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Kentucky Derby Favorite: Bodemeister

May 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Bodemeister

Bodemeister

**Learn about ALL of the 2012 contenders by getting our Kentucky Derby Guide**

Bodemeister

(Starts: 4 Win: 2 Place: 2 Show: 0 Earnings: $)

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Mike Smith

THE CONNECTIONS: It’s hard to top the connections Bodemeister brings with him to Kentucky. Bob Baffert has won three Kentucky Derbies and nine Triple Crown races over his illustrious career. Mike Smith has had a renaissance since moving his tack from New York to Southern California, he has a Derby win on Giacomo and has taken two of the last three Breeders’ Cup Classics riding Zenyatta and Drosselmeyer.

THE HORSE: Bodemeister comes into the 2012 Kentucky Derby with just four starts. He is going up against a great deal of history as he tries to become the first horse since Apollo in 1882 to win the Derby without racing as a two-year-old. But, Bodemeister could very well be the horse to break this trend. Keep in mind that historical Derby trends have been falling seemingly every year recently, Animal Kingdom won off of a six week layoff and Super Saver won with just two three-year-old prep races, so why shouldn’t the unraced at two bugaboo fall as well?

On sheer talent, it’s hard to make much of a case against Bodemeister. After narrowly missing in his debut, Bodemeister came back at one mile to break his maiden by 9 ¼ lengths over highly regarded Welterweight. He then went to the Grade II Sane Felipe and just missed knocking off Creative Cause in only his third start before absolutely trouncing a solid field in the Arkansas Derby by a stunning 9 ½ lengths. He will have to show that he can rate his early speed and his seasoning will be questioned, but on talent alone it is very hard to argue against Bodemeister as a very serious threat to win the Kentucky Derby.

THE PEDIGREE: Bodemeister sports a pedigree that suggests he should be able to get the 10 furlongs on Saturday. His sire, Empire Maker, is a great stamina source a Derby runner-up before winning the 12 furlong Belmont Stakes. Bodemeister’s dam side features a number of stamina influences like Roberto and A.P. Indy so there shouldn’t be too much trouble in handling the 10 furlong distance. While the family has produced some high caliber sprinters, it is clear that Bodemeister has improved with additional ground, and there is no reason to think 10 furlongs will be beyond his scope.

CONCLUSION: Bodemeister deserves to be favored in the 2012 Kentucky Derby. The main obstacles he must overcome are his relative lack of seasoning and the potential hot pace that he will be close to. But, every horse in the Derby has questions to answer, and with Bodemeister you are getting a horse that is tremendously talented, with excellent connections and a pedigree suited for the distance.

PEDIGREE GRADE: A

OVERALL GRADE: A+

FAIR ODDS: 4-1

**Learn about ALL of the 2012 contenders by getting our Kentucky Derby Guide**

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Kentucky Derby Contender: Liaison

May 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Liaison

Liaison

by Chelsey Burris

**Learn about ALL of the 2012 contenders by getting our Kentucky Derby Guide**

Liaison

(Starts: 7 Win: 3 Place: 0 Show: 1 Earnings: $487,560)

Trainer: Bob Baffert (21.8%)

Jockey: Martin Garcia (15.2%)

THE CONNECTIONS: Liaison is one of two entrants for Hall Of Fame trainer Bob Baffert in the 2012 Kentucky Derby (the other of course being Bodemeister.)  They always say it’s “the other Baffert” that gets you, so perhaps Liaison playing second-fiddle to Bodemeister will be a blessing in disguise in the Derby.  Baffert knows the drill at Churchill Downs.  The 59-year-old trainer has conditioned three Kentucky Derby winners: Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998, and War Emblem in 2002.  He has also won 5 Preakness Stakes and 1 Belmont as well as numerous other Grade 1 events.  He was the Eclipse Award winning trainer three years in a row between 1997 and 1999.  The usually quick-witted and funny trainer had a life-changing experience recently.  While in Dubai to watch one of his horses compete in the Dubai World Cup in March, the Hall of Famer suffered a serious heart attack.  He seems to have obtained a new lease on life, and is ready to return to one of horseracing’s greatest venues to attempt to capture the coveted Kentucky Derby trophy yet again.

Jockey Martin Garcia is often trainer Bob Baffert’s go-to rider.  The 28-year-old jockey is based in southern California, but was originally from Mexico.  From very humble beginnings, Garcia came to America in 2003 to work at a deli before being introduced to former jockey Mark Hanna.  A whirlwind of activity followed, and Garcia ended up exercising horses in the morning as well as hot-walking them.  Recognizing that he had found his calling, Garcia made it his mission to become a jockey.  He won his first race in August 2005.  He has risen through the ranks since, and Bob Baffert has been instrumental to his success.  Arguably the two most talented horses he has sat on so far, 2010 Preakness and Haskell winner Lookin At Lucky and 2011 Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty were both from the Baffert barn.  The dynamic duo will be looking for more success in Louisville with Liaison on May 5.

THE HORSE: After selling for $290,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sale, big things were expected from Liaison, and he became quite popular as a juvenile.  After breaking his maiden in his 2nd start, he stepped up to stakes company, taking the Real Quiet Stakes at Hollywood Park over Rousing Sermon.  The two renewed their rivalry in December in the Grade 1 Cashcall Futurity, where Liaison showed his fighting spirit to repel the charge of Rousing Sermon near the wire.  It is rare to see a young horse show the grit and determination that defined Liaison’s 2-year-old campaign.

Everyone expected Liaison to continue to dominate racing in California as a 3-year-old, but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case.  In his first start of the year, the Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, bad luck struck the colt as he clipped heels with another runner in the stretch, causing him to dump jockey Rafael Bejarano and head for the finish line solo.  He went to the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes next, but managed only 4th.  In his most recent start, the dark brown colt ran 6th in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.  What is the cause of his loss of form in 2012?  All of his starts this year have come on Santa Anita’s main track, which trainer Bob Baffert has commented may not have been to Liaison’s liking.  He is thriving at Churchill Downs, where he turned in a very impressive workout April 30.

THE PEDIGREE:  Liaison’s sire is Indian Charlie, the 1998 Santa Anita Derby winner for trainer (you guessed it) Bob Baffert.  This stallion stood at Airdrie Stud until his death in December 2011.  Perhaps his most famous offspring is 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and Eclipse Award winning 2-year-old male Uncle Mo.  Indian Charlie also sired Champions Indian Blessing and Fleet Indian in America, as well as Indian Apple Is in Canada.  It is often debated if Indian Charlie can truly sire horses that can get the Derby distance.  However, Indian Charlie himself finished 3rd in the 1998 Run For The Roses, and his daughter Fleet Indian won the 1 1/4 miles Grade 1 Personal Ensign Stakes in 2006, and took down a Grade 2 at the same distance as well.  Liaison will be complimented by the female side of his family, which is loaded with stamina.  His dam, Galloping Gal is by Victory Gallop.  In a somewhat strange twist, Victory Gallop makes an appearance (keep in mind this horse stopped Bob Baffert’s Real Quiet from winning the 1998 Triple Crown by beating him by a mere yet heartbreaking nose in the Belmont Stakes.)  Coming full-circle, Baffert is now hoping some of that endurance has been passed down to Liaison from his grandfather.

CONCLUSION: Although Liaison isn’t usually mentioned in the same breath as the favorites this year, he is a very nice horse in his own right.  His 2012 campaign has been lackluster, but if the Santa Anita surface was the only thinking slowing him down and he returns to his juvenile form Derby day, watch out.  At long odds, he could show the classy determination that made him a force to be reckoned with in such races as the Grade 1 Cashcall Futurity.  Who’s to say he couldn’t give trainer Bob Baffert his 4th Kentucky Derby win?

PEDIGREE GRADE: B

OVERALL GRADE: C

FAIR ODDS: 30-1

 

 **Learn about ALL of the 2012 contenders by getting our Kentucky Derby Guide**

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The Daily Derby News Blitz – May 2, 2012

May 2, 2012 By 1 Comment

The field has officially been set for the 138th Kentucky Derby!  At Churchill Downs today, the post positions for the 20 Derby entrants (as well as one also-eligible runner) were drawn in front of their connections, who cringed or applauded at the various outcomes.  Post positions can be a huge factor in the success of horses in the Run For The Roses.  The full field, with morning-line odds, jockeys, and trainers follows:
1. Daddy Long Legs, 30-1, Colm O’Donoghue, Aiden O’Brien
2. Optimizer, 50-1, Jon Court, D. Wayne Lukas
3. Take Charge Indy, 15-1, Calvin Borel, Patrick Byrne
4. Union Rags, 9-2, Julien Leparoux, Michael Matz
5. Dullahan, 8-1, Kent Desormeaux, Dale Romans
6. Bodemeister, 4-1, Mike Smith, Bob Baffert
7. Rousing Sermon, 50-1, Jose Lezcano, Jerry Hollendorfer
8. Creative Cause, 12-1, Joel Rosario, Mike Harrington
9. Trinniberg, 50-1, Willie Martinez, Bisnath Parboo
10. Daddy Nose Best, 15-1, Garrett Gomez, Steve Asmussen
11. Alpha, 15-1, Rajiv Maragh, Kiaran McLaughlin
12. Prospective, 30-1, Luis Contreras, Mark Casse
13. Went The Day Well, 20-1, John Velasquez, Graham Motion
14. Hansen, 10-1, Ramon Dominguez, Mike Maker
15. Gemologist, 6-1, Javier Castellano, Todd Pletcher
16. El Padrino, 20-1, Rafael Bejarano, Todd Pletcher
17. Done Talking, 50-1, Sheldon Russell, Hamilton Smith
18. Sabercat, 30-1, Corey Nakatani, Steve Asmussen
19. I’ll Have Another, 12-1, Mario Guiterrez, Doug O’Neil
20. Liaison, 50-1, Martin Garcia, Bob Baffert
AE 21. My Adonis, Elvis Trujillo, Kelly Breen

So who drew the best and who drew the worst?  Typically, horses don’t want the 1 post or the 20 post, and this year long shots drew both of these holes.  The horse that perhaps drew the worst post personally is Alpha in post 11.  The son of Bernardini has been known to have gate issues in the past, and in the Derby, the first two horses to load are the #1 and the #11.  This means Alpha will have to stand in the gate for quite a while May 5 in front of the huge Churchill crowd as the rest of the field loads.  Despite all his schooling in the gate, the tension could shake him up a bit.

Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Bodemeister was installed as the 4-1 morning-line favorite.  He and jockey Mike Smith will have an interesting task ahead of them within seconds of breaking from the gate on Saturday.  Bodemeister is a front-runner, meaning he likes to be on or near the lead in races.  The other two speediest horses in the race, Trinniberg (post 9) and Hansen (post 14) are both to his outside, meaning Bodemeister may be expected to set the tempo from post 6.  Trainer Bob Baffert wasn’t particularly pleased with the spots his two runners drew, but knew he had to accept them.  Liaison is way out in post 20, while Bodemeister’s post 6 is somewhat disadvantageous when you realize the other frontrunners are drawn to his outside.  However, Baffert has won three Kentucky Derbies, and knows you need luck in the running of the race rather than the post position draw.  He even joked about the dreaded one hole and his recent heart attack, saying he’d prefer to get three stents in his heart than break from post 1 again (like he did in 2010 with the rather unlucky Lookin At Lucky, who had a horrible trip from the inside spot that year.)

Union Rags, the 2nd choice at 9-2, will try to put his Florida Derby (G1) loss last time out behind him as he breaks from post 4 with Julien Leparoux.  Although the big horse would have probably been better suited to a spot further out, post 4 should be just fine, particularly if he can settle in behind Bodemeister and the other speed horses.  Trainer Michael Matz was relatively upbeat and positive about his talented colt drawing the #4 spot, but did hint that he wished he had been a little farther away from the rail.

The connections of Hansen let out a yelp of excitement when Daddy Long Legs drew post 1.  This was because the final two available posts for the Derby were posts 14 and post 1.  Post 1 tends to be the most dreaded starting gate of all, so Hansen’s entourage didn’t want their Champion 2-Year-Old Male to have to break from the rail.  Post 14 is a great spot for the nearly white colt to start.  It is right where the gap is between the main gate and the auxiliary gate used for the Derby, meaning Hansen will have a little more room to maneuver around than the average Derby starter.  Plus, he drew outside the other two speed horses (Bodemeister and Trinniberg) so jockey Ramon Dominguez can place the fleet-footed colt wherever he wishes in the run into the first turn.

At 12-1, Creative Cause looks intriguing breaking from post 8, which has produced several Derby winners recently including Barbaro in 2006 and Mine That Bird in 2009.  The Santa Anita Derby (G1) runner-up is a little under the radar with all the other talented contenders in the field this year, but don’t forget that he finished 3rd to Hansen and Union Rags at Churchill Downs last fall in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).  The three will renew this rivalry Saturday with, unbelievably, six other runners from last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile!  Besides the top three finishers, the horses that finished 4th (Dullahan), 5th (Take Charge Indy), 8th (Optimizer), 11th (Alpha), 12th (Daddy Long Legs), and 13th (Prospective) will all return to Churchill Downs to compete in the biggest race for 3-year-olds.  It’s almost as if this year’s Kentucky Derby is a rematch of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, which is the top race for 2-year-old males.  It is amazing that so many of last year’s Breeders’ Cup runners have progressed into the rich and gifted Derby field of 2012.

Wood Memorial (G1) winner Gemologist drew a nice post in #15.  He will be on the other side of the gap between the main and auxiliary gates, meaning he and Hansen will both have extra space right after the break.  The only undefeated horse in the field this year, Gemologist will attempt to be the 2nd Kentucky Derby winner for trainer Todd Pletcher, who won the race in 2010 with Super Saver.  Pletcher had commented earlier in the day that he preferred an outside post for Gemologist but an inside one for El Padrino.  He got his wish with Gemologist in post 15, but El Padrino coming from post 16 isn’t quite what he had in mind.

Take Charge Indy, who upset the Grade 1 Florida Derby in his most recent start, will break one post inside of Union Rags.  When the two met last time, Union Rags left a discouraged 3rd while Take Charge Indy posed in the winner’s circle at Gulfstream.  Post 3 isn’t particularly a great spot to start from, but keep in mind jockey Calvin Borel will be aboard the son of A.P. Indy in the Run For The Roses.  Nicknamed Calvin “Bo-Rail” due to his love of running horses up the inside of the track, it was clear Take Charge Indy would make his way to the rail at some point during the race.  He is already fairly close to Calvin’s favorite spot, and “Bo-Rail” has been the winning rider in three Kentucky Derbies recently (in 2007 with Street Sense, 2009 with Mine That Bird, and 2010 with Super Saver.)

Speaking of Mine That Bird, who wore the roses over his shoulders after the 2009 edition of the Kentucky Derby, his half-brother Dullahan is looking to make winning the Derby a family tradition.  Jockey Kent Desormeaux, who won the Derby aboard Big Brown in 2008 as well as twice before, will hope to pilot his way back into the winner’s circle as they break from post 5.

I’ll Have Another, winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in his most recent start, was assigned post 19.  His trainer, Doug O’Neil commented that it wasn’t the best spot but it was certainly better than the rail.  He will attempt to settle and save ground before the first turn.

Daddy Nose Best, who has been flying somewhat under the radar despite training very impressively at Churchill recently, drew post 10.  The Steve Asmussen trainee, who was set at 15-1 on the morning-line, will try not to get shuffled too far back in the big field.  The other runner from the Asmussen barn, Sabercat, will break from post 18.

The connections of Went The Day Well are hoping post 13 will prove to be a lucky number for them.  The owner, trainer, jockey combination of Team Valor International, Graham Motion, and John Velazquez won the Kentucky Derby last year with Animal Kingdom.  The last time the same connections won the Derby two years in a row was way back in 1972 and 1973 with Riva Ridge and Secretariat.

Now that the post positions have been drawn, who do you like?  Leave us a comment and let us know!

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Bob Baffert & Todd Pletcher lead 2012 Kentucky Derby charge

May 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Bob Baffert & Todd Pletcher

Bob Baffert & Todd Pletcher

by Robert Boswell

Back on March 29th we covered the three Mikes—Matz, Maker, and Harrington—and their unlikely, simultaneous positions at the top of the 3-year-old horse racing world (see story here). But a month later, things have settled down and order has been restored. Perennial division leaders Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert went from nowhere to be found, to having at least one very solid shot apiece at crossing the wire first on Saturday and renewing their East Coast/West Coast rivalry yet again.

At 59 years of age, Baffert hails from a different generation of trainers than Pletcher, who will be 45 shortly after the conclusion of this year’s Triple Crown. Though it seems like he brings California’s best hope to Churchill every May, the most recent of Baffert’s three Kentucky Derby (GI) victories came in 2002 with War Emblem. Each time a Baffert charge has worn the roses, he has also gone on to wear the Black-Eyed Susans. None of the three—he won consecutive runnings in ’97 and ’98 with Silver Charm and Real Quiet, respectively—was able to stay the mile-and-a-half trip of the Belmont and complete the Triple Crown. He came close enough to taste it in ’98, but Victory Gallop nabbed Real Quiet in the final stride to crush the hopes of virtually everyone involved in racing in any capacity, except for Victory Gallop’s connections.

Similarly to Baffert, Pletcher won his first Kentucky Derby at 43, but the difference is Super Saver in 2010 is his only win to date. He saddled 23 losers before he finally got a win with his 24th. It’s interesting to note that he also trained heavy favorite Eskendereya that year, but the colt was retired a week before the big race due to a leg injury. Add that to the defections of Uncle Mo last year and Algorithms this year, and that makes three straight years that Pletcher has lost his most promising 3-year-old before the first Saturday in May.

Pletcher’s best hope this year lies with undefeated Gemologist, who looked a charging Alpha in the eye late in the stretch and re-rallied to take the Wood Memorial (GI) in his last start. Many looked on with furrowed brows when Gemologist was entered in an Allowance race at a mile for his 2012 debut, after capping his 2-year-old campaign with a victory over Churchill’s main track in the Kentucky Jockey Club (GII). He ended up winning in impressive fashion and with all the graded stakes earnings eggs in one basket, Gemologist took the Wood in his final prep. The only colt to enter the race undefeated, Gemologist will likely be third choice, while Union Rags and Bodemeister vie for favoritism.

Until three weeks ago, the leading horse in Bob Baffert’s stable was Secret Circle. After winning the inaugural Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Sprint, the son of Eddington won the first two legs of the Oaklawn 3-year-old series, the Southwest (GIII) and the Rebel (GII). He took a back seat in the Arkansas Derby (GI) to barn mate Bodemeister, who ran the field off their feet in front-running style. Suddenly, Baffert goes from under the radar to possible favorite with the very talented and lightly-raced Bodemeister.  The colt by Empire Maker has raced four times, all since the start of the year, which means he will attempt to be the first Kentucky Derby winner since Apollo in 1882 to not have raced at 2. At the end of March is unrecognizable chaos with abnormal names in front. A few short weeks and a few GI preps later, we can all breathe more easily, as two of the top three betting choices will belong to Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher.

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The Daily Derby News Blitz – April 14, 2012

April 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

  • It was Bodemeister (Empire Maker x Untouched Talent by Storm Cat) in the $1 million Grade 1 Arkansas Derby for winning connections Zayat Stables, Bob Baffert and Mike Smith. The bay colt delivered a tour de force effort, drawing away by 9 ½ lengths when all was said and done. It was just his fourth career race and an incredibly encouraging victory. The sky appears to be his limit. Look for Bodemeister to be among the first five betting choices at Churchill Downs on May 5 after earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 105. Stablemate Secret Circle (Eddington x Ragtime Hope by Dixieland Band), getting out in the stretch, was good enough to stay on for second. Delta Jackpot winner Sabercat (Bluegrass Cat x Miner’s Blessing by Forty Niner) rallied for third.
  • Dullahan (Even The Score x Mining My Own by Smart Strike) stole the show in the $750k Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland. The half-brother to 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird thundered down the lane to pass Hansen in the final stages of the race for a one length win. Trainer Dale Romans noted in the paddock that his charge was the one to beat and the colt proved him right with Kent Desormeaux in the irons. Hansen, fractious before the race, stayed on nicely after setting hot fractions of :46.64 for a half mile and 1:11.32 for three-quarters. Hansen’s stablemate, Gung Ho (Kitten’s Joy x Glory Dancer by Honour and Glory) was good enough to be third. The final time was 1:47.94 making it the fastest in the Poly Track era.
  • On a separate note, owner Kendall Hansen was called into the stewards office prior to the running of the Blue Grass due to rumors that Hansen’s tail had been dyed blue. It turned out that the rumors were true, but the stewards put the kibosh on it before the horse entered the paddock as Hansen’s tail was was washed clean. It is the opinion of this blog that the stewards, and most everyone else, should lighten up.
  • Grade 3 Spiral Stakes winner Went The Day Well (Proud Citizen x Tiz Maie’s Day by Tiznow) had his first move since the biggest win of his career when going 1:02 in company for five furlongs at Keeneland. He will have two more works before the Kentucky Derby on May 5.


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The Daily Derby News Blitz – March 29, 2012

March 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Secret Circle

Secret Circle posted a fantastic workout today

Thursdays usually mark the calm before the storm, and there certainly is a storm brewing this weekend in Florida, figuratively that is.  Superstar Union Rags, who many people believe could be our best chance to break the Triple Crown drought, will be making his final prep race Saturday in the Grade 1 Florida Derby.  If Union Rags is the thunder, El Padrino could be the lightning, adding a burst of electricity and energy to the race and challenging Union Rags’ unquestioned dominance.  El Padrino has quite an impressive resume of his own, and could step up to provide a stiff challenge to the favored Union Rags in the $1 million test.

The large field assembling in Dubai for the UAE Derby (G2) were busy with their final preparations.  Lucky Chappy (IRE), who was narrowly beaten by a nose last time out by Daddy Nose Best in the G3 El Camino Real Derby, had a more professional gallop today.  Yesterday, it was reported that he threw off his exercise rider when he went to train on Meydan’s all weather surface.  The spirited colt likes to have be accompanied when he is going to and from the track, and apparently Royal Delta herself has been keeping an eye on him when she isn’t too busy preparing for her run in the Dubai World Cup (G1).

The Louisiana Derby (G2) is also this weekend.  Sunday’s highlight lost one contender today when the interesting colt Arm Force, who is a full brother to Well Armed, was scratched.  His connections said they will target other races for him, so it is unlikely that we will see him in any Triple Crown races.

Several Derby contenders posted workouts today across America.  At Santa Anita, Secret Circle recorded an impressive drill going 5 furlongs in 58:40 handily.  It was the fastest of 37 works at that distance.  The son of Eddington, fresh off a win in the G2 Rebel Stakes, will make his next appearance April 14 in the G1 Arkansas Derby.  Also at Santa Anita, Drill worked one mile in 1:38.00 handily.  The son of Lawyer Ron was the only horse to work that distance today at that track.  Although he has been hit-and-miss, he still may be Derby bound, and his next start will likely be in the G1 Bluegrass Stakes on April 14.  At Oaklawn, Scatman worked 4 furlongs in 49:00 breezing.  It was the 3rd fastest of 13 works.  He was last seen finishing 3rd in the G2 Rebel Stakes, and is now targeting a start in the G1 Arkansas Derby, where he will face Secret Circle.  Meanwhile, on Hollywood Park’s all weather surface, Longview Drive stretched his legs while going 7 furlongs in 1:27.20 handily.  It was the 2nd fastest of 5 works.  He is pointing for the G1 Santa Anita Derby on April 7.

Trainer Bob Baffert was released from the hospital today.  He suffered a heart attack in Dubai on Monday, and had been recovering ever since.  He plans to attend the World Cup program this weekend at Meydan.

Those are the main stories for the day.  Check back tomorrow to get the latest updates on all the racing action this weekend!

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Unusual Suspects Train Top Kentucky Derby Contenders

March 29, 2012 By 1 Comment
Mike Maker trains Kentucky Derby contender Hansen.

Mike Maker trains Kentucky Derby contender Hansen.

by Robert Boswell

Matz. Maker. Harrington. All named Michael, yes, but more importantly they train this year’s top three Kentucky Derby (Gr. I) prospects. Notice anyone—or two—missing? That’s right, we’re on the verge of April and none of the first three colts in both graded stakes earnings and the NTRA poll is trained by either Todd Pletcher or Bob Baffert. This year there is no Lookin At Lucky, no Eskendereya, no Uncle Mo, and no Silver Charm.  In recent memory you would be hard pressed to find a year in which neither of these superstar trainers had a 3-year-old among the division leaders.

Matz, who trains the undisputed top 3-year-old in the country in Union Rags, will be trying to recreate the Derby Day magic he enjoyed with Barbaro in 2006. Since then he has had only one starter race for the Roses—Visionaire in 2008. Maker, trainer of Champion 2-Year-Old Hansen, is a regular in the field of 20 but is normally getting in with second-tier contenders, as he did last year when Derby Kitten snuck in at the last moment.  Harrington currently has the West Coast’s top performer in Creative Cause, who took the San Felipe (Gr. II) last out.

One of the most promising contenders, Algorithms, who was trained by Pletcher, was sidelined prior to the Fountain of Youth (Gr. II). Normally, you expect Pletcher to be right there with another talented colt ready to spearhead his stable.  However, you have to go all the way to 14th on the graded earnings list to find Pletcher’s name, next to El Padrino, winner of a thrilling edition of the Risen Star (Gr. II).  Some would argue his best chance is with the undefeated Gemologist all the way down at 29.  That’s not to say El Padrino and Gemologist are 14th and 29th in the people’s eyes as eventual winners of the Derby, as they rank 4th and 6th respectively in the most recent NTRA poll.

Baffert, on the other hand, has two in the top-10 in graded earnings, Secret Circle, losing only one of six career starts and winner of the second division of the Southwest (Gr. II) and Liaison, a star at 2 winning the CashCall futurity (Gr. I), but an underachiever thus far at 3. Baffert also trains San Felipe Stakes runner up Bodemeister. He is the only sophomore to pop two 100+ Beyer number this year.

There is still over a month left until the first Saturday in May, with the Florida Derby (Gr. I), the Wood Memorial (Gr. I), the Santa Anita Derby (Gr. I), and the Arkansas Derby (Gr. I) all left to run, so opinions and graded earnings will evolve. It certainly is conceivable that a Pletcher or a Baffert colt could be the favorite in a few weeks, but  they will have to step up to the Mikes if they want to make it that way.

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The Daily Derby News Blitz – March 28, 2012

March 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Union Rags

Union Rags will run Saturday in the Florida Derby

Today is an exciting day on the Derby Trail, as the fields for the three prep races this weekend are now set.  The Florida Derby (G1) is on Saturday and the Louisiana Derby (G2) is on Sunday.  Also, although it is a fairly unconventional prep, the UAE Derby (G2) is on Saturday as well.

The Florida Derby drew a field of nine.  This is one of the most anticipated prep races of the year.  The Florida Derby has produced many quality runners in recent years including Kentucky Derby winners Barbaro in 2006 and Big Brown in 2008.  This year, the $1 million race marks the final prep of Union Rags, a colt at or near the top of almost everyone’s Derby watch lists.  The son of Dixie Union has won 4 out of 5 starts, with his lone defeat by a head to Hansen in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).  Trainer Michael Matz has lots of confidence in this talented colt, and he thinks this prep will set him up perfectly for the Kentucky Derby.  Most of the other top Derby contenders didn’t want to run against Union Rags in this spot, with the exception of El Padrino, who has stepped up to face him.  Last time out, El Padrino won the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes after a gutty stretch duel.  Union Rags’ former jockey, Javier Castellano, is aboard El Padrino.  Throw in a couple other nice horses like Take Charge Indy, Reveron, and News Pending and it turns into a very highly anticipated prep.  It will be the 11th race at Gulfstream.  The full field with their jockeys follows:

1. Fort Loudon, L. Jurado
2. News Pending, R. Maragh
3. Take Charge Indy, C. Borel
4. Neck n’ Neck, E. Prado
5. Z Camelot, J. Bravo
6. Union Rags, J. Leparoux
7. Bartolome, J. Castanon
8. El Padrino, J. Castellano
9. Reveron , E. Trujillo

 

Although it isn’t typically used as a Derby prep, the UAE Derby is worth $2 million which would certainly provide enough earnings to the top few finishers to get them a spot in the Derby starting gate if they wanted to go.  A couple of the entrants are already known in America, such as Lucky Chappy (IRE) and Daddy Long Legs.  Wrote (IRE) already has plenty of graded stakes earnings if his connections point him to the Derby, but a win in the UAE Derby might put him on more people’s radars.  Red Duke is another talented contender with American roots.  The field with jockeys and morning-line odds is listed below.

1. Lucky Chappy (IRE), A Garcia, 6-1
2. Burano (IRE), K. Fallon, 20-1
3. Maritimer, G. Schofield, 10-1
4. Balada Sale (ARG), C. Lemaire, 8-1
5. Genten, C. Williams, 12-1
6. Mickdaam (IRE), C. Soumillion, 8-1
7. Daddy Long Legs, C. O’Donoghue, 10-1
8. Yang Tse Kiang (FR), T. Jarnet, 20-1
9. Kinglet, L. Dettori, 12-1
10. Falls of Lora (IRE), M. Barzalona, 12-1
11. Entifaadha (GB), R. Hills, 20-1
12. Red Duke, T. Queally, 20-1
13. Wrote (IRE), R. Moore, 4-1
14. Helmet (AUS), K, McEvnoy, 10-1
Also eligibles are Mehdi (IRE), Surfer, and Counterglow (IRE), who are all 30-1.

 

On Sunday, the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby will take the spotlight.  The main prep from Fair Grounds is worth $1 million, and a full field of 14 is set to contest it.  Mark Valeski, narrowly beaten in the Risen Star by El Padrino last time out, headlines the field.  Julien Leparoux, who will ride Union Rags in the Florida Derby on Saturday, will be aboard the intriguing Arm Force in the Louisiana Derby the following day.  He is a full brother to Dubai World Cup winner Well Armed.  The buzz horse seems to be Cigar Street, a son of Street Sense who dazzled in his maiden breaking win at the Fair Grounds earlier this month.  The full field with their jockeys follows:

1. Fire Alarm, M. Mena
2. Windsurfer, J. Velazquez
3. Finnegans Wake, C. Lanerie
4. Flashy Sunrise, R. Maragh
5. Cigar Street, S. Bridgmohan
6. Shared Property, L. Goncalves
7. Mr. Bowling, R. Albarado
8. Mark Valeski, R. Napravnik
9. Arm Force, J. Leparoux
10. Comisky’s Humor, R. Eramia
11. Z Dager, S. Sellers
12. Rousing Sermon, M. Smith
13. Hero of Order, E. Martin, Jr.
14. Afford, J. Graham

 

In other news, Discreet Dancer is officially off the Derby trail.  Trainer Todd Pletcher didn’t elaborate too much as to why the son of Discreet Cat is no longer pointing for the Kentucky Derby, but he did say that the colt will receive a vacation and be back sometime later this year.

Bob Baffert is still recovering from a heart attack he suffered in Dubai on Monday.  The hall of fame trainer is doing well, and is expected to be released Thursday.  He plans to attend the races at Meydan on Saturday to watch some of his charges compete in the Dubai World Cup and its undercard races.

Creative Cause clocked an impressive workout today.  The handsome gray colt went 6 furlongs on Hollywood Park’s all weather surface, and was timed in 1:12.80 handily.  It was the 2nd fastest of 6 workouts at that distance.  Creative Cause is being pointed to the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 7.  There he may face Brother Francis, who also worked today, going 5 furlongs at Santa Anita in 59:00 handily.  His workout was the 3rd fastest of 50 at the distance.

Check back tomorrow to get the latest news as we march towards the first Saturday in May!

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The Daily Derby News Blitz – March 27, 2012

March 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Bob Baffert with Sheikh Mo

Bob Baffert with Sheikh Mohammed

It was a relatively slow day of Kentucky Derby news, but an important one nonetheless. The big race is now just 39 days away. Let’s break it down!

  • Trainer Bob Baffert has left intensive care after sustaining a heart attack one day ago and is expected to be released from the hospital on March 29. The master conditioner is in Dubai to train The Factor and Game On Dude for their respective races on Saturday at Meydan. He is pictured above receiving a bedside visit from the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His Kentucky Derby contenders include Bodemeister, Secret Circle and Liaison.
  • Tampa Bay Derby victor Prospective worked five furlongs over the fast main track at Churchill Downs in 1:03. The son of Malibu Moon recorded splits of 14 1/5, :27, :39 1/5, and :51 3/5 while galloping out in 1:16 2/5. The work was in the company of a stablemate. Assistant trainer Norman Casse was reportedly pleased with the work and the overall progress of the horse. Trainer Mark Casse is considering both the Wood Memorial and Bluegrass Stakes for his next start.
  • Jockey Victor Espinoza will miss the Santa Anita Derby where he was schedule to ride Midnight Transfer because of a hairline fracture in his left hand. Espinoza is noted for winning the first two legs of the Triple Crown in 2002 aboard War Emblem. He is expected to make a return to riding in mid-April.
  • The third and final Kentucky Derby Future Wager has been given a later closing time after Churchill Downs officials decided the 5:55 p.m. post time of the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby would not give bettors adequate time to ponder the results of that race. Instead, the pool will stay open to 6:30 perhaps even 7:00 according to Vice President of Communications John Asher. You can also bet the wager at Sports Interaction.

Check back tomorrow as we continue to update you on the daily happenings leading up to America’s most important race; the Run for the Roses.

 

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The Daily Derby News Blitz – March 26, 2012

March 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Hello everyone and welcome to the first Daily Derby News Blitz, your daily news bite for all things Kentucky Derby!

The main story of the day is trainer Bob Baffert‘s heart attack.  The hall of fame trainer, who is currently in Dubai, underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.  He has several notable Derby contenders this year, including Bodemeister, Liaison, Secret Circle, and Castaway.

The racing community is still abuzz about last weekend’s prep races.  On Saturday, Turfway Park’s major Derby prep, the Grade 3 Spiral Stakes, was won by the very handsome colt Went The Day Well.  He has the same jockey, owner, and trainer as last year’s Spiral winner Animal Kingdom.  His connections indicated Went the Day Well may race once more before the Kentucky Derby.

On Sunday, the highlight of the day was the Grade 3 Sunland Derby.  Daddy Nose Best unleashed a powerful rally down the stretch to overtake Isn’t He Clever.  This colt has now won a graded stakes race on dirt, turf, and synthetic.  His next start will be the Kentucky Derby.

20 new horses have been nominated to the 2012 Triple Crown.  The most noteworthy new nominees include Trinniberg, Isn’t He Clever, Heavy Breathing, Jake Mo, and Z Rockstar.

The field for the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby was drawn today.  A full field of 14 has been entered for the April 1 race.  Mark Valeski and Mr. Bowling headline the event, and other notable runners include Rousing Sermon, Cigar Street, and Shared Property.

The other major Derby prep this weekend, the Grade 1 Florida Derby, will be headlined by Union Rags and El Padrino.  Yesterday, El Padrino finished his preparations by working 4 furlongs at Palm Meadows, which was timed in :49.00 making it the 9th fastest of 22 works at that distance.

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