Haskin's Derby Dozen: It's Still Point Given

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1 -- Point Given/Bob Baffert/Thunder Gulch-Turko's Turn, by Turkoman

Haven't seen anything negative other than some sloppiness and goofing off in his work, in which he had his head cocked and changed leads late. But he closed well, and we're looking for a more professional work.

2 -- Monarchos/John Ward/Maria's Mon-Regal Band, by Dixieland Band

Moves up a notch after his impressive work last week. A very strong pace is assured in the Derby, and he should have an advantage with his strong closing punch. But still don't know in which direction he's heading.

3 -- Congaree/Bob Baffert/Arazi-Mari's Sheba, by Mari's Book

There's no question he's as talented as any of them, but the four career starts still is a slight concern. Turned in a very strong, professional work and handles the track well, so he's definitely a major threat.

4 -- Dollar Bill/Dallas Stewart/Peaks and Valleys-Saratoga Game, by Saratoga Six

There is no one doing any better than this colt. He is absolutely in peak form, his coat looks super, and he's really muscled out. Each day, he acts sharper grazing, and we loved the way he galloped out in his work.

5 -- Express Tour/Saeed bin Suroor/Tour d'Or-Express Fashion, by Private Express

His last work was a thing of beauty, and he is improving in leaps and bounds each day. We obviously do not like having only one start this year, but this mountain of a horse looks like he could very well be a freak.

6 -- Millennium Wind/Dave Hofmans/Cryptoclearance-Bali Babe, by Drone

His feet are looking better and he's been very smooth in his gallops and work. The question on everyone's mind is, will be bounce off the Blue Grass, and if so, how much? He'll be close to a hot pace and must relax.

7 -- Balto Star/Todd Pletcher/Glitterman-Miss Livi, by Devil's Bag

Despite the abundance of speed, we have a feeling this colt is going to be a real force to reckon with in the stretch. The main question is how will he respond if another horse goes after him early. Big, strong, and fast.

8 -- Thunder Blitz /Joe Orseno/Holy Bull-Rasant, by Assert

If you're searching for a real price, this colt looks to be sitting on a huge race. He's been a galloping fool and his last work was very strong. He's also getting good quickly and at the right time. Very dangerous.

9 -- A P Valentine/ Nick Zito/A.P. Indy-Twenty Eight Carat, by Alydar

What can we say? We're stubborn. Despite his dismal showing at Keeneland, we're still convinced on his best day he's as talented as any 3-year-old. Needs a dramatic turnaround, but stranger things have happened.

10 -- Invisible Ink/Todd Pletcher/Thunder Gulch-Conquistress, by Conquistador Cielo

He's much better than he showed at Keeneland. We were impressed with his performance in the Florida Derby, and if he gets a good trip and doesn't get caught in the pace, he could surprise a lot of people.

11 -- Jamaican Rum/James Cassidy/Exemplary Leader-Little Ricky S., by Runaway Groom

Solid, steady closer who can handle any type of surface. Didn't seem comfortable on the track in his last work, but subsequent gallops have been stronger, and he's still scheduled for another work.

12 -- Fifty Stars/Steve Asmussen/Quiet American-My Bubbling Belle, by Tsunami Slew

Hasn't been given much respect for a Louisiana Derby winner, but his work, although not fast, was impressive, and he's looked good in his gallops. Consistent closer and has a chance get piece of it if pace is fast.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR: SONGANDAPRAYER is a grand-looking colt, who turned in an impressive work last week, but he could be victimized by a wicked pace. We really like this horse in general, and look forward to him winning a lot of stakes down the road. STARTAC has not lived up to the promise of the Turf Paradise Derby, but he still packs a strong punch and could come on late for a piece of it under the right conditions. ARCTIC BOY is another strong closer, who didn't run his race in the Arkansas Derby. KEATS is a fast, talented colt, but the pace scenario doesn't fit his style.

ARCHIVED PREVIOUS WEEKLY REPORTS:

Week 14--April 23

Week 13--April 16

Week 12--April 9

Week 11--April 2

Week 10--March 26

Week 9--March 19

Week 8--March 12

Week 7--March 5

Week 6--Feb. 26

Week 5--Feb. 19

Week 4--Feb. 12

Week 3--Feb. 5

Week 2--Jan. 29

Week 1--Jan. 22

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