DerbyTrail
04-17-2006, 09:07 AM
BLUEGRASS, ARKY BRING 132nd DERBY FIELD TOGETHER
The last of the big Derby Trail preps provided another round of surprises, fulfillments and disappointments Saturday, with three Class of '06 colts stamping their tickets to Louisville.
Sinister Minister, taking advantage of his natural speed and the Keeneland conveyor, exploded in a runaway Bluegrass performance immediately reminiscent of Millenium Wind in the same race and Bellamy Road in the Wood last year. The stunning victory left Bob Baffert nearly speechless as he gained his third Derby starter with Bernie Schiappa's Old Trieste bay joining Bob and John and Point Determined.
Storm Treasure was a distant second, good to generate a second rose run player for Steve Asmussen, who later saw Private Vow improve in his second and final Derby prep with an Arkansas Derby third.
At Hot Springs, Steppenwolfer's late heroics behind Lawyer Ron earned trucking baron Ed Low and his wife Lawana their pass to Churchill with the Dan Peitz trainee. In the $1,000,000 event, Lawyer Ron emulated Smarty Jones putting an exclamation point on his Arkansas Derby series sweep with his sixth straight victory which confirmed him as one of the likely top choices May 6 with Brother Derek and Barbaro.
The day was not nearly as satisfying for any number of human and equine Derby hopefuls, with Strong Contender, First Samurai, Todd Pletcher and Nick Zito all exitihng the day licking a variety of wounds.
Strong Contender: Burdened with outrageous hype off maiden and allowance victiories, the Ward-Oxley chestnut son of Maria's Mon finished a decent third in the Bluegrass, never getting closer than seven lengths from the runaway winner after the first quarter. He'll likely be waiting in Baltimore for the Derby winner.
First Samurai: Derby Trailer Lansdon Robbins' multiple GS winning Giant's Causeway colt got as close as Strong Contender could after three quarters while traveling a misguided four wide, but faded from there to be fifth beaten 30 lengths at the finish. While Team Samurai immediately indicated through Robbins' note to members of Derby Trail that the Hopeful-Champagne-Fountain winner would likely not try the Derby, something tells us they may reconsider once they regain their equilibrium back at Frank Brothjers' Churchill HQ. At worst, First Samurai will point towards events like the prestigious Met Mile.
Todd Pletcher: The double Eclipse Award-winning conditioner will still send Bluegrass Cat postward on the first Saturday in May, and he very well might run well there after basically galloping around Keeneland neither gaining or losing position after a half mile. High Cotton was the first call leader, but moved steadily back through the next four mileposts to finish ninth. None of the Turfway Park refugees fared well Saturday with Lanes End winner With a City last and Superfly 11th in AK and Lanes End runner-up Seaside Retreat 6th and TP MSW winner Sadler's Trick 7th in Lexington.
Nick Zito: The spring campaign draws mercifully close to an end for the two time Derby winning trainer, with Little Cliff popping and fadinge in the Bluegrass and Superfly receiving no deliverance in the Ozarks. Hemingway's Key will contest the Lexington next week for Zito who was able to at least take solace from Sun King's amazing Commonwealth BC victory before the Bluegrass.
Here's the current starting grid for Derby 132 as of Monday morning with some comments about each. (X) indicates list inclusions whose participation is not certain in the Derby.. [X] indicates potential parcipants should others not run:
(1.) DISCREET CAT ($1.2MM, Dettori): Due to fly to the US April 24, but still no news on a 5/6/06 start from the Godolphin UAE Derby victor. Given the potential prospects for an insane Derby pace, it would appear the late running 3-for-3 colt might be an interesting punt should he run
2. BROTHER DEREK ($1.1MM, Solis): Clear Derby favorite arrives at Churchill next week and may benefit from the addition of Sinister Minister to the hot pace picture. Has shown the ability to sit just off the leaders, and could be the one to get first run on tiring pacesetters off the turn.
3. LAWYER RON ($941k, McKee): Perfect on dry real dirt fast tracks, Langfuhr colt seemed a bit too eager to get to the front at Oaklawn with McKee unable to contain him. While pint-sized rider knows Churchill well, concerned this Holthus trainee goes too fast, too soon at 4th and Central.
(4.) FIRST SAMURAI ($857k, Bejarano): Robbins-Lunsford colt was washy and anxious Saturday, and wide trip was certainly no help for runner whose aptitude for routes was already in question. Now doubtful for Derby, but Churchill-based with two weeks plus to think things over.
5. BARBARO ($750k, Prado): Edgar's Derby mount decision was made easy with Strong Contender not getting the job done, and this Holy Bull-FL Derby winner becomes increasingly attractive as option with pace meltdown again a possiblity at CD.
6. BOB AND JOHN ($590k, Gomez): Wood winner's one paced, near the lead style may yet play well if this Stonerside Seeking the Gold son takes to Churchill.
7. SINISTER MINISTER ($450k, Gomez): GoGo decision of which Baffert to ride may say a lot, but bigger question is whether this Old Trieste bay is a version of War Emblem or Millenium Wind.
8. A.P. WARRIOR ($323k, Nakatani): A.P. Indy colt trained by last year's winning trainer is likely getting lost in the shuffle, but may have plenty of tote appeal by 6pm 5/6/06. Has style that should play well given scenario, but needs to hope sire influence can offset RAN curse concerns as son of Quiet American dam.
9. SWEETNORTHERNSAINT ($320k, Desormeaux): We've been singing his praises since the Miracle Wood, and with the addition of a new speedball to the grid every week, looks more and more embraceable Derby Day. Can stalk and close and is one of the few available that has shown ability to finish. Wet Derby would suit him fine and jock has worn rose blanket twice.
10. PRIVATE VOW ($417k, Bridgmohan): Coming in under the radar off difficult winter and just 2 preps, but has shown ability from day one and is confirmed as Downs-lover. Needs to overcome light campaign bugaboo, but Asmussen plenty capable of having ready.
11. WITH A CITY ($300k, Blanc): Among the host of reformed claimers that will contest this edition of the great race and would enter Derby off dead last finish at KEE. You still have opportunity to buy into this Lanes End winner...
12. SHARP HUMOR ($280k, Guidry): Swale winner/FL Derby runner up didn't need addition of Sinister Minister to pace picture, but has already displayed a toughness that would make one think he continues one further than most of the frontrunners that will be present.
13. BLUEGRASS CAT ($275k, J. Velasquez): Can't hold Bluegrass run against him as plenty of Derby success stories had blase' KEE stops as preceding chapters. Like Asmussen, expect Pletcher to have him ready for the big one, and stalkers may be the place to look first in three weeks.
14. STEPPENWOLFER ($230k, Albarado): Things worked out fine for Team Peitz-Low with this Aptitude son buying in with just enough to assure Derby inclusion. Will arrive with something in the tank, gets target to shoot at for late run and will have services of accomplished Downs rider. One of only 3-4 certain to enjoy the added ground.
15. KEYED ENTRY ($205k, Decarlo?): Pletcher announced intention of this front-runner to go 5/6, a mystifying decision given the anticipated lineup and his front-running style.
16. POINT DETERMINED ($200k, Bejarano): Fast-developing Baffert pony now becomes very dangerous in the hands of Bejarano with certain fast fractions. Will quickly turn into the now horse Derby Week.
17. CAUSE TO BELIEVE ($192k, R. Baze): Hollendorfer and Co. might be encouraged by Sinister Minister success given this closer's win over that one in Cal Derby. Will be ignored on the board and is eligible as anyone to come from the back of the pack given pedigree.
18. DEPUTY GLITTERS ($160k, Lezcano): Tampa Bay Derby hero will attend festivities according to Albertrani despite poor showing in Wood.
19. JAZIL ($150k, C. Velasquez): The other Seeking the Gold son by a Deputy Minister mare (Bob and John) came like tail was on fire in Wood, but must stay at least a bit closer to Derby pace. Traffic problems and wide runs frequently dash hopes of colts like this sweet petite McLaughlin trainee, but we already know we'll be including him in exotics.
20. STORM TREASURE ($150k, M. Smith): Cross off Tampa Bay Derby 6th and this steady developer is 5/1-4-0 with potentially ideal running style for Derby. Smitty rode him at Oldsmar, and many may recall he did OK last year steering a Derby starter from the back of the pack.
[21.-Discreet Cat] SEASIDE RETREAT ($126k, Husbands): KY native Casse would dearly love to get home to Louisville and Bluegrass 6th shouldn't deter late runner as King Cugat son is bred for stamina up and down.
[22.-First Samurai] LIKE NOW ($120k, F. Jara): Gotham winner goes in Lexington and needs only to finish third to likely make Derby post. Would add even more juice to already crowded front end.
23. Mr. Triester ($112k): IL Derby runner up at mercy of others. Pace type is just what Derby 132 needs to ensure honest pace (!)
24. FLASHY BULL ($109k): Hard luck West Point colt did everything he could up to FL Derby and now needs Lexington start to gain Derby entry. Deserves shot.
25. SUNRIVER ($100k): Mr and Mrs. Johnes another owner that deserves Derby visit, and Lex placement would make it happen. Could then be intriguing two weeks later.
26. NOONMARK ($30k?): Swale runner up will also try Lex gambit.
26. SHOWING UP ($0): Tagg tot will be this week's Strong Contender needing to win Lex for Derby visa.
The last of the big Derby Trail preps provided another round of surprises, fulfillments and disappointments Saturday, with three Class of '06 colts stamping their tickets to Louisville.
Sinister Minister, taking advantage of his natural speed and the Keeneland conveyor, exploded in a runaway Bluegrass performance immediately reminiscent of Millenium Wind in the same race and Bellamy Road in the Wood last year. The stunning victory left Bob Baffert nearly speechless as he gained his third Derby starter with Bernie Schiappa's Old Trieste bay joining Bob and John and Point Determined.
Storm Treasure was a distant second, good to generate a second rose run player for Steve Asmussen, who later saw Private Vow improve in his second and final Derby prep with an Arkansas Derby third.
At Hot Springs, Steppenwolfer's late heroics behind Lawyer Ron earned trucking baron Ed Low and his wife Lawana their pass to Churchill with the Dan Peitz trainee. In the $1,000,000 event, Lawyer Ron emulated Smarty Jones putting an exclamation point on his Arkansas Derby series sweep with his sixth straight victory which confirmed him as one of the likely top choices May 6 with Brother Derek and Barbaro.
The day was not nearly as satisfying for any number of human and equine Derby hopefuls, with Strong Contender, First Samurai, Todd Pletcher and Nick Zito all exitihng the day licking a variety of wounds.
Strong Contender: Burdened with outrageous hype off maiden and allowance victiories, the Ward-Oxley chestnut son of Maria's Mon finished a decent third in the Bluegrass, never getting closer than seven lengths from the runaway winner after the first quarter. He'll likely be waiting in Baltimore for the Derby winner.
First Samurai: Derby Trailer Lansdon Robbins' multiple GS winning Giant's Causeway colt got as close as Strong Contender could after three quarters while traveling a misguided four wide, but faded from there to be fifth beaten 30 lengths at the finish. While Team Samurai immediately indicated through Robbins' note to members of Derby Trail that the Hopeful-Champagne-Fountain winner would likely not try the Derby, something tells us they may reconsider once they regain their equilibrium back at Frank Brothjers' Churchill HQ. At worst, First Samurai will point towards events like the prestigious Met Mile.
Todd Pletcher: The double Eclipse Award-winning conditioner will still send Bluegrass Cat postward on the first Saturday in May, and he very well might run well there after basically galloping around Keeneland neither gaining or losing position after a half mile. High Cotton was the first call leader, but moved steadily back through the next four mileposts to finish ninth. None of the Turfway Park refugees fared well Saturday with Lanes End winner With a City last and Superfly 11th in AK and Lanes End runner-up Seaside Retreat 6th and TP MSW winner Sadler's Trick 7th in Lexington.
Nick Zito: The spring campaign draws mercifully close to an end for the two time Derby winning trainer, with Little Cliff popping and fadinge in the Bluegrass and Superfly receiving no deliverance in the Ozarks. Hemingway's Key will contest the Lexington next week for Zito who was able to at least take solace from Sun King's amazing Commonwealth BC victory before the Bluegrass.
Here's the current starting grid for Derby 132 as of Monday morning with some comments about each. (X) indicates list inclusions whose participation is not certain in the Derby.. [X] indicates potential parcipants should others not run:
(1.) DISCREET CAT ($1.2MM, Dettori): Due to fly to the US April 24, but still no news on a 5/6/06 start from the Godolphin UAE Derby victor. Given the potential prospects for an insane Derby pace, it would appear the late running 3-for-3 colt might be an interesting punt should he run
2. BROTHER DEREK ($1.1MM, Solis): Clear Derby favorite arrives at Churchill next week and may benefit from the addition of Sinister Minister to the hot pace picture. Has shown the ability to sit just off the leaders, and could be the one to get first run on tiring pacesetters off the turn.
3. LAWYER RON ($941k, McKee): Perfect on dry real dirt fast tracks, Langfuhr colt seemed a bit too eager to get to the front at Oaklawn with McKee unable to contain him. While pint-sized rider knows Churchill well, concerned this Holthus trainee goes too fast, too soon at 4th and Central.
(4.) FIRST SAMURAI ($857k, Bejarano): Robbins-Lunsford colt was washy and anxious Saturday, and wide trip was certainly no help for runner whose aptitude for routes was already in question. Now doubtful for Derby, but Churchill-based with two weeks plus to think things over.
5. BARBARO ($750k, Prado): Edgar's Derby mount decision was made easy with Strong Contender not getting the job done, and this Holy Bull-FL Derby winner becomes increasingly attractive as option with pace meltdown again a possiblity at CD.
6. BOB AND JOHN ($590k, Gomez): Wood winner's one paced, near the lead style may yet play well if this Stonerside Seeking the Gold son takes to Churchill.
7. SINISTER MINISTER ($450k, Gomez): GoGo decision of which Baffert to ride may say a lot, but bigger question is whether this Old Trieste bay is a version of War Emblem or Millenium Wind.
8. A.P. WARRIOR ($323k, Nakatani): A.P. Indy colt trained by last year's winning trainer is likely getting lost in the shuffle, but may have plenty of tote appeal by 6pm 5/6/06. Has style that should play well given scenario, but needs to hope sire influence can offset RAN curse concerns as son of Quiet American dam.
9. SWEETNORTHERNSAINT ($320k, Desormeaux): We've been singing his praises since the Miracle Wood, and with the addition of a new speedball to the grid every week, looks more and more embraceable Derby Day. Can stalk and close and is one of the few available that has shown ability to finish. Wet Derby would suit him fine and jock has worn rose blanket twice.
10. PRIVATE VOW ($417k, Bridgmohan): Coming in under the radar off difficult winter and just 2 preps, but has shown ability from day one and is confirmed as Downs-lover. Needs to overcome light campaign bugaboo, but Asmussen plenty capable of having ready.
11. WITH A CITY ($300k, Blanc): Among the host of reformed claimers that will contest this edition of the great race and would enter Derby off dead last finish at KEE. You still have opportunity to buy into this Lanes End winner...
12. SHARP HUMOR ($280k, Guidry): Swale winner/FL Derby runner up didn't need addition of Sinister Minister to pace picture, but has already displayed a toughness that would make one think he continues one further than most of the frontrunners that will be present.
13. BLUEGRASS CAT ($275k, J. Velasquez): Can't hold Bluegrass run against him as plenty of Derby success stories had blase' KEE stops as preceding chapters. Like Asmussen, expect Pletcher to have him ready for the big one, and stalkers may be the place to look first in three weeks.
14. STEPPENWOLFER ($230k, Albarado): Things worked out fine for Team Peitz-Low with this Aptitude son buying in with just enough to assure Derby inclusion. Will arrive with something in the tank, gets target to shoot at for late run and will have services of accomplished Downs rider. One of only 3-4 certain to enjoy the added ground.
15. KEYED ENTRY ($205k, Decarlo?): Pletcher announced intention of this front-runner to go 5/6, a mystifying decision given the anticipated lineup and his front-running style.
16. POINT DETERMINED ($200k, Bejarano): Fast-developing Baffert pony now becomes very dangerous in the hands of Bejarano with certain fast fractions. Will quickly turn into the now horse Derby Week.
17. CAUSE TO BELIEVE ($192k, R. Baze): Hollendorfer and Co. might be encouraged by Sinister Minister success given this closer's win over that one in Cal Derby. Will be ignored on the board and is eligible as anyone to come from the back of the pack given pedigree.
18. DEPUTY GLITTERS ($160k, Lezcano): Tampa Bay Derby hero will attend festivities according to Albertrani despite poor showing in Wood.
19. JAZIL ($150k, C. Velasquez): The other Seeking the Gold son by a Deputy Minister mare (Bob and John) came like tail was on fire in Wood, but must stay at least a bit closer to Derby pace. Traffic problems and wide runs frequently dash hopes of colts like this sweet petite McLaughlin trainee, but we already know we'll be including him in exotics.
20. STORM TREASURE ($150k, M. Smith): Cross off Tampa Bay Derby 6th and this steady developer is 5/1-4-0 with potentially ideal running style for Derby. Smitty rode him at Oldsmar, and many may recall he did OK last year steering a Derby starter from the back of the pack.
[21.-Discreet Cat] SEASIDE RETREAT ($126k, Husbands): KY native Casse would dearly love to get home to Louisville and Bluegrass 6th shouldn't deter late runner as King Cugat son is bred for stamina up and down.
[22.-First Samurai] LIKE NOW ($120k, F. Jara): Gotham winner goes in Lexington and needs only to finish third to likely make Derby post. Would add even more juice to already crowded front end.
23. Mr. Triester ($112k): IL Derby runner up at mercy of others. Pace type is just what Derby 132 needs to ensure honest pace (!)
24. FLASHY BULL ($109k): Hard luck West Point colt did everything he could up to FL Derby and now needs Lexington start to gain Derby entry. Deserves shot.
25. SUNRIVER ($100k): Mr and Mrs. Johnes another owner that deserves Derby visit, and Lex placement would make it happen. Could then be intriguing two weeks later.
26. NOONMARK ($30k?): Swale runner up will also try Lex gambit.
26. SHOWING UP ($0): Tagg tot will be this week's Strong Contender needing to win Lex for Derby visa.