Chasing The Derby: Govenor Charlie’s bone scan negative, everything ok?// Goldencents works, continues to impress O’Neill// Churchill notes// Lexington Stakes PPs and previews// more…

Summary:

What would a Kentucky Derby be without a little injury mystique? This year’s one to worry about will be Govenor Charlie, who was sent to Rood and Riddle Equine hospital in Lexington Tuesday for a bone scan. Trainer Bob Baffert said the Sunland Derby (G3) winner’s “foot was bugging him a couple days ago” and the visit was just a precaution. The scan turned out negative and Govenor Charlie should be settled into his new stall at Churchill by Thursday. Still, you don’t like to hear a trainer say “we’ll play it be ear”// There is a slight possibility Baffert will point Code West, 6th in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and currently #21 in the standings, to the Derby but the colt is more likely to wait for the Peter Pan (G2) at Belmont// Goldencents put in a serious drill Wednesday at Santa Anita. Trainer Doug O’Neill is most concerned with the colt continuing to mature and relax in the early going. He believes Goldencents proved to have made great strides on that front in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), but the Kentucky Derby will surely be a tougher test. The son of Into Mischief is scheduled to have one more work on April 25 before shipping to Churchill// In other Churchill Downs news, Frac Daddy arrived on the grounds Wednesday morning and Chad Brown announced Normandy Invasion will have an official timed move on each of the next two Sundays. Dallas Stewart’s Golden Soul, currently #23 on the leaderboard, will work Thursday morning// The Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland drew 11 challengers, a majority of whom will not move onto the Derby even with a win and requisite points. Of course that’s what their connections say for now. Links to PPs and preview can be found below// more…

Upcoming Kentucky Derby Points Race:

Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3)

Keeneland

1 1/16 Miles

PPs: Click here

Previews: Keeneland / DRF / Bloodhorse

Articles:

Govenor Charlie OK, heading to Churchill (Bloodhorse)

Frac Daddy arrives, Brown makes training plans, for Normandy Invasion (Churchill Downs)

Goldencents learning to relax early during Santa Anita drill (DRF)

Can a woman win the Kentucky Derby (New York Times Magazine)

Final prep races cut it close (DRF)