If Bob Hess Jr. was concerned about drawing the one post for undefeated El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) winner Ocean Terrace, he wasn't letting on."I think we have a great rider and an athletic horse. We'll kind of let them run away from there and see how they position themselves. I think they'll get in a great spot, whether it's on the lead or just off it."The key, Hess feels is in regaining the services of regular rider Kent Desormeaux. "He knows this horse better than anybody other than myself. We're honored to have him back on."
San Anita Derby morning line favorite Atswhatimtalknbout galloped about a nine furlongs early Thursday morning. "I schooled him yesterday and he was really good," trainer Ron Ellis said. "I'm going to school him Friday, I just don't know if it will be in the morning or the afternoon. I'm very happy with the post (position No. 6). There are a couple speed horses inside of him, so I'm very pleased with everything.""I love it," trainer Jeff Mullins said of the No. 4 post position drawn by San Felipe (gr. II) winner Buddy Gil, who galloped Thursday morning under Gary Stevens. "I would have taken anything but the one or two."