Nero, second in the San Vicente Stakes on Feb. 10, and Ax Man, fourth as the favorite in that race, both had easy half-mile drills on Thursday as they ready for their next starts, which could come out of town, trainer Bob Baffert said.
Plans for Godolphin's Enticed and Avery Island were confirmed this week as both continued their training at Palm Meadows for Kiaran McLaughlin.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Justify
As training hours wound down Sunday morning at Santa Anita, trainer Bob Baffert turned to a few visitors and said, “I've got big plans for that colt this afternoon.”
There are four newcomers to this week's Derby Watch top 20, plus a new favorite on the future line set by Mike Watchmaker, Daily Racing Form's national handicapper. Bravazo and Snapper Sinclair, the one-two finishers in the Risen Star, are new to the list, as are My Boy Jack, the Southwest winner, and the impressive maiden winner Justify.
My Boy Jack’s long range target is established – the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in May.
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas is coming off a big weekend on the Kentucky Derby trail, sending out Bravazo to win the Grade 2 Risen Star on Saturday at Fair Grounds and saddling Sporting Chance to a third-place finish in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes on Monday at Oaklawn.
Combatant has been knocking on the door in Kentucky Derby points races since December, and he will get a shot at another such stakes next month at Oaklawn Park, trainer Steve Asmussen said Tuesday.
Road to the Derby: Southwest Stakes analysis
Road to the Derby: El Camino Real Derby analysis
