Derby update

WHO'S HOT

Trainers Richard Mandella and Nick Zito each have three runners among the top 25 in the inaugural 2004 edition of Derby Watch. Zito's horse Eurosilver is the 8-1 favorite on the future line set by Mike Watchmaker, Daily Racing Form's national handicapper. Birdstone, another Zito trainee, is the co-second choice at 10-1. Zito also has The Cliff's Edge, a 15-1 shot. Mandella's trio are champion Action This Day (12-1), Minister Eric (25-1), and Spellbinder (40-1).

WHO'S NOT

Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas have been Derby stalwarts over the years, but neither trainer has anything on the list at the moment. Baffert still has a decent shot with recent maiden winner Wimbledon, whom Baffert has held in high regard for months. Lukas, however, appears to have precious little, and is struggling through a prolonged losing streak at Santa Anita.

ON THE BUBBLE

Wimbledon finally won a maiden race last week after several short-priced failures. Borrego, trained by Beau Greely, was second in the Sham Stakes, beating Action This Day while losing to Master David. Imperialism got a setup to win the San Vicente in his first start for trainer Kristin Mulhall. Value Plus, who showed great promise last summer at Saratoga for Todd Pletcher, could move onto the list should he impressively win an upcoming comeback race.