Kentucky Challenge winner and Blue Grass also-ran Mafaaz will not run in the Kentucky Derby. His new trainer Kiaran McLaughlin will give him some time on the farm before bringing him to New York. Turf racing is reportedly in his future.

Pioneerof The Nile and Chocolate Candy have arrived at Churchill Downs. The 1-2 Santa Anita Derby finishers are both coming off strong Pro-Ride drills, and it will be interesting to see how they handle conventional dirt.
The connections of Arkansas Derby also-ran Flat Out would like to run on the first Saturday in May, but he only has $32.5k in …read more

Pioneerof The Nile uncorked a strong 4f bullet in :46.62 at Santa Anita on April 15th. The Bob Baffert runner is an enigma for most handicappers as he continues to win on synthetic without earning flashy figs.

He has been flattered by his vanquished foes, including I Want Revenge and Papa Clem. I have always liked the son of Empire Maker and consider him a viable Derby threat. Note that his regular pilot Garrett Gomez also rides Dunkirk, and it will be interesting to see which colt he selects…stay tuned!
In other Derby news, Kentucky Challenge winner …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

Friesan Fire (104 BSF) was the star of the week with a powerful stalk and pounce win in the Louisiana Derby (G2). He swept the graded 3yo schedule at Fair Grounds.
The son of A. P. Indy, trained by Larry Jones, will either contest the Blue Grass Stakes (April 11th) or train (at Keeneland) up to the Kentucky Derby.
Friesan Fire owns the right running style and pedigree to succeed on the 1st Saturday in May, but is he a Fair Grounds specialist, and did he peak too soon? He’s been kept in steady training, so I cannot blame his connections for …read more