Now that the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is in the books, it is time to take an early look at the 2010 Kentucky Derby hopefuls.
In compiling this early list, I looked for proven graded class and strong breeding, but I also wanted to use promising, lightly raced sorts on the way up. Much will change in the coming weeks, but I had to start somewhere. Please click on the name of each horse to view their Horse Racing Nation profile page, which includes news, pedigree, results, and video.
1. Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) – Tasted defeat for the …read more

Vineyard Haven was sent postward as the heavy favorite in the 19th running of the $300k Grade 1 Frank J De Francis Memorial Dash, and he did not disappoint in a fine off the pace tally over a sloppy Laurel main track.
The Godolphin colorbearer broke from the rail and rated behind a contested early pace. My top choice Fleet Valid was joined early by Roaring Lion and Sacred Journey, and they speed through a quarter in :21.89 and a half in :44.68.
Fleet Valid was still in front turning for home, and Alan Garcia was busy on Vineyard Haven, but it …read more

The Louisiana Downs meet ended on Oct 4th, and I have returned to my home state of Maryland for the winter. The weather was nice this week, but showers were around on Friday, and there is a 90% chance of rain on Saturday.
The Grade 1 De Francis Dash will likely be contested over a wet Laurel Park main track on Oct 24th, and #1 Vineyard Haven is the 8-5 morning line fav.
Godolphin’s 3yo colt was one of the top juveniles in the land with a pair of grade one tallies last year, and he disappointed in …read more

Time to take a look at the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, and last year’s winner Ventura is back to defend her title.
The Robert Frankel runner is a terror on turf and synthetic ground, and she is especially dangerous around one turn. She exits a sharp late running victory against the males in the grassy Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, and she figures right there on Cup day.
Informed Decision figures give Ventura all she can handle on Nov 6th. The Jonathan Sheppard trainee ran her synthetic record to 6 for 6 with an off the pace tally …read more

An enthusiastic crowd and a fine 13-race card made for an exciting Super Derby day this year. Below is a recap of the day in words and pictures…enjoy!
With an early post time of 12pm, my daily handicapping seminar was moved up an hour. I was joined by Louisiana Downs track announcer Travis Stone and special guests Nick Tammaro and Pat Cummings. The seminar was very informative, and the latter duo chipped in with interviews throughout the day…great job guys!
On the analysis front, I got four tops home, and my analyzed contenders were firing all …read more

A field of seven or eight looks probable for the $750k Grade 2 Super Derby, to be run at Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 19th. The post positions will be drawn tomorrow at the Super Derby press conference, and I will be on hand for the festivities.
Soul Warrior, who scratched out of the Penn Derby on Labor Day because of a temperature, has recovered and is the likely Super Derby favorite. The Steve Asmussen trainee was last seen downing Ky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby. John Velazquez has the …read more

A busy Saturday morning at Churchill Downs as the Derby players go through their final moves in advance of the first Saturday in May. Things to look for in Derby works are physical appearance, energy, and the ability to finish strongly. All of the connections will say they are happy, but pay attention to clockers for the real scoop. DRF’s Mike Welsch is on top of things at Churchill, and his daily reports can be found on the Daily Racing Form site.
If you are looking for Derby contender reports, news, and early odds, check out Horse Racing …read more

The world’s richest race will be run at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday, and the $6 million Dubai World Cup has attracted a wide open international cast.
Casino Drive appears poised for glory in this spot. I fancied the Japanese colt when he came to the US last year, and he has come into his own in ‘09 after an ambitious 3yo campaign. He owns fine positional speed and should enjoy this distance.
Albertus Maximus was my top in BC Dirt Mile and Donn, and he is thriving for Kiaran McLaughlin. He gets a distance test today.
Asiatic …read more

First it was 2yo champ Midshipman. Then it was Vineyard Haven. Now, Godolphin’s Kentucky Derby hopes ride with Desert Party.
The $2.1 million son of Street Cry will break from post 5 in Saturday’s UAE Derby (UAE-G2) from Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai.

He began his career with a Polytrack victory at Arlington last June, and he nabbed Saratoga’s Sanford (G3) in his 2nd career start.
After a failed try in the Hopeful (G1), he was shelved and shipped to Dubai, and he has won twice at Nad Al Sheba since, including a good looking 2000 …read more