JC / Railbird

Derby Preps

A Quiet Weekend

… on the Kentucky Derby trail. Stay Thirsty gets a Beyer speed figure of 89 for winning the Gotham Stakes, Dialed In finishes second to a stablemate in a two-turn Gulfstream allowance. “I would have liked to win, but I have to be happy,” said trainer Nick Zito. At least Dialed In will get a third start before the Derby, unlike several prospects on a two-prep schedule. “It’s just interesting how in a trade to keep their charges fresh,” muses Mike Watchmaker, “several high-powered barns seem willing to operate without a safety net.”

Posted in Racing on March 6, 2011 / Tagged Derby Preps, Derby Prospects, Dialed In, Prep Schedules, Stay Thirsty

Thursday Notes

The March 12 Timely Writer drew 36 nominations, including 13 from trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn. (Even if Pletcher has to saddle the entire field, he’ll ensure the race fills?) Early Derby fave Uncle Mo heads the list; maiden winner Cal Nation is an intriguing possible. Dialed In is also among the nominees. If the Nick Zito trainee does start, the match-up could make the ungraded one-mile Timely Writer the most significant Derby prep yet this season. [Never mind. The Tampa Bay Derby is looking more likely. Dialed In will start in a two-turn Gulfstream allowance on Sunday.]

Every year around this time, someone’s Derby fever turns to Derby delirium. Flashpoint’s trainer, unlike his owner, is just a little hot.

Undefeated top-rated Frankel has a big year ahead as a 3-year-old, rider Tom Queally told a UK radio show. “[H]e’s trained on nicely, we think. I’ve seen him and he seems to have done very well.” Support for the even-money 2000 Guineas favorite has been “relentless,” said a Ladbrokes spokesperson.

More recognition for Jaimy Gordon’s racetrack novel, “Lord of Misrule,” now a 2011 PEN/Faulkner award finalist. It goes up against “Nox” on March 14, in round one of the Morning News Tournament of Books.

This again? The constant strife in this game is a real downer. As is having to keep two ADW accounts. Magna, Churchill ADWs are at odds over signals.

Posted in Racing on March 3, 2011 / Tagged ADWs, Derby Preps, Derby Prospects, Dialed In, Frankel, Lord of Misrule, Uncle Mo

Panning the Plan

Steve Davidowitz on To Honor and Serve in the Fountain of Youth:

Now that To Honor And Serve has begun his scheduled two race-prep campaign with a performance that leaves need for major improvement –- it will be amazing if Mott can get ‘Honor’ back on track for his second and final Derby prep. In my judgment, the gameplan already has backfired….

At the bottom line, I will root to be wrong about my thoughts on this subject. There is much talent involved here — equine and human talent, but I am quite sure that Billy Mott is not really happy with what he saw on Saturday.

Few were, watching the big colt close in :13.42 for third. “I thought he ran very well,” said jockey John Velazquez, “[he] just didn’t have the closing kick he usually does.” Validation for one bettor: I’m not big on Remsen winners.”

Posted in Racing on February 28, 2011 / Tagged Derby Preps, Derby Prospects, Fountain of Youth Stakes, To Honor and Serve

Gulfstream Prep Figures

Beyer speed figures of 102 for Flashpoint in the Hutcheson Stakes and 96 for Soldat in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream on Saturday; 98 for R Heat Lightning in the Davona Dale. The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks prep schedules have been updated with charts and replays.

Posted in Racing on February 27, 2011 / Tagged Derby Preps, Derby Prospects, Flashpoint, Oaks Preps, Oaks Prospects, R Heat Lightning, Soldat