Derby News: Papa’s Final Move

Papa Clem did not do enough in his two morning works since arriving in Louisville, so Gary Stute sent him out for a swift three furlong blowout (:34.47). He really needed that stiff move, but I still do not fancy the son of Smart Strike. I thought the Arkansas Derby was weak, and he seems a cut below the best.

Last minute entrant Nowhere To Hide, trained by former Derby winning trainer Nick Zito, had a two furlong move in :25.40. He has finished 4th in all three graded route tries and is overmatched on the first Saturday in May.

In other Derby news, it was reported that Desert Party did not look particularly good in his morning activity on Thursday. All reports were glowing before that, and I am a bit concerned, but the Godolphin runner remains on my contender list.

General Quarters did not look great either. He has been up and down since arriving at Churchill, and I have no idea how he’ll perform on Saturday.

Based on everything I have seen and read, I Want Revenge, Hold Me Back, and Pioneerof The Nile have made the best impression in overall morning activity at Churchill.

Rain is in the forecast for Derby Day, and my best advice is to see how the track is playing before making any final decisions. If it is wet, some may move up and some may hate it, but many will run their normal race. If you like a horse in the Derby, trust that the connections have him ready to fire a big shot regardless of track condition.

Image: Newscom