JC / Railbird

Kentucky Derby

Saturday’s Races

Quick notes on a couple of Saturday’s Derby prep races:
Consolidator looked great in the San Felipe at Santa Anita, sitting off the pace until six furlongs and then drawing off from the rest of field, winning by 6 1/2 lengths and setting two records. (LA Times)
Afleet Alex’s dismal last place finish in the Rebel at Oaklawn was more than surprising — it was downright shocking. This is a horse who’s never run worse than second in his seven previous starts. The news today though is that Alex has a lung infection and will return to the track after a five-day course of antibiotics. That’s a good excuse for a poor race, but it also means that his next start in the Arkansas Derby on April 16 will only be his second real prep, and it’s also his last chance before the Kentucky Derby to win a two-turn race. (Daily Racing Form)

Posted in Racing on March 20, 2005 / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Comments Off on Saturday’s Races

Lost in the Fog Is Out

“With four decisive wins in four starts, Lost in the Fog is the most consistently fast 3-year-old in America, but he will not run in any of the three Triple Crown races. Trainer Greg Gilchrist and owner Harry J. Aleo confirmed Wednesday that they wouldn’t subject their Golden Gate Fields-based colt to the rigors of long races like the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby, 1 3/16-mile Preakness and 1 1/2- mile Belmont Stakes.” Good for Aleo and Gilchrist, for recognizing that they have a fantastic sprinter who deserves a decent career and for not succumbing to Derby fever. Lost in the Fog’s next race may be the Bay Shore Stakes on April 9 at Aqueduct. (San Francisco Chronicle)

Posted in Racing on March 17, 2005 / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Comments Off on Lost in the Fog Is Out

The Zito Derby

It’s no secret that trainer Nick Zito is flush with solid Derby prospects. Steve Haskin quotes one rival telling this joke in the latest installment of his Derby Trail column: “I heard that he now plans to conduct his own race, the inaugural Nicholas P. Zito Derby, 1 1/8 miles, Palm Meadows. The only problem is the race is restricted to 10 starters and Nick has 27 horses he wants to run.” Funny.

Posted in Racing on March 15, 2005 / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Comments Off on The Zito Derby

Declan’s Moon Off Derby Trail

Declan’s Moon has been diagnosed with a chip in his left knee that will keep him from racing through the summer. The colt likely sustained the injury last weekend during the Santa Catalina. Undefeated in five starts, Declan’s Moon was highly favored for the Kentucky Derby. It’s a shame, but I can’t say I’m disappointed — the appeal of Declan’s Moon has eluded me, and his absence from the Derby makes the coming weeks all the more interesting. (Daily Racing Form)

Posted in Racing on March 11, 2005 / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Comments Off on Declan’s Moon Off Derby Trail