Still no decision on Rachel Alexandra. She will probably sit out the Test of Champions, but if she goes, Robby Albarado could replace Calvin Borel, because the latter might reunite with Mine That Bird. I am sure Borel would love to ride the Preakness winner, but Jess Jackson and company are taking too long to make a commitment.
Rachel breezed an easy four furlongs (:50-1/5) on Monday, and Derby winner Mine That Bird went the same distance in :51 flat.

Chocolate Candy went a solid seven furlongs in 1:27.34 on Monday, and Garrett Gomez will ride in …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

Wednesday was quiet on the Kentucky Derby front. Square Eddie jogged, and Desert Party visited the starting gate.
Papa Clem galloped and will have one more drill in the near future.
West Side Bernie is expected to work on Saturday.

On Thursday morning, General Quarters breezed five furlongs in 1:01.79. The drill ranked 13th of 30 moves at the distance. He did not finish up strongly in a lackluster work. Julien Leparoux will ride the Tom McCarthy’s Blue Grass hero.
Desert Party continues to make a nice appearance. I liked him when he ran in the US last year and consider him a viable …read more

A trio of major players had their final works for Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby (G1), to be contested at nine furlongs over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface.
Possible fav and likely pacesetter The Pamplemousse drilled a snappy three furlongs in :34.80 on Tuesday. The runaway Sham Stakes (G3) winner earned a best of 15 bullet for his morning exercise.
Multiple graded winner Pioneer of The Nile worked a solid half-mile in :47.60, which was 2nd best of 16 four panel drills.
El Camino Real (G3) hero Chocolate Candy also went four furlongs, and he was timed in :48.60. …read more