The results of several key prep races in recent weeks have led to seven new names for the third and final pool of the 2012 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which opens its three-day run Friday at noon Eastern and will be kept open long enough Sunday evening to accommodate the running of the Louisiana Derby.
By all indications, Union Rags looks set for a big move forward in Saturday's Florida Derby.
Mark Valeski did nothing in a Tuesday morning workout to suggest he isn’t a deserving favorite in Sunday’s $1 million Louisiana Derby, breezing a brisk five furlongs in 1:00.60 under race-rider Rosie Napravnik.
As a 2-year-old, Fort Loudon was the favorite son at Calder, the winner of all three legs of the open division of the Florida Stallion Stakes and a respectable seventh, despite breaking from the outside, in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Trainer Todd Pletcher has decided to take Discreet Dancer, who finished a tiring third behind Union Rags in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, off the Triple Crown trail. Pletcher originally intended to run Discreet Dancer on Sunday in the Louisiana Derby. Discreet Dancer is owned by Robsham Stables.
Churchill Downs officials said Tuesday they intend to move back the customary closing time of the third and final pool of the 2012 Kentucky Derby Future Wager to accommodate the running of the Louisiana Derby.
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With their lucrative victories over the weekend, both Went the Day Well and Daddy Nose Best gleaned enough graded stakes earnings to practically assure themselves starting spots in the May 5 Kentucky Derby.
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The starting gate for the Louisiana Derby on Sunday at Fair Grounds will be crammed full of 3-year-olds. Fourteen of them were entered during Monday’s post-position draw.
Longview Drive earned a 97 Beyer in the Sham, but subsequently disappointed in the Southwest. Which running line are we to believe?
The fields for the seven stakes races on Saturday’s Florida Derby day program at Gulfstream Park are all but set, including the main event, which features a confrontation between division leader Union Rags and leading Kentucky Derby contender El Padrino.
