Chalk one up for logic.
The connections of Shanghai Bobby announced they will put the 2-year-old
Champion on the shelf for awhile and gear up for a Summer campaign instead of
the Spring Classics. Shanghai Bobby’s prospects of making the Derby field were
slim as is, considering his 24 points were likely not enough to qualify. Not to
mention, it doesn’t appear anything over 1 1/16 miles suits him// Well, take
that point away from logic. Todd Pletcher tells Jennie Rees that there is a
real possibility Palace Malice will be wheeled back in two weeks to the Blue Grass
(G1). Not only is the Polytrack surface a complete unknown for Palace Malice,
but also the timing of the race being just two weeks after the Louisiana Derby
(G2) and three weeks before the Kentucky Derby (G1) is asking a lot from any
3-year-old// Keeneland announced probables for the likely full Blue Grass field:
Will Take Charge, Uncaptured, Charming Kitten, Dewey Square, Dynamic Sky,
Falling Sky, Fear the Kitten, Footbridge, Java’s War, Noble Tune, Reporting
Star, Rydilluc, Tessaron, Tiz a Minister, Undrafted, and War Academy. Three
others were listed as possible: Palace Malice, Mudflats, and Eton Blue. While I
realize Bob Baffert has to separate his prospects as best he can, I was
disappointed to see War Academy on the Blue Grass list. He did break his maiden
on synthetic, but it seems more of a choice for the B-team. The Blue Grass lost
a contender in Speak Logistics, whose connections decided to race in the Calder
Derby instead. That ensures the colt is no longer on the Derby trail// Baffert
said Flashback had the “perfect” work Monday ahead of the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Flashback is one of many contenders racing Saturday primarily for Kentucky
Derby points. The Santa Anita Derby will be a strong cast led by the top four
finishers from the San Felipe (G2)- Hear the Ghost, Flashback, Tiz a Minister,
and Goldencents. Power Broker and Super Ninety Nine have their connections looking
for redemption at Santa Anita after well-publicized last race failures. Recent
maiden winner Storm Fighter rounds out the list of probables// The star
attractions of the Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct, Verrazano and Vyjack, don’t
have to worry about Derby points, but for the rest of the field the race
represents the last chance for a run at the Roses// I’ve updated the CTD Top 5. You’ll
notice Revolutionary still didn’t crack the list. Something about the Louisiana
Derby (G2) just doesn’t sit well with me. It’s easy to get caught up in the
latest flavors of the week, but I’m basing his exclusion on the belief the La
Derby field was weak and there was nothing convincing about his victory. Orb
did make the cut for essentially the same reasons Revolutionary didn’t// more…
Articles:
Shanghai Bobby given a rest (Brisnet)
Full
field likely for Bluegrass (Keeneland)
Keeneland expects full gate for Blue Grass (Bloodhorse)
Kentucky
Derby Update: April 1 (Courier Journal)
Kentucky Derby contender injury/missing list- March (Pedigree Power)
Kentucky Derby Daily: April 1 (In The Money)
Kentucky Derby contender Black Onyx [video] (Horseracing Nation)
PPs
Updated Triple Crown Nominees [pdf] (Brisnet)
Rankings:
CTD Top 5 (CTD)
AP
Top 10 (AP)
NTRA Top 10 (Bloodhorse)
Top 10
(Star-Ledger)
Top 10
(Left at the Gate)
Derby Gauge Top 15 (In The Money)
Works:
Cerro- PMM- 5F- 1.06:14-
B- 7/7 (Turf)
Flashback- SA- 4F- 48:00-
H- 4/22
War Academy- SA- 5F-
1.01:00- H- 4/23
Quotes and Tweets:
"Solid 5/8 for
Flashback, in co., in final prep for SA Derby, good gallop out. Tab workmate
Del Mar Sunset when meets maidens" - Jay Privman via Twitter
"Kind of
disappointing work for War Academy (5f, 1:01), in co. with Belvin, who looked
to be going best in team drill"- Jay Privman via Twitter
"Pletcher says Palace
Malice, troubled stretch run in #LaDerby, could run back in #BlueGrass w goal
of #KyDerby pts (and G1 win)"- Jennie Rees
