3 days till Derby

Well lots of stuff has been happening since my last post over a week ago. Quality Road has dropped out of the Derby because of his second quarter crack. Square Eddie has dropped out because of some heat in his shin that he injured. Along with many of the Derby horses arrivals.

Okay let's start with a recap of what I think of how they are all working. Pioneerofthenile has impressed me with his workouts and liking to Churchill's surface. He definitely will not have the "he just didn't like the surface" excuse if he loses. I Want Revenge has also been doing very well over the track posting a bullet final work for today. Man he did it easily too. He might be the favorite come Derby day. Friesan Fire also posted a bullet work yesterday and he did gallop out a bit slow but when he went five furlongs in 57 4/5 you should be galloping out slower.

The rest of the contenders seem to be doing okay on the track but nothing real special compared to the three I mentioned. General Quarters looks a bit uncomfortable, especially when the track was wet and it's supposed to rain through Derby Saturday so not looking good. He has a weird way of running. Just check out the workouts on kentuckyderby.com and you'll see what I mean.

Now onto the dropouts. Quality Road was taken out of consideration Monday when he was sore in his right front hoof from the recent quarter crack. It's not life threatening or career threatening at all and he will probably be pointing toward the other Triple Crown races. Now I applaud Jerkens for doing this. I was worried he would push him to run but Thank God he didn't. I'm also relieved Square Eddie was taken out of the Run for the Roses today when his trainer Doug O'Neill discovered heat in his recently healed shin. Hopefully he'll point now for the Queen's Plate and not the Derby.

Here's the list now for the Derby in no particular order. The post draw will be tomorrow and if you go to kentuckyderby.com you can watch them post the gate positions during the draw.

Dunkirk

Musket Man

West Side Bernie

Chocolate Candy

General Quarters

Papa Clem

Mine that Bird

Flying Private

Mr. Hot Stuff

Summer Bird

Advice

Join in the Dance

Hold me Back

Regal Ransom

Pioneerofthenile

Friesan Fire

Desert Party

I Want Revenge

Win Willy

Atomic Rain

So far I like I Want Revenge, Win Willy, Friesan Fire, Dunkirk and Pioneerofthenile. Win Willy and Friesan Fire will like the track better if it rains which it is supposed to. But rain would not suit General Quarters whatsoever. I Want Revenge has the way more experience from his last race and has exploded onto the scene since his Gotham win. Pioneerofthenile is a win machine and has taken to Churchill quite well. Dunkirk also garnered some experience and was very impressive in that allowance win. All in all the Derby is going to to interesting.

Now in Oaks news Rachel Alexandra scared off many of her competitors and only seven fillies has stepped up to try to defeat her. It's almost a one horse field. They drew post positions today and here is the lineup.

1.Tweeter
2.Be Far

3.Stone Legacy

4.Gabby's Golden Gal

5.Justwhistledixie

6.Rachel Alexandra

7.Nan

8.Flying Spur

The only horses in this race that I think could possibly beat this freak is either Justwhistledixie or Nan.

Thought this was funny so I thought I would post it.

It wasn't Derby Fever that had the attention of FRIESAN FIRE (A.P. Indy) on Tuesday morning at Barn 45."He was on his toes before he knew Zenyatta (Street Cry [Ire]) was here," trainer Larry Jones said referring to the arrival of the undefeated champion mare who is housed seven stalls down from Friesan Fire. "He is quite taken with her."

How funny is that? Little ladies man. I guess he's into older mares.

Have a great evening!

Kirsten