A week ago the presence of Dollar Bill didn't scare anyone involved with bringing a top notch 3-year-old to the Louisiana Derby. And although highly touted Millennium Wind and Hero's Tribute are still on track for Sunday's grade II Kentucky Derby prep, the local flavor is simmering out. Fair Grounds Sales Derby winner San Pedro has pulled out of the race according to trainer Spanky Broussard. San Pedro will be sidelined for 90 days because of a crack in a cannon bone. He joins Lecomte Stakes runner-up Wild Hits on the shelf. Hero's Tribute could be the only Florida horse coming to New Orleans after reports that as many as four horses could ship in from Gulfstream for a crack at the $750,000 race for Kentucky Derby hopefuls. Trainer John Ward worked Hero's Tribute, who got five furlongs in 1:04 1-5. "It was a little slower than I wanted him to go," Ward said. "But my plans for him are the same and that's to run him next in the Louisiana Derby." Invisible Ink and You Know Who, both talented colts from Todd Pletcher's stable, will stay in Florida this week. Invisible Ink will run in the Florida Derby, while You Know Who will search for a softer spot. Other expected to pass the entry box for the Derby include Risen Star runner-up Gracie's Dancer, Lecomte Stakes winner Sam Lord's Castle, Clutch Player, Fifty Stars and Unreal Party. Dollar Bill and Clutch Player hit the track before the sun was up Monday. Dollar Bill cruised five furlongs in 1:00 flat, while stablemate Clutch Player worked 1:00 2-5 in preparation for Sunday's Louisiana Derby.
Sam Lord's Castle, trained by Josie Carroll, breezed a half-mile in :47 3-5, while Unreal Party worked :49 flat for trainer Mike Pino.
