After the Wire - Blue Grass Stakes

Evan Hammonds recaps the Blue Grass Stakes and Arkansas Derby from the weekend. Did you think Java's War proved himself as a Derby winner with his last to first finish?

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Java's War from Last to First in Blue Grass

Charles Fipke's homebred Java's War overcame a troubled start in the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes April 13 at Keeneland, closing from last to first to earn his way into the field for the May 4 Kentucky Derby.

Handicapping the Blue Grass Stakes

This is one of the most wide open editions of the race I've ever seen. So many directions to go.

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Contessa on Rydilluc: He's One Bad Hombre

"If horses could talk, what a job this would be," said one Gary Contessa, enjoying a bountiful breakfast at Keeneland. "I'd ask that sunofagun right now, 'Do you like that track as much as you like the grass?"

Blue Grass Stakes: Gary Contessa

Trainer Gary Contessa discusses Blue Grass Stakes contender Rydilluc.

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Uncaptured Favored in 14-Horse Blue Grass

It was a crowded scene at the April 10 post-position draw for the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I), as the connections crossed their fingers and hoped for good post positions.

Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - 4/9/2013

Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen is shuffled in a major way this week. There are new horses on it, and one is from 'left field'!

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Blue Grass Contenders Tune Up in Kentucky

Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) contenders Rydilluc, Uncaptured, Undrafted, and Dewey Square all turned in pre-race works April 5 at Keeneland. Also working were Dynamic Sky at Churchill and Fear the Kitten at Trackside.

Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - 4/2/2013

The Florida Derby and Louisiana Derby have led to big changes in Steve's Derby Dozen, plus Lines of Battle arrives!

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Keeneland Expects Full Gate for Blue Grass

When entries for the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) for 3-year-olds are taken April 10, Keeneland officials are expecting a full field of 14.

Pedigree: Another Gold Medallion for Whiteley

by John P. Sparkman
Whiteley's arrangement with Richard and Audrey Haisfield's Stonewall Farm to support their young stallion Medaglia d'Oro resulted indirectly in the recent Palm Beach S. (gr. IIIT) winner Rydilluc.

Rydilluc Breezes Into Classic Contention

PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter
Although he was unplaced in his only dirt start, on the score of pedigree, one wouldn't have many concerns about Rydilluc handling synthetic or dirt surfaces.

Contessa Mulls Options After Rydilluc Cruises

Watching his Rydilluc dominate a group of 3-year-old turf runners in his stakes debut in the $150,000 Palm Beach (gr. IIIT) March 3 at Gulfstream Park, trainer Gary Contessa may have come to a conclusion.

Grassy Palm Beach Could Lead to Derby Trail

Though the race is on the grass, the $150,000 Palm Beach Stakes (gr. IIIT) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles March 3 at Gulfstream Park has the potential to serve as a springboard to the Triple Crown trail.