Derby Starters Trickle In
– Likely Derby favorite Brother Derek arrived at Churchill Downs this afternoon, and good thing too. With only half of the likely Derby starters on the grounds and no Nick Zito giving press conferences from behind a PVC fence this year, reporters covering the run-up to Derby have been reduced to writing about the lack of likely Derby starters on the grounds and complaining about this year’s Derby saddle cloths.
Barbaro and Deputy Glitters were also due to arrive this afternoon, bringing the number of Derby prospects at Churchill to 15. Flashy Bull and Jazil are to arrive on Friday; Sacred Light on Saturday. Trainer Bob Baffert plans to send Bob and John, Point Determined, and Sinister Minister to Louisville on Tuesday, which is the same day that A.P. Warrior is scheduled to ship in from Hollywood Park.
– Trainer Mark Casse has Derby fever bad, and he’ll be first to admit it: “You can’t win it if you’re not in it … I’ve got Derby fever.” After watching Seaside Retreat work five furlongs in :59.4 at Churchill this morning, Casse confirmed the colt would start in the Derby — despite finishing 32 1/2 lengths behind Sinister Minister in the Blue Grass Stakes, and before that, fifth in the Tampa Bay Derby. “We understand we are going to be a longshot and that is OK with us,” said Casse, who apparently thinks he might have this year’s Giacomo in his barn. “Our horse lays back. If it all falls apart on the front, it could open up for us.”
– Lexington winner Showing Up returned to the track today to jog 1 1/4 miles at Belmont. Trainer Barclay Tagg said the puncture wound the colt suffered during the Lexington is healing well and that Showing Up is still likely for the Derby. “He’s feeling good, doing good,” said Tagg. “As long as things go well and his leg heals up, I’m going to run him.”
– Trainer Warren Stute hasn’t shown much interest in running Mister Triester, 20th on the graded earnings list, in the Kentucky Derby, but the colt could run back next Saturday after running in this Saturday’s Derby Trial.
