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DERBY TRIAL

Dominus (Jerome)
Travelin Man
Ruler on Ice
Machen
Casper's Touch
Maclean's Music



KENTUCKY DERBY

Pants On Fire
Twice the Appeal
Midnight Interlude
Mucho Macho Man
Decisive Moment
Dialed In
Soldat
Stay Thirsty
Toby's Corner
Uncle Mo

Master of Hounds (Possible)
Animal Kingdom (Possible)
Astrology (Possible)
Shackleford (Possible)
Arthur's Tale (Possible)
Watch Me Go (Possible)

Silver Medallion (Earnings)
Anthony'sCross (Earnings)
Mr. Commons (Earnings)


PREAKNESS

Shackleford
Bandbox



BELMONT STAKES

Arthur's Tale

As for Astrology, I see where the Bloodhorse reports they may go to The Preakness via The Jerome. However, the KY Derby has not been completely ruled out
We’ll work him at Churchill Downs on Monday before making a decision,” said co-owner George Bolton, who also is majority owner of Arkansas Derby (gr. I) favorite The Factor. “We lost a month with him because of an illness and he’s been behind all year.”


What I'm inferring here is that they'll take a wait and see approach, especially regarding The Factor's success or lack thereof in the Arkansas Derby Saturday. Seems like Astrology should not be rushed into the Derby, but a problem with The Factor or a fondness for the Churchill downs coupled with Derby Fever (also known as the Uncle Mo Syndrome) could sway the decision

It's really hard to wait and see once you think about running for a second or more, and then ultimately skipping. How often have we seen that?

Right, like Uncle Mo is the most far fetched potential Derby entrant in recent history. I'm guessing folks rate his Derby winning chances lower than Zanjero, Danthebluegrassman, and Nowhere to Hide and about 126 other Derby Entrants from the last ten years.

Very much looking forward to seeing McLean's Music and Traveling Man

Is Oaklawn drawing the Arkansas Derby today (Wednesday)?

Typically, I think their Saturday entries aren't released until Thursday, but since Saturday is the biggest (and last) day of their meet, I thought they may draw a day early.

They draw today.

This is the field, obviously the rest of the card is still to come.

1. Newsdad
2. King Congie
3. Santiva
4. Joes Blazing Aaron
5. Brilliant Speed
6. Sensational Slam
7. Twinspired
8. Willcox Inn
9. Wilkinson
10. Praetereo
11. Crimson China
12. Queensplatekitten

To Honor and Serve's out of the Derby, Steve.

Thanks.
Edit - Meant to post this in the Oaklawn Park thread.

Ark. Derby Field
 

1. Nehro
2. Elite Alex
3. The Factor
4. Brethren
5. Sway Away
6. Caleb's Posse
7. Truman's Commander
8. Alternation
9. Dance City
10. Archarcharch
11. J P's Gusto
12. J W Blue
13. Saratoga Red

Why? Not that he had much of a chance, but is he hurt?

Saratoga Red can't get a break.

Everything from person training him to now post position draw is working against him.

LEXINGTON

Jaycito -- Doubtful
Prime Cut
Silver Medallion
Casper's Touch
Derby Kitten
Beachcombing



JEROME

Rattlesnake Bridge
Astrology
Cal Nation
Free Entry
Justin Phillip
Rattlesnake Bridge
Gallant Dreams
Vee’s Accolade

Possible:

J J’s Lucky Train
Adios Charlie
Isn’t He Perfect
Starship Caesar

Could be a decent betting race, but is Rattlesnake Bridge and Rattlesnake Bridge coupled? :p

Hurricane Lake is going in the Lexington. He isn't TC nominated - another Bonde shipper.

A major flaw painful illustrated this year is the fact that all graded earnings are counted towards a start in the Kentucky Derby. Clearly, synthetic and turf races need to be stricken from the accounting.

Although Jeff Bonde has an outside chance to hit the board with longshot Twice The Appeal (draw a line through his turf and synthetic races, and his record is 5-3-2-0), he'd have a better shot theoretically with Sway Away, who made a striking move on the turn in the Arkansas Derby. To be perfectly honest, races in New Mexico and Vinton, LA probably shouldn't count, either. Hopefully, Sway Away can at least get into the Preakness.

Meanwhile, we'll see if Brilliant Speed can improve on either his two dirt starts last year (a 10-length drubbing at the hands of Boys of Tascanova and a 20-length hiding behind Mucho Macho Man and Joe Vann).

I couldn't agree with you more.

Fortunately, the Lexington's purse has been cut and winning it will no longer guarantee a spot in the Derby. That being said, it could ensure Silver Medallion has enough to get in. It's way, way past time for 2YO earnings to be done away with altogether.