JC / Railbird

Kentucky Derby

Disappointing Weekend

For a couple of promising potential Kentucky Derby contenders, this weekend’s prep races were a bust: Galloping Grocer, who’d lost only once before, to Rockport Harbor in November’s Remsen Stakes, finished fourth in Saturday’s Whirlaway at Aqueduct; Todd Pletcher-trained Harlington was never a factor in the Risen Star at Fair Grounds. (New York Times)
Comment: Jockey Aaron Gryder’s comment on Galloping Grocer’s performance really struck me. “The last eighth of a mile he wasn’t able to sustain that run. He was off for 11 weeks and, sometimes, a big horse like him needs racing more than training,” he told Bill Finley. I’d guess that’s true of most horses, yet it seems as though many of the Triple Crown nominees are aiming for light prep schedules — several have only two races scheduled between now and May 7, which raises the question of how ready those horses really will be for the Derby.

Posted in Racing on February 13, 2005 / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Comments Off on Disappointing Weekend

Empty Pool

I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one glum about the anemic prices and short list of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Steven Crist is too:
“There are basically two ways to play the Derby Futures. The first is to be a contrarian, play the field, and say this is going to be another one of those years when the Derby winner is not one of the 23 top prospects as of Valentine’s Day. This would have worked with Smarty Jones last year, and War Emblem in 2002, though not with Funny Cide, the longest shot in Pool 1 at 93-1 two years ago.
“The advantage of this approach is that you’re guaranteed three months of action and likely to end up with something like a 12-horse entry carrying your hopes on Derby Day. The disadvantages are that you’re lucky to get 5-2 and you have to root against all 23 Pool 1 horses, a somewhat miserable way to spend the next 84 days…. What you really want are some plausible 150-1 shots, but under the inadequate way that the Derby Futures are currently set up, you’re never going to find those prices.” (Daily Racing Form — sub. req.)

Posted in Racing on February 11, 2005 / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Comments Off on Empty Pool

Too Much Risk

Lost in the Fog’s absence from the list of Triple Crown nominees “isn’t a result of negligence; it’s a product of wisdom.” Owner Harry Aleo has decided prepping his colt for the Kentucky Derby is too risky. “The Triple Crown can knock the hell out of a horse, and I’m not sure it’s worth it.” (Star-Telegram)

Posted in Racing on February 11, 2005 / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Comments Off on Too Much Risk

Pool 1 Opens Thursday

Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager opens Thursday. Morning-line maker Mike Battaglia set the mutuel field as favorite at 3-1; Declan’s Moon is the individual favorite at 6-1. The Daily Racing Form is offering free past performances for Derby and Oaks horses starting Thursday.

Posted in Racing on February 9, 2005 / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Comments Off on Pool 1 Opens Thursday