'Derek Posts Bullet Breeze for SA Derby

(from Santa Anita notes)
Brother Derek, current favorite in the Kentucky Derby Future Book, breezed six furlongs Sunday morning under regular rider Alex Solis in a bullet 1:11 in preparation for the 1 1/8-mile Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) on April 8.

"He did it just about like the last few works," trainer Dan Hendricks said. "We'll come back next week with a three-quarters or so work Saturday or Sunday, and we're all set."

Brother Derek's split times were :12 1/5, :23 4/5 and :35 2/5, and his gallop out time was 1:24 1/5, according to Santa Anita clocker Gary Nelson.

"He was well off the rail, and he looked pretty awesome," Nelson said. "(Solis) had such a hold on him."

Asked about the prospects of a small field in the Santa Anita Derby, Hendricks said, "It makes it easier, that's all. It's less to do, easier on him, but whoever runs, runs. Two weeks and one more work."

One of those expected to test Brother Derek, San Felipe (gr. II) winner A.P. Warrior, worked four furlongs at Hollywood in :51 1/5 Sunday for John Shirreffs.

Currently listed as probable for the 69th running of the Santa Anita Derby are Brother Derek, Solis; A.P. Warrior, Corey Nakatani; Sacred Light, Aaron Gryder; and Bob and John, no rider.

The smallest Santa Anita Derby field was five in 1946, when Knockdown won under Bobby Permane. There have been six-horse fields six times, the most recent being 2001 when Point Given won.