LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Ron Bamberger, executor of the estate for the breeder and owner James T. Hines Jr., said Tuesday that serious negotiations were ongoing for the sale of Lawyer Ron, one of the favorites for the 132nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

The deal had not been finalized as of late Tuesday afternoon, said Bamberger, who declined to identify the potential buyer.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - When trainer John Shirreffs won the Kentucky Derby last year with Giacomo, he brought the colt from California to Churchill Downs only days before the race. The weather at home, Shirreffs said, was ideal, so he kept to the same schedule this year with A. P. Warrior.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - This is the third time Michael Matz has been at Churchill Downs for the week of a Kentucky Derby, but the first time he has had a horse in the race. As he stood at a podium for a press conference one recent morning, Matz surveyed the scene and said, "I'm lucky to be here."

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Three years ago, Ten Most Wanted won the Illinois Derby by four lengths, earned a gaudy 110 Beyer Speed Figure, came to Churchill Downs early, and gained so much support that he went off the third betting choice in the field at 6-1. He finished ninth.

This year, Sweetnorthernsaint won the Illinois Derby by 9 1/4 lengths, earned a gaudy Beyer Speed Figure of 109, came to Churchill Downs early, and is gaining so much support that he figures to go off a top-four betting choice. His trainer, Michael Trombetta, is unfazed by it all.

Sunriver shines on a wet morning

RAINING/TEMP 58¦/TRACK SLOPPY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Flashes of lightning illuminated the twin spires when Churchill Downs opened at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, with the accompanying downpour turning the racetrack into a sloppy quagmire well before midmorning, when the skies finally cleared. As a result, training was either limited or nonexistent for the 17 Kentucky Derby hopefuls stabled on the grounds, many of whom were given what figures to be their final day off before Saturday's big event.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Trainer Steve Asmussen has named David Flores to ride Storm Treasure in Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Storm Treasure is one of two Derby starters for Asmussen along with Private Vow who'll be ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan.

Storm Treasure is coming off a second place finish behind Sinister Minister in the Grade 1 Blue Grass. Mark Guidry rode Storm Treasure in the Blue Grass but was previously committed to Florida Derby runnerup Sharp Humor in the Derby.

- Additional reporting by Marcus Hersh

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - One of the major concerns with Brother Derek regarding the 132nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday is whether he can wait before making his run. He got plenty of practice on Monday morning at Churchill Downs. Trainer Dan Hendricks agonized before finally deciding to work Brother Derek late in the morning on a muddy track, and then Brother Derek had to await the arrival of jockey Alex Solis, who got lost driving to the track after a red-eye flight.

"I only know where the wire is," Solis said, sheepishly.

Monday, May 1 Cloudy, track muddy; 56¦

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Monday morning was a long one for anybody curious to see Kentucky Derby workouts. The session began well before the break of dawn with a work by Storm Treasure and ended nearly four hours later, when likely favorite Brother Derek finally completed his half-mile drill following the late arrival of jockey Alex Solis, who flew here overnight from California.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The unbeaten Showing Up completed preparations for Saturday's Kentucky Derby by working four furlongs in 49.63 seconds Monday morning at Belmont Park. Jockey Cornelio Velasquez was up for the work.

Belmont clockers caught Showing Up getting his first quarter in 24 seconds and galloping out five furlongs in 1:03.60. Showing Up was working just nine days after he won the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 22, his third win in as many starts.

CLOUDY/TEMP 56/TRACK MUDDY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Monday morning was a long one for anybody curious to see Kentucky Derby workouts. Beginning well before the break of dawn with STORM TREASURE and ending nearly four hours later when likely favorite BROTHER DEREK finally completed his half mile drill following the late arrival of jockey Alex Solis who flew here overnight on the red eye from California.