Michael Ball was 22 years old in 1980 when he trained a 3-year-old named Summer Advocate who he thought had potential to be a Kentucky Derby horse. Through April of his 3-year-old year, Summer Advocate was a multiple winner though his one stakes performance to that point was a third in the Spiral Stakes.

“He could have beat half of them,” Ball said of the colt he trained for his parents, Don and Mira Ball. “I was 22 years old and I thought I would have one next year that could run better than this one, we don’t need to run him.”

WHO’S HOT

Emerging Market (Louisiana Derby) gave Chad Brown a third winner of a Kentucky Derby points-scoring race this year, joining Paladin (Risen Star) and Iron Honor (Gotham). Emerging Market was courageous in wearing down Pavlovian, who herded him late. He debuts at 15-1 on David Aragona’s Derby Watch morning line.

Chief Wallabee

Colt by Constitution – A La Lucie, by Medaglia d’Oro

Bred in Kentucky by Mike Ball and Katherine Ball

Chief Wallabee, who has made both of his starts at Gulfstream Park, will look to punch his ticket to the Kentucky Derby in Saturday’s Florida Derby. His sire, Constitution, won that race and showed a particular affinity for Gulfstream, a trait he has passed on to some of his runners.

A thumbs-up from trainer Brad Cox by text on Sunday confirmed Fulleffort emerged in good order from his victory in the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby on Saturday at Turfway Park, assuring himself a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate with the winner’s share of 100 points.

Fulleffort and Lorelei Lee, who won the Bourbonette Oaks for trainer Mike Maker to earn 50 points toward the Kentucky Oaks, would race on dirt for the first time at Churchill Downs on the first weekend in May.

NEW ORLEANS – Lord knows how many times Steve Asmussen has driven the 500 miles separating Fair Grounds Racecourse and Oaklawn Park. Every winter, back and forth, back and forth, between his strings at the two tracks.

The miles add up – hundreds of thousands – a man who has spent a lifetime consumed with horses still fiercely driven by work.

Who’s Hot

Incredibolt rebounded from his non-effort in the Grade 3 Holy Bull with a professional victory, albeit against modest company, in last Saturday’s Virginia Derby. He did go 2 for 2 at Churchill last year with a stakes victory and will now train up to the Kentucky Derby.

Chip Honcho

Colt by Connect – Miss My Rose, by Magician

Bred in Kentucky by Venneri Racing and Tony Fanticola ($210,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky summer yearling purchase by Lee Ackerley)