Before we revisit the longshot list, let’s look at today’s Derby news. A field of 20 was drawn for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, but Win Willy was not among them. His ankle injury allowed Nick Zito to sneak into the field with Nowhere To Hide.
I started my Derby longshot list on April 11th, and 4 of my 5 originals picks made the field. Not bad considering all of the defections the past few weeks. Patena did not make it, and wouldn’t it figure that I had him in the Derby future pool…oops! Hopefully he will return …read more

Hold Me Back is one of my live longshots, and he worked a solid five panels (1:01.15). I think he is sitting on a big effort…if he handles conventional dirt as well as synthetic ground. Mott trainee remains relatively fresh and will be closing late.

Square Eddie had his final Derby work on Sunday. He went an easy four furlongs in :50.51, and reports on him have been positive all along. I thought his much needed Lexington prep was perfect, but I am not thrilled about his chances at ten furlongs versus top company. He wheels …read more

Patena disappointed in the Blue Grass Stakes, so he will regroup and is out of the Derby chase. With Patena out, the updated longshot list includes a newbie at #3…
#5 – Flying Private finished an even 5th in the Arkansas Derby. The Lane’s End runner-up sits 20th on the graded earnings list with $124,000, and with the Lexington Stakes to be run this Saturday, he is not a lock to make the Derby…yet. The Wayne Lukas trainee owns a strong pedigree but needs to show more if he expects to make a dent on the first …read more

General Quarters got back on the beam in the Blue Grass Stakes, and the former claimer is the feel good Derby story for 75yo owner/trainer Tom McCarthy.

The General, along with Illinois Derby winner Musket Man, have certainly put the Tampa Bay Downs preps on the map.
Lane’s End hero Hold Me Back rallied for the place in a perfect Derby prep performance, but the Bill Mott runner must still prove he can handle conventional dirt.
Massone did SoCal proud with a show finish, and Terrain put in his usual solid effort to round of the superfecta.
Disappointments included Kentucky Challenge Stakes hero …read more

A field of 11 will go to post in Saturday’s Blue Grass Stakes (G1), and at least eight have a reasonable shot at nabbing the top prize.
I have always liked Patena and will give him another chance following a disappointing Louisiana Derby effort. Both career wins were accomplished on synthetic, and Albarado strings along. He sports a pair of local drills and can surprise if able to return to Lecomte form.
Hold Me Back is 3-3 on synthetic and looked good in Lane’s End return. Obvious contender for Kent D/Mott if able to avoid a bounce.
General …read more

Wednesday (April 8th)
Extended sprint synthetic specialist Evita Argentina beat the gents last time, and she’s back with female friends in the featured Beaumont (G2). She’ll be rolling late under Garrett Gomez.
Selva is the one to catch, and Consequence needed her last and looms the value play.

Thursday (April 9th)
BC Filly & Mare Sprint winner Ventura figures an odds-on choice in the Vinery Madison (G1). Frankel trainee is deadly around one turn and won this race last year.
Informed Decision, Bear Now, and Bsharsonata are the logical alternatives should the aforementioned fav stub her toe.
Friday (April 10th)
Possible …read more

Hold Me Back returned in style to nab the $500k Lane’s End Stakes at Turfway Park, and he has thrust himself into the Kentucky Derby picture thanks to his $282,000 graded payday.
He showed quality last year with a pair of Polytrack wins to kick off his career, and he was shelved after a 14-length defeat in the Remsen Stakes last November. Bill Mott is excellent with layoff runners, and he had the son of Giant’s Causeway in prime condition on Saturday.

Last year’s winning Ky Derby rider Kent Desormeaux is now 2-2 with this one, and he is …read more

The Grade 2 Lane’s End Stakes is Turfway Park’s major Derby prep, and the $50k nine furlong synthetic route has attracted big name trainers such as Bill Mott, Todd Pletcher, and Wayne Lukas.

West Side Bernie (Bernstein) won the Ky Cup Juvenile here. He was last seen finishing an even 3rd from disadvantageous outer post in graded flat mile affair at the Gulf. He handles any footing and packs a decent late kick, and he should give a good account of himself under new rider Edgar Prado.
Jack Spratt (Candy Ride) failed to handle regular dirt in Fountain of Youth …read more