Chasing The Derby: Blue Grass and Arkansas Derby PPs and previews// Velazquez makes his decision, will he be ready?// Orb gets Rosario// Bad press rolls in// New Top 5// more…

Summary:

The Blue Grass (G1) drew a full field as expected with Uncaptured installed as the 7-2 lukewarm favorite. A link to PPs and previews can be found below// The Arkansas Derby (G1) will have ten in the gate. Somewhat surprisingly, recent allowance winner War Academy is the 2-1 favorite over graded stakes winner Oxbow. I don’t like the price on the favorite at all, however feel he’s ready for a huge performance Saturday at Hot Springs. PPs and previews are also below// John Velazquez initiated a little version of musical chairs Wednesday with the announcement he will ride Verrazano in the Kentucky Derby. That decision gives the mount on Florida Derby (G1) winner Orb to Joel Rosario thus leaving a temporary jockey vacancy for Vyjack// We knew Velazquez would not return to action until Derby week, but now we know the exact day won’t be until Wednesday. That means Velazquez will have just three days of riding before the Kentucky Derby- and that’s if everything goes according to plan// It wouldn’t be a modern day Kentucky Derby without a little negative publicity going in. This year’s targets (rightfully so or not) are Hall of Famer Bob Baffert and Vyack trainer Rudy Rodriguez. Full reports in the article links below// A new CTD Top 5 and other rankings// more…

Upcoming Kentucky Derby points races:

Blue Grass (G1)

Keeneland

1 1/8 Miles

Time: 5:40 PM ET

TV: NBC Sports

PPs: Click here

Previews: Keeneland / Keeneland- Quotes / Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Arkansas Derby (G1)

Oaklawn Park

1 1/8 Miles

Time: 6:28 PM ET
TV: NBC Sports