Fri, 04/29/2011 - 11:31

Garrett Gomez expected to ride Master of Hounds in Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Though no official announcement has yet been made, jockey Garrett Gomez is expected to ride Master of Hounds if the Irish-based colt, as expected, ships to Kentucky next Tuesday for the May 7 Kentucky Derby.

Master of Hounds was not entered in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday. According to a spokesman for owner Coolmore Stud, the plan has been for Master of Hounds, who is trained by Aidan O'Brien, to ship here on Tuesday from Ireland.

Entries for the Derby are to be taken Wednesday.

Fri, 04/29/2011 - 07:39

Kentucky Derby workouts: Soldat finishes well in final prep

Bob Coglianese
Fountain of Youth winner Soldat had his final Kentucky Derby work at Palm Meadows.

Fountain of Youth winner Soldat worked four furlongs in 49 seconds early Friday at the Palm Meadows training center in Boynton Beach in his final prep for next Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

With no official clocker on hand, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin reported Soldat went his opening quarter in 25 and came home in 24 before galloping out five-eighths in 1:01.40 and pulling up six furlongs in 1:15.80.

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 18:46

California Horse Racing Board to hear public on fatality-related claiming rule change

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - The California Horse Racing Board has launched a 45-day public comment period on a controversial rule change that would void a claim when a claimed horse suffered a fatality during the running of a race or before returning to be unsaddled.

The racing board heard a spirited debate on the subject at its monthly meeting on Thursday. The public comment period is the first stage of a potential rule change. After comments are received, the board will hear the matter again, as soon as June, when a rule change could be the subject of a vote.

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 17:58

2011 Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for April 28

WHO’S HOT

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 17:44

Jockey Club outlines support for banning raceday furosemide

The Jockey Club on Thursday released a detailed statement by its chief executive, Jim Gagliano, outlining the organization's support for the abolishment of rules that allow horses to be treated on raceday with the diuretic furosemide, known as Salix or Lasix.

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 14:40

Kentucky Derby questions: Who is the horse to beat?

Who is the horse to beat?

Dialed InBrad Free: Dialed In. Mile and one-quarter ideal for improving colt, two-time Derby winner Zito knows how job gets done, low odds main knock.

Marcus Hersh: Dialed In. Win over the track, best overall 2011 form, master Derby trainer, the right running style, and likely ability to get the distance.

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 14:35

Kentucky Derby questions: Surprise prep winners who can contend

Among the surprising prep race winners, which one is for real?

Dan IllmanPants On Fire turned back the promising Nehro in the Louisiana Derby, and Archarcharch also outlasted Nehro in the Arkansas Derby. Nehro, who didn’t win a prep race, may be the most “for real” surprise of all.

 

 

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 14:32

Kentucky Derby questions: Prep races worth a second look

Which prep race is most likely to be misinterpreted?

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 14:29

Kentucky Derby questions: Assessing slow speed figures

Not one of the most recent major prep races produced a winning Beyer Speed Figure of 100. How does that change the way you will handicap the Derby?

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 14:25

Kentucky Derby questions: Contenders without a prep win

Which horse hasn't won a prep race but can win the Derby?

Marcus Hersh“Can” win offers a lot of latitude, and given that, I’ll say Nehro, Master of Hounds, and Santiva.