Calvin Borel abandoned Mine That Bird in favor of Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. He was back aboard the Derby winner in the Belmont, but he may be jumping ship again.
He frequently rides for Ian Wilkes and may have a scheduling conflict if Warrior’s Reward fires a big shot in the Dwyer (G2) this weekend.
If everything goes according to plan, Warrior’s Reward is scheduled to run in the Jim Dandy (G2) on August 1st, the same day Mine That Bird competes in the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby. How many chances will Chip Woolley give his …read more

Plenty of graded stakes action across the country for the upcoming 4th of July weekend.
Brass Hat, Court Vision, and Presious Passion headline the United Nations (G1) at Monmouth. The turf marathon is part of the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In program, along with the Salvator Mile. Smooth Air is the one to beat in the latter race.
A competitive group is being assembled for the Grade 1 Suburban at Belmont Park. Recent overseas transplant Asiatic Boy is the marquee name.

On Sunday at Big Sandy, talented three-year-old sprinter Munnings faces quality older foes including Fabulous …read more

Saturday’s $300k Tampa Bay Derby has drawn an interesting field of 11, and note that there have only been two wire jobs in 61 races conducted at 8.5f. Stalk and pounce types perform best, and I will look for value contenders with the right running style.
Musket Man won his 1st three sprint starts and was hardly disgraced in Sam Davis show finish (post 9) at this distance here last time. He projects a ground saving stalking trip at playable odds. He sports a pair of local bullets for this, and note that he defeated Sam Davis winner General Quarters …read more