucky Derby workouts 4/27 [Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Derby update 4/27 (Churchill Downs)

Derby backside buzz with Jill Byrne 4/27 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Pletcher sends out all five prospects (DRF)

Verrazano workout video 4/27 (Churchill Downs)

Palace Malice and Overanalyze workout video (Churchill Downs)

Haskin’s Derby Report: Pletcher on parade (Bloodhorse Blog)

Kentucky Derby news minute 4/27 (Bloodhorse)

Normandy Invasion posts smooth final move (Bloodhorse)

Chad Brown on Normandy Invasion’s work [video] (Bloodhorse)

Mylute workout video 4/27 (Churchill Downs)

Mylute’s steady work no problem for Amoss (Bloodhorse)

Bravo flies in to work improving Black Onyx (Bloodhorse)

Solid works and no worries for McPeek duo (Bloodhorse)

Ken McPeek on Frac Daddy and Java’s War works [video] (Bloodhorse)

Bath time for Frac Daddy and Java’s War [video] (Bloodhorse)

Black Onyx workout video 4/27 (Churchill Downs)

Kelly Breen and Black Onyx [video] (Bloodhorse)

Joe Bravo and Black Onyx work [video] (Bloodhorse)

Team O’Neill back for another (Bloodhorse)

139th Kentucky Derby is Pletcher-dominated affair (AP)

A horse names after controversial oil drilling method… (Business Insider)

Works:

Overanalyze- CD- 4F- 47:00- B- 1/70 (Splits: 12, 23.4, 35.2 out 59.6 & 1:13.4)

Palace Malice- CD- 4F- 47:20- B- 2/70 (Splits: 12, 23.6, 35.4 out 59.8)

Revolutionary- CD- 4F- 48:20- B- 6/70 (Splits: 24.80, 36.40, 48.20 out +1 1:00.60, 1:14.80)

Charming Kitten- CD- 4F- 48:40- B- 8/70 (Splits: 24.80, 36.40, 48.40)

Black Onyx- CD- 4F- 48:60- B- 12/70 (Splits 12.20, 24.20, 36.20. Out 5F 1:02.40)

Mylute- CD- 4F- 50:60- B- 59/70 (Splits 12.60, 25 & 37.60. Out 5F in 1:05.80)

Normandy Invasion- CD- 5F- 59:00- B- 2/52 (Splits 11.80, 23.20, 34.80 & 46.60. Out 6F 1:11.80

Verrazano- CD- 5F- 59:40- B- 6/52 (Splits: 11.80, 23.20, 35, 47. Out 1:13

Java's War- CD- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 32/52 (Splits: 12.40,  24.80 & 37, out in 1:16.60)

Frac Daddy- CD- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 32/52 (Splits: 12.40,  24.80 & 37, out in 1:14.80)

Falling Sky, Vyjack, Golden Soul breeze 5 panels// Ryan Moore to ride Lines of Battle// Training schedules altered// Standings still a mystery

Summary:

None of the three key workouts Friday impressed DRF clocker Mike Welsch. Both Vyjack and Falling Sky needed considerable encouragement late, while Golden Soul’s move was labeled simply “average”. Their times and splits can be found below. Orb had a stiff gallop along with gate schooling and “continued to impress” while Govenor Charlie had a troubling stride and difficulty changing leads. The McPeek pair of Frac Daddy and Java’s War meanwhile continue to thrive according to Welsch. His full report linked below// There’s been little news from across the pond on UAE Derby (G2) winner Lines of Battle. We finally know that Ryan Moore will retain the mount, but an arrival date and training developments have not been given// With the high probability of showers Saturday afternoon and evening, Todd Pletcher decided to move scheduled workouts for a majority of his likely Derby entrants from Sunday to Saturday. Falling Sky’s Friday work was also the result of trying to beat potential muddy conditions// Bob Baffert postponed his arrival to Kentucky a few days, so we will not hear the Derby status of Govenor Charlie, Code West, and Power Broker until at least Saturday. The latter two colts were not even mentioned by Jay Privman in his latest update so their chances don’t look good. Meanwhile, Privman also writes Tiz a Minister’s likelihood of shipping to Kentucky for the Derby after his stakes try Saturday is slim, which is different from what we heard just days ago// more…

Articles:

Kentucky Derby workouts [with Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Vyjack heads Derby works with strong move (Bloodhorse)

Orb gets familiar with Churchill starting gate (DRF)

Special bridle keeps Vyjack under control (DRF)

Kentucky Derby training plans shuffled (DRF)

Joel talks about Orb [video] (Bloodhorse)

D. Wayne Lukas figures his colts can set their own pace (Courier Journal)

Java’s War was declared in the Blue Grass (Bloodhorse)

Upcoming Kentucky Derby full of Todd Pletcher’s horses (Sports Illustrated)

Trainer Todd Pletcher holding full house (Silicon Valley Mercury News)

Countdown to the Crown: Week 17- April 26 (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby report: The players up close (Bloodhorse)

Contenders: Orb, Verrazano, Goldencents, Java’s War [video] (Graded Stakes)

Kentucky Derby odds ignore Wood Memorial jinx for Verrazano (Bleacher Report)

Derby prom (Brisnet Blog)

Kentucky Derby-winning trainers share some special memories (DRF)

News shows to profile Napravnik, O’Neill (Bloodhorse)

Works:

Falling Sky- CD- 5F- 59:60- B- 1/32 (Splits 12.40, 23.80, 35.40, 47.20, 59.60 out 6F in 1:13 & 7F in 1:28)

Vyjack- CD- 5F- 1.00:40- B- 3/32 (Splits 12.20, 24.20, 36, 48. Out 1:14)

Golden Soul- CD- 5F- 1.00:80- B- 7/32 (Splits 12.20, 24.40, 36, 48. Out 1:14.40)

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Points Race

Derby Trial (G3)

Churchill Downs

1 Mile

PPs: Click here

Previews: Churchill Downs / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Picks: Downey Profile / Bloodhorse THS / Equibase

Itsmyluckyday, Goldencents go slow// Velazquez on target// Videos, betting strategies, features, more…

Summary:

With just a little over a week to go until the Kentucky Derby, when every move and twitch your horse makes is crucial, the last thing you need is a tentative exercise rider. Trainer Eddie Plesa instructed his rider to take an easy 4-furlong breeze aboard Itsmyluckyday at Calder, but he didn’t mean to practically walk. The final time of 53 flat was unsurprisingly ranked the slowest time of the day. Now, Plesa will have to decide whether to give Itsmyluckyday a blowout just before the Derby// On the West Coast, Goldencents also posted a slow breeze, however trainer Doug O’Neill was pleased with the way he settled early and then picked up steam towards the end// Conditions were improved at Churchill Thursday with the track labeled as “good”. Mike Welsch noted Normandy Invasion looked “razor sharp” and other standouts included Orb and Falling Sky. He was also critical of Frac Daddy, noted improvement from Govenor Charlie, and said it was more of the same from the Pletcher contingent. His full report with video can be found below// A nice chart from the Courier Journal tracks the weather and track conditions of all previous Kentucky Derbies// Byron King lays out how he sees the Derby pace shaping up by placing likely entrants in four distinct groups: front-runners, stalkers, mid-pack closers, and deep closers// It’s that time of year when there’s too many features to mention in detail. Look below for stories on Kevin Krigger, Ken Ramsey, Rick Pitino, betting strategies, odds prognostications, the life of a clocker, and more…

Articles:

Kentucky Derby Update 4/25 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby Workouts: Normandy Invasion continues to impress [Clocker Report Video] (DRF)

Goldencents final workout at Santa Anita before Kentucky Derby [video] (Santa Anita via YouTube)

Goldencents works six furlongs at Santa Anita (Bloodhorse)

Velazquez expects to resume riding Wednesday (DRF)

Must-win situation for Titletown Five in Derby Trial (DRF)

No Kentucky Derby for Officer Alex (DRF)

Kentucky Derby pace scenario a matter of grouping (DRF)

TCI: Kentucky Derby preview 4/25 [video] (Bloodhorse)

‘Wild Card’ Derby Trial no a misnomer (Downey Profile)

Q&A Ken McPeek on his Kentucky Derby chances (DRF)

Pitino horse Goldencents attracting plenty of fanfare in Paris, beyond (KY Forward)

Verrazano and Govenor Charlie aim to change history (The Kentucky Derby Post)
Ken Ramsey’s Kentucky Derby 2013 dreams kindled with colt (Courier Journal)

Vyjack trainer Rudy Rodriguez [video] (Courier Journal)

Falling Sky owner shuttles between Goldman Sachs, prepping longshot Kentucky Derby entry (Insider Louisville)

Getting to know early favorites at Churchill Downs (Bleacher Report)

Derby dreams begain in St. Croix (ESPN)

Pros and cons of the contenders (NBC Sports)

For Kentucky Derby contenders, practice makes perfect (DRF)

Horse tales: A rundown of this year’s Kentucky Derby contenders (LEO Weekly)

Handicapping Kentucky Derby 2013 weather (Courier Journal)

How to take a BIG chance on the Kentucky Derby for less than the price of lunch (Insider Louisville)

2013 Kentucky Derby morning line (Zipse at the Track)

Thursday morning Derby notes and more (Left at the Gate)

A Clocker’s job isn’t easy, but often rewarding (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Contenders- PPs, pedigree info, race replays, more

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings 4/23

Works:

Itsmyluckyday- CRC- 4F- 53:00- B- 9/9

Goldencents- SA- 6F- 1.16:20- B- 7/7

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Points Race

Derby Trial (G3)

Churchill Downs

1 Mile

PPs: Click here

Previews: Churchill Downs / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Picks: Downey Profile / Bloodhorse THS / Equibase

Rankings:

ESPN Top 10 (ESPN)

Kentucky Derby contenders deal with sloppy Churchill track// Derby Trial PPs and previews// Tiz a Minister set for Snow Chief// more…

Summary:

Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs was predominantly wet and cool. By the time the 8:30am special training session opened the track was sealed and sloppy. Orb, Vyjack, Black Onyx, Mylute, Oxbow, Winning Cause, Normandy Invasion, Falling Sky, and Charming Kitten beat the rain by galloping early, while Verrazano, Palace Malice, Revolutionary, Overanalyze, and Govenor Charlie all endured the sloppy conditions. It was Orb’s first steps on the Churchill surface and Mike Welsch said he looked strong. Revolutionary was another standout for him. For comments on all of the gallopers you can see the DRF Clocker Report article and video linked below plus find other links to the actual gallops from Churchill Downs// Todd Pletcher said it will be at least until Sunday before he makes a decision on whether to run Winning Cause in the Derby. Pletcher is planning on breezing all six of his Derby contenders that day// 9 are set for the Derby Trial Stakes (G3) this Saturday at Churchill Downs. As expected, Titletown Five is among the starters with hopes of wheeling back one week later in the Derby. Links to PPs and previews can be found below// Tiz a Minister, currently #22 on the Derby standings, was entered in the Snow Chief Stakes at Hollywood Park. Trainer Paul Aguirre still maintains that Tiz a Minister will start in the Derby as long as he’s eligible// A reminder: there’s a separate page for the top 23 Kentucky Derby contenders that includes PPs, race replays, pedigree info, and more. Check out the “contenders” tab above or simply click here// more…

Articles:

Kentucky Derby update 4/24 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby workouts: Rain alters schedules [with Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Orb gets first taste of Churchill Downs (Courier Journal)

Govenor Charlie gallops at Churchill Downs 4/24 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Normandy Invasion gallops at Churchill Downs [video] (Churchill Downs)

Verrazano gallops at Churchill Downs [video] (Churchill Downs)

On the cusp ‘Minister’ heads for Snow Chief (Bloodhorse)

Kentucky Derby travel plans change with the times (DRF)

Pletcher: No quick decision on Winning Cause (Bloodhorse)

Point-Counterpoint: Palace Malice vs. Normandy Invasion (Horse Racing Nation)

Trainer Shug McGaughey on Orb [video] (DRF)

Normandy Invasion trainer Chad Brown on Kentucky Derby [video] (Courier Journal)

Derby contender Mylute trainer Tom Amoss talks about Derby [video] (Courier Journal)

Kentucky Derby hopeful Revolutionary’s exercise rider talks [video] (Courier Journal)

Who’s hot, who’s not April 24 (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Report April 24 (Brisnet)

Still searching for a Kentucky Derby contender who jumps off the page (DRF)

Breaking down prestigious race’s top contenders (Bleacher Report)

Underdogs that will surprise event’s top contenders (Bleacher Report)

Kentukcy Derby betting focuses on Verrazano (SB Nation)

Large hearts on the Triple Crown trail (Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds)

Wildcard for fillies (Bloodhorse Blog)

Bet like a bull on this year’s Kentucky Derby (Insider Louisville)

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings 4/23

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Points Race

Derby Trial (G3)

Churchill Downs

1 Mile

PPs: Click here

Previews: Churchill Downs / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Rankings:

Triple Crown Watch Top 30 (ABR Live)

Kentucky Derby Top 20 (DRF)

Den’s Legacy, Super Ninety Nine out of Derby picture// Updated standings// Churchill activity from Frac, Java, Normandy// Derby Trial probables// more…

Summary:

Surprisingly, Bob Baffert did not allow the drama to build and wait until the last minute to announce his decision on Super Ninety Nine and Den’s Legacy. Tuesday, he told Churchill officials that both colts will not point to the Derby. All Baffert mysteries are not solved however, as we will have to wait a little while longer for his decision on Code West and Power Broker. That news should come later in the week when he’s on the Churchill grounds and looks over both horses, however even after that there will be lingering questions on the health of Govenor Charlie. The colt finally jogged around the Churchill track Tuesday- as opposed to just jogging (I erroneously reported yesterday he hadn’t yet made an appearance)- but Mike Welsch labeled his gallop just “average”// Welsch said Normandy Invasion was the “star of the show” before alluding to rumors the colt has lost weight since the Wood Memorial. Trainer Chad Brown didn’t seemed concerned and says, “I’m right where I want to be with him”// Frac Daddy continues to make a very good impression around the Churchill oval as does stablemate Java’s War// Vyjack was “sharp” but if you take note of trainer Rudy Rodriguez’s comments and the unconventional equipment they have to use, the colt is still a bit of a head case// Full reports and videos can be found below// As for upcoming official breeze announcements: Goldencents is scheduled for a 6-furlong breeze Thursday; Itsmyluckyday may or may not work Thursday; Java’s War and Frac Daddy will work Saturday; Palace Malice will work with blinkers and Mike Smith aboard Sunday// There are 8 or 9 probables for Saturday’s Derby Trial (G3), a race in which the winner receives 20 points towards the Kentucky Derby. Titletown Five is a definite starter, and his connections D. Wayne Lukas and Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung have every intention of going to the Derby if they get the requisite points. Other probables include Demonic, Officer Alex, Forty Tales, Ruble, Treasury Bill, and Zee Bros// Speaking of D. Wayne Lukas, there is a nice feature on him from the Courier Journal linked below// more…

Updated Kentucky Derby Point Standings 4/23

Articles:

Super Ninety Nine, Den’s Legacy declared from Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby update 4/23 (Churchill Downs)

Kentucky Derby workouts: Normandy Invasion has strong gallop [with Mike Welsch Clocker Report video] (DRF)

Frac Daddy gallop 4/23 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Java’s War gallop 4/23 [video] (Churchill Downs)

Trainer Rodriguez guides Vyjack at Churchill (Bloodhorse)

Derby backside buzz with Jill Byrne [video] (Churhcill Downs)

Kentucky Derby horses exercise Tuesday [video] (Courier Journal)

Todd Pletcher discusses his 5 Derby horses (Courier Journal)

Titletown Five among Derby Trial candidates (DRF)

D. Wayne Lukas still looking forward, not back (Courier Journal)

Mane character: Oxbow [with video] (Courier Journal)

Time is money when it comes to Kentucky Derby works (Insider Louisville)

Insider Louisville goes in search of the 2013 Kentucky Derby winner (Insider Louisville)

Shug McGaughey’s Derby Diary (ABR Live)

Bullet Train presents Derby Dreams: Frac Daddy (The Paulick Report)

Making the grade: Normandy Invasion (ABR Live)

Lightly raced 3-year-olds on Derby streak (The Saratogian)

Gary Stevens back at the Kentucky Derby (Idaho Statesmen)

Kentucky Derby jockey hopes to make history [with Krigger video interview] (KTTV)

Crucian Jockeys to tout V.I. at Kentucky Derby (St. Thomas Source)

Rankings:

Derby Top 10 (Left at the Gate)

Top 15 (NY Daily News)