1
Uncle Mo Todd Pletcher
Indian Charlie—Playa Maya, by Arch
Between all his exposure on Facebook and Twitter and owner Mike Repole’s gregarious and infectious personality, they may have to change this year’s sponsorship name to the Kentucky Derby Presented by UM Brands! Uncle Mo was on the work tab for the first time last week, breezing an easy three furlongs in :39 4/5, then followed that up with a half in :49 3/5.
2
To Honor and Serve Bill Mott
Bernardini—Pilfer, by Deputy Minister
He’s up to five furlongs in his breezes at Payson Park, his last going in 1:04 1/5. Although 1 1/8 miles is not an ideal distance to debut off a layoff, he will be plenty fit training at Payson Park. The last thing you want is to see him come out too fresh and be on the lead again. It’s time to start taking back off the pace.
3
Tapizar Steve Asmussen
Tapit—Winning Call, by Deputy Minister
He turned in a sharp five-furlong drill in 1:00 1/5 last week, and so far everything has gone off right on schedule. He won the Sham on the front end, but has shown he’s just as effective sitting back just off the pace. He has such a smooth, relaxed way of moving, flicking his ears around, and just looks like he enjoys what he’s doing.
4
Dialed In Nick Zito
Mineshaft —Miss Doolittle, by Storm Cat
It would seem the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby are the two most logical spots for him. He obviously likes the track, speed-favoring or not. Watching the Holy Bull, one forgets it was only his second career start. Who knows how good he’s going to get with maturity and added distance. The raw talent certainly is there.
5
Stay Thirsty Todd Petcher
Bernardini—Marozia, by Storm Bird
He made his debut on the work tab the same day as Uncle Mo and went three seconds faster, breezing three panels in :36 4/5, then came back with a half in :49 3/5, same as Uncle Mo. Can’t wait to see how he returns at 3 and how much progress he’s made over the winter.
6
Jaycito Bob Baffert
Victory Gallop—Night Edition, by Ascot Knight
It looks like Baffert has him right where he wants him, and he should be sharp for the Robert B. Lewis. After working five furlongs in :59 2/5, he skipped right past six furlongs and went seven in 1:25 1/5. He has the pedigree and the right running style and will be a major factor if he returns with a solid comeback race.
7
Astrology Steve Asmussen
A.P. Indy—Quiet Eclipse, by Quiet American
He also worked for the first time, breezing a half in :52.. No use rushing a horse like this. Despite winning the Iroquois and getting beat a photo in the Kentucky Jockey Club, there still is a lot of improvement left in him. He needs to run faster, but don’t be surprised if he returns a different horse than we saw last year. San Felipe is the most likely spot for his 3-year-old debut.
8
Soldat Kiaran McLaughlin
War Front—Le Relais, by Coronado’s Quest
Breezed a half in :50 2/5, his first work since his huge allowance score. His pedigree is an enigma. He’s by a pure sprinter, yet has won at 1 1/8 miles already; he has mainly dirt breeding, but has excelled on the grass. He is inbred 5x4 to Round Table, who could run on anything at any distance, and if you go back to his fifth generation in his tail-female family, you’ll find a name you rarely see in anyone’s pedigree – Ole Bob Bowers, the sire of John Henry.
9
Rogue Romance Kenny McPeek
Smarty Jones—Lovington, by Afleet
You can pick any one of three McPeek colts to put here, along with Casper’s Touch and Washington’s Rules, but this colt has proven himself in major stakes competition, and ran big in the BC Juvenile in his dirt debut. Five-furlong work in 1:00 should set him up well for debut in Risen Star.
10
Comma to the Top Peter Miller
Bwana Charlie—Maggies Storm, by Stormy Atlantic
Continues to work brilliantly at Hollywood Park, drilling six furlongs in 1:10 2/5, followed by a seven-furlong work in 1:24 3/5. He’s riding a five-racing winning streak and should come out running in 3-year-old debut.
11
Brethren Todd Pletcher
Distorted Humor—Supercharger, by A.P. Indy
Breezed an easy 5 furlongs in 1:02 2/5. He should be tough in the Sam F. Davis; needs to take that next big step. His two races suggest he’s a top-class colt, but he still has to prove it. An impressive score will move him way up on many Derby lists.
12
Santiva Eddie Kenneally
Giant’s Causeway—Slide, by Smarten
Drilled a sharp five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 for the Fountain of Youth. He keeps improving with every start, but his speed figures need to get faster, as he has yet to break a 78 Beyer. Kenneally knows how to get a horse sharp, so expect a big effort, despite what promises to be a very tough field.
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