Notes for 2009-03-24
– Albertus Maximus, likely Dubai World Cup favorite, looked “awesome” galloping on Monday, said assistant Trish McLaughlin. But Pat Cummings, in Dubai for the races and blogging at Dubai Race Night, reports the 5-year-old BC Dirt Mile winner looked “noticeably washy.” The pictures back him up. [3/25/09 Update: Albertus Maximus appeared improved on Tuesday, and Cummings writes, that despite the horse’s general sogginess, “I can’t knock what I’ve actually seen of the favorite.”
– No change to my top 10 Derby prospects in this week’s PDI. Rachel Alexandra remains #1 for at least one more week. Late Triple Crown nominations are being accepted through Saturday, and trainer Hal Wiggins said over the weekend that, “the door is still open.” The next start for the filly, whether she points to the Oaks or the Derby, is the April 5 Fantasy Stakes.
– Remembering Lil E. Tee, euthanized on March 18 at age 20: Claire Novak talks to Pat Day about his first Kentucky Derby winner; John at Not Always to the Swift recounts a visit between Pennsylvania-breds.
