1
Eskendereya Todd Pletcher
Giant's Causeway—Aldebaran Light, by Seattle Slew
Some huge offers are coming in for the colt -- for part-interest, half-interest, and for the whole horse. As Zayat put it, “It seems every serious player is making offers, but I’m not sure yet what I want to do, if anything.” Looks like a standout in Florida Derby.
2
Lookin at Lucky Bob Baffert
Smart Strike—Private Feeling, by Belong to Me
His 1:25 2/5 work made all those who were concerned forget his 1:15 2/5 work the previous week. It looks like Baffert will try him on the dirt in the Rebel if the weather cooperates. It’s a tough spot, but he needs a tough race, having only two Derby preps.
3
Super Saver Todd Pletcher
Maria's Mon—Supercharger, by A.P. Indy
Moving him back up after bullet 5f work in 1:00 3/5 and Pletcher’s decision to run him in the Tampa Derby Derby, which looks like a better spot than the Rebel. As it did for Street Sense, this race should get him fit running over that deep track.
4
Caracortado Mike Machowsky
Cat Dreams—Mons Venus, by Maria’s Mon
Worked a sharp five furlongs in :58 3/5 for the San Felipe. He’ll have to kick it up a notch against a deeper field, but with his running style, closing kick, and consistency, good luck trying to find a way to beat him.
5
Dublin D. Wayne Lukas
Afleet Alex—Classy Mirage, by Storm Bird
Lukas wasted no time putting him back on the work tab after the Southwest, drilling him a half in :48 2/5 and followed that up with a 5-furlong bullet work in :59 3/5, fastest of 56 works at the distance. He’ll take a lot of beating in the Rebel; Corey Nakatani named to ride.
6
Dave in Dixie John Sadler
Dixie Union—Risk, by Wavering Monarch
Can he catch Caracortado this time? Actually, it doesn’t matter as long as he’s closing again. He just needs to keep taking small steps forward and then save the big one for May 1. Would love to see him come East to prep on dirt; only question left to answer.
7
Rule Todd Pletcher
Roman Ruler—Rockcide, by Personal Flag
He’s the one Pletcher horse whose plans are still up in the air. He will run next in either the Florida Derby vs. Eskendereya or wait for the Wood Memorial. Will Pletcher actually run two of his big guns at Churchill off a six-week layoff?
8
Discreetly Mine Todd Pletcher
Mineshaft—Pretty Discreet, by Private Account
Finally breezed a half in :49 1/5, his first work since the Risen Star. Pletcher likely will run him back in the Louisiana Derby against stablemate Mission Impazible. Front-running tactics are over; time to get him off the lead.
9
Awesome Act Jeremy Noseda
Awesome Again—Houdinis Honey, by Mr. Prospector
Loved his race in the BC Juvenile Turf and loved his Gotham even more, especially his turn of foot. He didn’t beat much, but did it the right way. Took the lead while under wraps turning for home, with Leparoux sitting motionless. Euros not used to that, and he’ll be able to wait longer in the Wood.
10
Odysseus Tom Albertrani
Malibu Moon—Persimmon Hill, by Conquistador Cielo
He’ll get a big test going against Super Saver, as well as the Sam F. Davis Stakes 2nd- and 3rd-place finishers and any other shippers. If he passes this one, watch him vault right up near the top of most everyone’s list.
11
Alphie's Bet Alexis Barba
Tribal Rule—Miss Alphie, by Candi’s Gold
If you like Caracortado you have to like this guy, who’s still a big baby that’s just starting to figure things out and developing into a racehorse, physically and mentally. His final 3 furlongs in :36 flat, going wide on both turns in the Sham, was impressive.
12
Conveyance Bob Baffert
Indian Charlie—Emptythetill, by Holy Bull
Worked a half in :47 2/5. Baffert said all along he was leaning toward the Wood Memorial, but it looks as if he is now taking the easier route in the Sunland Park Derby, so we still won't know if he is true Derby material.
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