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General Quarters Breezes Five Furlongs

General Quarters Breezes Five Furlongs

General Quarters, the "feel-good" horse of this year's Kentucky Derby, breezed five furlongs in 1:01 4/5 over a fast track at Churchill Downs April 23.

 Thursday, April 23, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile Sizzles at Churchill

Pioneerof the Nile Sizzles at Churchill

Zayat Stables' Pioneerof the Nile brought a smile to the face of three-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert with a sharp five-furlong work over a fast Churchill Downs track on April 21.

 Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - 04/21/09

Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - 04/21/09

Regal Ransom sneaks onto the list as Godolphin confirms he will run in the Derby.

 Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Gomez to Ride Pioneerof the Nile

Gomez to Ride Pioneerof the Nile

In a decision they agonized over for weeks, jockey Garrett Gomez and agent Ron Anderson finally have decided to stick with Pioneerof the Nile as their Kentucky Derby (gr. I) mount.

 Sunday, April 19, 2009
HRTV: Pursuit of the Crown April 17

HRTV: Pursuit of the Crown April 17

HRTV's weekly series analyzing the pursuit of the Triple Crown. This week's edition includes a preview of the Coolmore Lexington, and recaps of the Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass Stakes.

 Friday, April 17, 2009
Top West Coast Derby Contenders Arrive

Top West Coast Derby Contenders Arrive

California stars Pioneerof the Nile and Chocolate Candy, the first two finishers in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) April 4, arrived at Churchill Downs April 16 to prepare for the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

 Thursday, April 16, 2009
And They're Off: Derby Contest Winners

And They're Off: Derby Contest Winners

This week's And They're Off is all about the Kentucky Derby, including the prospects of the California horses, the depth of the field, musical jockeys, graded earnings, and last but not least, the winners of the Kentucky Derby Contest.

 Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile Busts Bullet Workout

Pioneerof the Nile Busts Bullet Workout

Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Pioneerof the Nile had his final workout at Santa Anita on a blustery but sun-drenched morning April 15, busting four furlongs on the Pro-Ride racing surface in a bullet :46 1/5, the fastest of 39 drills at the distance.

 Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ky. Derby Trail: Memorable Moments

Ky. Derby Trail: Memorable Moments

We're getting close to judgment day -- finding that single horse or betting angle or most attractive overlay possibilities. Until the horses can be observed in the flesh starting next week, here are some of the most memorable moments on this year's Derby trail in one person's opinion that will help in finding potential overlays.

 Wednesday, April 15, 2009
I Want Revenge Works at Churchill

I Want Revenge Works at Churchill

David Lanzman and IEAH Stables' I Want Revenge, the possible favorite for the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), turned in his first serious training move since his arrival at Churchill Downs when he worked an easy half-mile over a muddy track on April 14.

 Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Smith, Chocolate Candy Get Acquainted

Smith, Chocolate Candy Get Acquainted

Chocolate Candy, runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), worked five furlongs under new rider Mike Smith on Pro-Ride in :59 1/5 April 12. The son of Candy Ride is scheduled to leave April 14 for Louisville to prepare for the 135th Kentucky Derby.

 Sunday, April 12, 2009
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - 04/07/09

Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - 04/07/09

With a strong second to Pioneerof the Nile in the April 4 Santa Anita Derby, Chocolate Candy jumps into the top 5 of Haskin's latest Derby Dozen.

 Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Ky. Derby Trail: Coast Clash Looms Big

Ky. Derby Trail: Coast Clash Looms Big

It's not quite the Sunshine Millions, but this year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) is looking like a regional battle between California- and Florida-based horses, who at this point appear on their way to occupying the top four favorite roles in the Run for the Roses.

 Monday, April 06, 2009
I Want Revenge On Top in Final KDFW Pool

I Want Revenge On Top in Final KDFW Pool

I Want Revenge, who overcame a poor start and significant traffic concerns to win the Wood Memorial (gr. I) at Aqueduct April 4, emerged the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) as the third and final pool of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Future Wager completed its four-day run.

 Sunday, April 05, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile Set to Ship April 14

Pioneerof the Nile Set to Ship April 14

Even as he prepares to ship Pioneerof the Nile to Churchill Downs April 14 for the 2009 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), trainer Bob Baffert says he's still trying to figure out what kind of running style the son of 2003 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Empire Maker possesses.

 Sunday, April 05, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile Rolls at Santa Anita

Pioneerof the Nile Rolls at Santa Anita

A lack of pace changed the game plan for odds-on choice Pioneerof the Nile, but jockey Garrett Gomez improvised, enabling the son of Empire Maker to hold off Chocolate Candy for a one-length win in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) on a picture-perfect day in Arcadia, Calif.

 Saturday, April 04, 2009
Quality Road Still Tops KDFW at Midpoint

Quality Road Still Tops KDFW at Midpoint

Edward P. Evans' Quality Road, winner of the Florida Derby (gr. I) for his third victory in four career races, remained the favorite to win the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) on May 2 as the third and final pool of Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Derby Future Wager reached its midway point on the evening of April 3.

 Friday, April 03, 2009
HRTV: Pursuit of the Crown April 3

HRTV: Pursuit of the Crown April 3

Featuring previews of the Santa Anita Derby (including words from Bob Baffert and Julio Canani), Wood Memorial, and Illinois Derby, and recaps of the Florida Derby and the UAE Derby. Plus, updates on Charitable Man and Dunkirk.

 Friday, April 03, 2009
Ky. Derby Trail: The Key Word is Prep

Ky. Derby Trail: The Key Word is Prep

Saturday's big three Kentucky Derby preps should be pretty formful, with one or two standouts in each race. But, there's a lot more to these races than who is going to win. While they are all prestigious events, let's not forget the fact that they are indeed preps.

 Friday, April 03, 2009
THS: Wood & Santa Anita Derby (Video)

THS: Wood & Santa Anita Derby (Video)

Jason, Suzanne, and the Wizard analyze the Wood Memorial (gr. I) and the Santa Anita Derby.

 Thursday, April 02, 2009
The Pamplemousse On Outside in SA Derby

The Pamplemousse On Outside in SA Derby

Trainer Julio Canani says The Pamplemousse doesn't need the lead to win the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) April 4. After a couple of interesting developments when entries were taken, that theory could be put to the test.

 Wednesday, April 01, 2009
The Pamplemousse Sharp at Santa Anita

The Pamplemousse Sharp at Santa Anita

The Pamplemousse, with his regular rider Alex Solis aboard, turned in a sharp final tune-up March 31 for the April 4 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I). The 3-year-old son of Kafwain worked three furlongs in :34.80 seconds at Santa Anita Park in California. He was the fastest of 15 workers at that distance.

 Tuesday, March 31, 2009
HRTV: Pursuit of the Crown March 27

HRTV: Pursuit of the Crown March 27

Featuring previews of the Florida Derby (including an interview with Todd Pletcher, trainer of Dunkirk) and UAE Derby, a recap of the Lane's End, and works for Chocolate Candy and Pioneerof the Nile.

 Friday, March 27, 2009
Ky. Derby Trail: Rabbit Punch

Ky. Derby Trail: Rabbit Punch

On several occasions over the past few years, Todd Pletcher has reached into his hat to pull out a rabbit, and in most cases the trick didn't go quite as planned. Despite some bad hare days, Pletcher has decided to try his luck at prestidigitation once again in Saturday's Florida Derby (gr. I).

 Wednesday, March 25, 2009
'Big Three' Drill for Santa Anita Derby

'Big Three' Drill for Santa Anita Derby

The Pamplemousse, Pioneerof the Nile and Chocolate Candy, the three top choices for the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) on April 4, each worked on the track's Pro-Ride racing surface March 25.

 Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Rosario to Get Chocolate Candy Mount

Rosario to Get Chocolate Candy Mount

Joel Rosario, Santa Anita's third-leading rider, will ride El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) winner Chocolate Candy in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) on April 4, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said.

 Friday, March 20, 2009
Ky. Derby Trail: Louisville Shuffle

Ky. Derby Trail: Louisville Shuffle

As often happens on the Kentucky Derby trail, they fell like proverbial bowling pins last weekend, although two of the bigger names reinforced their strong position. Not all the vanquished will be taken off the trail, as some deserve another chance after racing on less than desirable surfaces, but they have put themselves in a desperate situation.

 Monday, March 16, 2009
'Pioneer' On Course in San Felipe Win

'Pioneer' On Course in San Felipe Win

Odds-on choice Pioneerof the Nile got the test he needed in preparation for his big showdown with The Pamplemousse next month, turning back a challenge in the stretch to win the $200,000 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita March 14.

 Saturday, March 14, 2009

'All Others' Favored in Derby Futures

Racing fans continue to have a difficult time deciding who should be the favorite in Pool 2 of Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Derby Future Wager as "all others" edged unbeaten and untested Dunkirk as the narrow choice among 23 betting interests as the pool reached the midpoint of four days of betting on Friday, March 13.

 Saturday, March 14, 2009
Three Betting Interests Top Futures

Three Betting Interests Top Futures

A pair of unbeaten horses and the betting interest that represents "all others" drew the strongest fan support on the opening day of second of three pools in Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

 Friday, March 13, 2009
THS: Louisiana Derby & San Felipe

THS: Louisiana Derby & San Felipe

This week, Jason, Evan, and the Wizard look at both the Louisiana Derby (gr. II) at Fair Grounds, and the San Felipe (gr. II) at Santa Anita. Both races are Saturday, March 14.

 Thursday, March 12, 2009
And They're Off: Derby Contest (Video)

And They're Off: Derby Contest (Video)

In this episode, Lenny and Steve discuss the upcoming Derby preps, including the Louisiana Derby, the San Felipe, and the Rebel, Bob Baffert's Hall of Fame quest, and Helen Pitts and Einstein. Plus, win a Backside Tour Derby Week, with the Derby Contest!

 Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile Strong 'Felipe Choice

Pioneerof the Nile Strong 'Felipe Choice

Pioneerof the Nile, heading into the $200,000 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) March 14 as the West Coast's top Triple Crown contender, takes on an ambitious group of six up-and-coming colts at Santa Anita.

 Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Derby Future Wager Pool 2 Begins Mar. 12

Derby Future Wager Pool 2 Begins Mar. 12

Pool 2 of the 2009 Kentucky Derby Future Wager opens its four-day run on Thursday, March 12 and bettors will be able to wager on an exacta for the first time in the pool's 11-year history.

 Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Pioneer, Old Fashioned Shine in Works

Pioneer, Old Fashioned Shine in Works

Leading West Coast Triple Crown contender Pioneerof the Nile worked five furlongs on Santa Anita's Pro-Ride March 8 in a bullet :58.80 under regular rider Garrett Gomez for the grade II San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles. At Oaklawn, Old Fashioned worked a bullet five furlongs in :59.

 Sunday, March 08, 2009
Ky. Derby Trail: Dunkirk Evacuation?

Ky. Derby Trail: Dunkirk Evacuation?

Because of the lack of 3-year-old races this week, we're going into full detail on Dunkirk's race. Another reason we're giving it a good deal of space is the big buzz it created. The question is, was it warranted?

 Sunday, February 22, 2009

Old Fashioned Thoughts - Derby Top 10

Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, reviews Old Fashioned's performance in the Southwest and offers a new top 10 Derby Watchlist.

 Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Field Solid Favorite in Future Pool 1

Field Solid Favorite in Future Pool 1

The mutuel field, or "all others," was the solid 9-5 favorite among 24 wagering interests at the conclusion of betting in four-day pool. But Fox Hill Farm's Old Fashioned was a clear choice among the 23 individual horses in the Derby Future pool that ended on the eve of the colt's 3-year-old racing debut.

 Sunday, February 15, 2009
'All Others,' Old Fashioned Lead KDFW

'All Others,' Old Fashioned Lead KDFW

The traditional status of the mutuel field, or "all others," as the favorite in the opening pool of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Future Wager seems secure for another year, but unbeaten Old Fashioned has strengthened his position as the leading individual contender for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) with one day of wagering remaining in the first of three 2009 Derby Future pools.

 Sunday, February 15, 2009

Field Pegged at 4-5 in Derby Future Bet

The mutuel field, or "all others" has been the favored wagering interest in every opening pool of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Future Wager since its introduction in 1999, and bettors showed little inclination to change that pattern on the first day of the 2009 action.

 Friday, February 13, 2009
And They're Off: Valentine's Edition

And They're Off: Valentine's Edition

Hosted by Lenny Shulman and Steve Haskin, "And They're Off" is a bi-monthly online video series sponsored by Darby Dan Farm. In this Valentine's Day edition, Lenny and Steve evaluate the recent Derby preps, discuss the Preakness infield experience, touch on Nicanor's debut, celebrate the 96th Birthday of John Nerud, and more.

 Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ky. Derby Trail: Nile Flowing Fast

Ky. Derby Trail: Nile Flowing Fast

It was an excellent weekend on the old trail, with some first-class performances, not only by the winners, but several of the losers as well. The latest Top 15 follows the column.

 Monday, February 09, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile On Course in Lewis

Pioneerof the Nile On Course in Lewis

Triple Crown contender Pioneerof the Nile, overcoming traffic problems on the final turn, charged from the back of the pack to win the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) in the final strides over 17-1 shot Papa Clem at Santa Anita Feb. 7.

 Saturday, February 07, 2009
Saturday 3YO Stakes: What to Look For

Saturday 3YO Stakes: What to Look For

We have an interesting assortment of 3-year-old stakes this weekend, even though the Whirlaway and WEBN Stakes came up pretty thin. Will the Derby winner be in the Robert Lewis (gr. III) or Risen Star (gr. III)? We could have a much better idea once certain questions are answered.

 Friday, February 06, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile Makes Sophomore Debut

Pioneerof the Nile Makes Sophomore Debut

CashCall Futurity (gr. I) winner Pioneerof the Nile makes his eagerly-awaited 3-year-old debut and attempts to establish himself as one of the West Coast's top Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) contenders, as he faces eight sophomore rivals in the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park.

 Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile Set for First Prep

Pioneerof the Nile Set for First Prep

Bob Baffert, an old hand at getting horses ready for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), starts heading down the Triple Crown path once again when he saddles Pioneerof the Nile for the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita on Feb. 7.

 Sunday, February 01, 2009

Derby Contender Workouts

No prominent 3-year-old races this weekend, but plenty of action on the worktab. Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, looks at this week's works for Derby contenders.

 Thursday, January 22, 2009

Derby Hopefuls on the Worktab

Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, looks at recent works for some Derby Hopefuls.

 Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile Turns in Bullet Move

Pioneerof the Nile Turns in Bullet Move

CashCall Futurity (gr. I) winner Pioneerof the Nile remains on target for his 3-year-old debut on Feb. 7 after turning in a bullet five-furlong drill of :57 3/5 over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride track Jan. 11.

 Sunday, January 11, 2009
Ky. Derby Trail: Thursday Thrills

Ky. Derby Trail: Thursday Thrills

Two rocket ships will be launched at Gulfstream Park on Thursday, and don't be surprised if a few of the passengers wind up landing in Louisville on the first Saturday in May.

 Monday, January 05, 2009