Alywyn returns off an impressive win and should rule the favorite in the $25,000-guaranteed Al Swihart Memorial Stakes for fillies and mares, the closing-day feature at Fonner Park.

In her last race, the Runza Stakes at six furlongs, Alywyn was knocked off stride at the start and dropped about 13 lengths off the early lead. She made a power move to reach the leaders into the far turn, flew past her rivals along the inside, and drew off in hand to win her first start of the year for trainer Jim Meyaard.

Ruler On Ice, a fast-closing third in the Grade 3 Sunland Derby, and locally based Concealed Identity, a decisive winner the first time he streched out to 1 1/16 miles, head a group of seven 3-year-olds in the $75,000 Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico.

Ohio sprint champion Tri Uimet makes his season debut in a tough spot Saturday, when he faces several former Ohio champions in the $50,000 Babst/Palacios Memorial at Beulah Park.

A six-furlong event, the Babst/Palacios has a 14-horse field and goes as the ninth of 11 races on a special Derby Day card.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Graham Motion’s first two Kentucky Derby experiences were so thoroughly miserable that he was in no rush to get back to Churchill Downs to participate in the world’s most famous horse race. Thus far, the third time has not been the charm.

Five of the 11 older sprinters in Saturday’s $75,000 Vincent Moscarelli Memorial Stakes at Delaware Park posted a Beyer Speed Figure of 99 or higher last time out, including four within one point of each other. Although Rule by Night boasts the best last-race Beyer with a 108, it’s Comedero who will probably command the most respect from bettors in the six-furlong sprint that kicks off Delaware’s 22-race stakes schedule.

Dave Flores will have a chance to strike it rich Saturday as the contestant chosen to make the $100,000 win wager in the second annual Derby Dream Bet Sweepstakes, sponsored by Churchill and NBC Sports.

Flores, from the south side of Chicago, told NBC that he has attended the Derby at least 20 times. His name was randomly drawn among the thousands that entered the sweepstakes, which closed April 24.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The last time Prince Will I Am raced at Churchill Downs, the riding actions of his jockey at the time, Javier Castellano, incited fury from opposing rider Calvin Borel and led to punches being thrown in the winner’s circle following a roughly contested Breeders’ Cup Marathon on Nov. 5.

An analysis of the three Derby Future Wager pools offered earlier this year reveals the usual assortment of overlays and underlays.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Regardless of what horse you may like to win the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, there is little doubt that two speedy horses should be prominent for at least a fair portion of the way: Comma to the Top and Shackleford.

Of that pair, there seems to be greater sentiment that Shackleford is more inclined to hang around for the end. The colt is 12-1 on the morning line, while Comma to the Top is 30-1.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – They are not running the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Saturday at Churchill Downs. It only seems that way.