{"id":10655,"date":"2013-05-04T13:09:47","date_gmt":"2013-05-04T13:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=10655"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","slug":"oldbtb_99","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=10655","title":{"rendered":"Preview – Grade 1 Bluegrass Derby"},"content":{"rendered":"
By ITCH<\/b><\/div>\n
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Thousands of horses are bred every year in the Sim, and quite a bit of money spent, with one race in mind.<\/div>\n
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The Bluegrass Derby.<\/div>\n
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For many trainers, the race remains but an elusive dream. Many trainers will go their entire Sim careers and never get a horse to the Derby.<\/div>\n
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However, for the 18 trainers in Saturday’s Run for the Roses (two have two runners), a dream already has come true.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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So, let us sing one song for the old Kentucky home, for the old Kentucky home far away. It’s time for the Grade 1, $2 million Bluegrass Derby<\/b><\/i>, going a mile and a quarter on the first Saturday in May.<\/div>\n
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Four-time Trainer of the Year Texasace<\/i> is one of two trainers who have doubled up on their Derby dreams. He and Otto Haack have two horses running. To show the great difficulty of getting to the Derby, this will be Texasace’s first time to run a horse in the race on his own. “Unbelievable as it seems, with some of the success I’ve had at the game, I’ve never had an entry in the Derby personally,” Texasace said. “I’ve got two entries in this year’s Derby, my first entries solo if memory serves me correctly. I was part of Super in 2005 or 2006? Whatever year we (they) won their first Derby.” The first of Texasace’s two colts in the race is YOU AND TEQUILA<\/b>, who was named for a song by country singer Kenny Chesney. This bay son of Bernardini earned his chance by winning the Grade 1 California Derby Lock Prep in very impressive fashion. You and Tequila set a new stakes record in the California Derby with a speed figure of 111. In that race, You and Tequila was away slowly but was able to cut down to the rail right away, saving ground around the first turn. He started picking up horses toward the end of the backstretch then started really moving around the turn. Fourth at the head of the lane, You and Tequila was flying. He came running and got Given’s KARUKAZA, much to the chagrin of that GR Simsters stalwart. Given believes his colt would have had a real shot in the Derby, and if that’s true, then what kind of shot does the horse have who beat his? Must be darn good. You and Tequila could not be more impressive. He’s won all but one of his seven career starts. The only time You and Tequila has been defeated was three back in the Grade 3 Giant Slayer Classic, and he may not have been 100 percent for that race. It was his first of his 3yo campaign after going undefeated as a 2yo. There is tons of pace to set it up for another late run by You and Tequila. This colt is not only a serious threat to win, he’s a serious threat to set a new Bluegrass Derby record. If he so much as moves up a point off that 111 in California, he’ll break the standing record of 111. “You and Tequila, he’s my hoss,” Texasace said. “He could be undefeated at this point. He did run a bad race in the Giant Slayer, but I’m willing to forgive that. He was off for about 45 days or so before that race. After the Grade 3 Pleasure Stakes in December, I planned for him to have three prep races leading up to the Derby. His other two prep races have been sensational, including 1:47 and change in the California Derby. I don’t think he’ll have any problems with 10 furlongs and I wouldn’t trade places with anyone else in the field.” Sound like a confident trainer? You bet. “This field is loaded, maybe one of the strongest Derby fields I’ve seen. That being said, if we get a clean trip with a little pace to run at, I like our chances.” You and Tequila will break from post 9 as the second choice in the field at 8-1. F. Gossett, who is a perfect two-for-two on this colt, returns to ride.<\/div>\n
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Another horse which is very nearly undefeated is Gowans<\/i>‘ WAY TOO COOL<\/b>. The only defeat on the record of this brown son of Tizway was in his very first race, when he ran second. Since then, there’s been no stopping Way Too Cool. Let’s have a look back at this colt’s six career races with the help of his trainer, Gowans of Blazing Saddles. “Debut-His only defeat came at 6 furlongs, where he was run down late. I was very happy with his run, knew he would be at least a solid listed stake or allowance horse. But, I thought he would be more of a middle distance horse. 2nd race-Bid him a maiden race at 7 furlongs to naturally progress him along. He opened up 3 lengths at the top of stretch, and was able to hold on to win by 1 3\/4, with his speed figure moving up 8 points, a very good sign. Although, this race made me think even more that he would not much past a mile. 3rd race-Bid him a NW2L allowance at a mile. He won pretty easy in a short field. This race did not blow me away though, his speed went down, not ususally a good sign. But, he still had done nothing wrong. 4th race-Another natural progression, on to an 8.5 furlong NW3L allowance. He beat another short field, but his speed jumped up 10 points from his last race. After this race I thought I might have a contender for at least some 8.5-9 furlong derby prep races. 5th race-I was faced with a dilemma, which race should I choose next for this colt? I wanted to keep him at 8.5 furlongs, so he waited on the sidelines for 7 weeks, and then it was on to face the big boys in the G3 Gary Asher. As a 14-1 longshot, he stalked the leader and won rather easily by 2 1\/4 lengths. His speed jumped up 12 points, after this race I knew I could have something special. 6th race-The final test, could he handle another 1\/2 furlong in a G1 derby lock? Yes, he won pretty easily again. This time, he surprisingly went gate to wire, something he had never done before.” Ben is right. Way Too Cool won the Wooden Indian in surprisingly easy fashion. This writer was very impressed with this colt even before that race, and even more so now. We have not yet seen the best of Way Too Cool. Ben had his first Derby runner last year with SOUTHERN MIGRATION, who was not a serious contender and ran last of 20. His second Derby runner is a ton more horse. Way Too Cool is the result of a very cheap claim of a mare belonging to rival Derby trainer Otto Haack back in 2010. Ben chose Tizway as the sire because he was a “powerful middle-distance hrose who won a Grade 1 at a mile and at nine furlongs on the NYRA circuit.” The result is a colt who is nearly undefeated, and looks to have every chance in the 2013 Bluegrass Derby. “In only my fifth year of playing, I am thrilled to have a Derby favorite going into the race,” Gowans said. While Way Too Cool certainly fits the profile of a betting favorite, he’ll break from post 16 at the very generous price of 16-1. I am sure Gowans was shocked to see that large of a number placed on his horse. Regular rider G. Owans returns to ride, who is a perfect two-for-two on this colt. At 16-1, he may be the best bet in the Derby.<\/div>\n
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In an incredibly talented Derby field, it is quite an achievement indeed for a horse to be the highest earner. That’s the impressive resume of HAACK’S DUKE<\/b>, the first of two Derby runners trained by Otto Haack<\/i> of Hispano Parlante. This chestnut son of Pulpit has earned $1.33 million, more than any other Derby runner. The lion’s share of that total was garnered last out in the Grade 1 Sand Castle Derby Lock Prep. In that race, Haack’s Duke was away in good order, racing third around the first turn in the three path. Down the backstretch, Haack’s Duke sat a perfect trip in the garden spot, third behind two dueling leaders. He bided his time down the backstretch, then split those two frontrunners on the turn for home. By the head of the stretch, Haack’s Duke was in front and going away. Two late runners tried to make a run at him, but Haack’s Duke was comfortably clear and won by a length and a half. The rain was falling on that rich day in Dubai. The Sand Castle was contested over a good track. So, that makes Haack’s Duke 1-1 on an off track, with earnings of $1.2 million. However, the weatherman says there is zero chance of precipitation on Derby day, so Haack’s Duke will have to prove he can do it on a fast track. This horse shows the stalking style of running which often is perfect for the Derby. We can expect him to sit just off an expected hot pace and make his move on the turn for home. Whatever happens in the Derby can only add to the joy which Otto Haack experienced on March 30. In what has to be one of the best days any Sim trainer ever had, Otto won two lock preps on the same day. Not only did Haack’s Duke win the Sand Castle, but his EL QUERREQUERRE won the Florida Derby. Buena suerte to this leading member of Hispano Parlante on Derby day. Regular rider OA Haack is back aboard for his third straight ride on this colt, who breaks from post 5 and is an obvious overlay at 23-1.<\/div>\n
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Like many trainers in here, Selurvinek<\/i> of the Minnesota Testbarn Residency will have his first Derby runner. GIMLET NEAT<\/b> is a brown son of the Japanese sire Tanino Gimlet, who is the subject of a thread on the main message board by Whirlwind, aka Dr. Dipper Lip, aka a member of the powerful Super Stables. The Supers won the Derby last year with another son of Tanino Gimlet, RAS EL HANOUT. Can Gimlet Neat make it two years in a row for progeny of Tanino Gimlet? His trainer thinks so. Selurvinek believes he has his colt set up perfectly for a huge run at the roses. “Gimlet Neat is my very first Derby runner and I expect a good showing,” he said. “After blitzing the G3 Legoland, I knew I might have my first Derby runner. I decided to use the Asher as a prep for the Arkansas Juvenile, so I set his effort at 92. He ran fairly well but was wrapped up late. The Arkansas Juvenile was his big test and he passed with flying colors. I expect for him to take another step forward in the Bluegrass Derby as this is his second start off a prep. He should be on or near the lead for the Derby, and hopefully he can hold off the deep closers this year.” Out of Selurvinek’s ultra-successful 12yo Kingmambo mare ICY MAMBO, Gimlet Neat was meant to be a turf runner. His first six career races all were on the grass. He was good on the turf, winning two of those six starts, including a victory in a non-graded stake. But glory was waiting on the main track. “When I bred Gimlet Neat I was hoping for a turf sprinter, as his dam threw a Grade 1 turf sprinter. I rarely use Japanese sires but when he was bred, I decided to try a few out in the Sim. After the dam produced the Grade 1 winner NATIVE MAMBO, I expected a lot from her. She sort of disappointed me with her recent progeny, so I took a flyer using Tanino Gimlet.” Some flyer that turned out to be. “At the beginning of the year, I decided I wanted a Derby runner,” Selurvinek said, “so I took my three turf stakes winners and tried them on dirt. I expected the most out of HOT AND WILD, my multiple graded winning turf horse. I also tried SWAG DADDY on the dirt. Both probably should go back to turf, and maybe Gimlet will try a big turf race down the line, but right now the main goal in the Bluegrass Derby.” D. Givins, who piloted Gimlet Neat to his front-running victory in Arkansas, returns to ride. He’ll break from post 13.<\/div>\n
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Now comes the second of Otto Haack’s<\/i> two Derby runners. EL QUERREQUERRE<\/b> is a chestnut son of Giant’s Causeway who is named for a bird, a magpie with mostly green plumage. As stated in this column before the Florida Derby, this little bird can fly! Didn’t he ever in Florida, earning his way to Simulated Louisville with a front-running victory. In the Florida Derby, El Querrequerre broke third inside a wall of dueling speed horses. With a number of speedballs in the race, he got no favors from the pace but won anyway. By the halfway point, he put away all the other speed and drew out to a considerable lead. He was up by 3 1\/2 lengths at the head of the lane, and had enough left in the tank to hold off the charging SIMBESTO and earn his entry in the Bluegrass Derby. Coupled with the victory by Haack’s Duke in the Sand Castle, the day of March 30, 2013, will forever be remembered by Hispano Parlante. It’s hard to imagine a better day than winning two lock preps. “I can’t believe that I won two Derby lock races,” Otto said afterward. “When I woke up Sunday, I think I was dreaming, lol. I’m really, really happy, you don’t know how!” El Querrequerre handicaps very well in the Derby based on the fact that he’s already defeated several of his rivals. He beat both Simbesto and JUST GOOD ENOUGH in Florida. He also beat PRESPECTOR in the Risen Star Stakes. Like Gimlet Neat, El Querrequerre began his career on the turf but has really flourished since switching to dirt. His first three races were on turf. Since then, he’s won five in a row on the main track! This is an extremely talented colt who has only gotten better as he’s stretched out and climbed the class ladder. He ran a huge 112 speed figure two back while capturing the Risen Star. Jockey J. Selden climbs aboard for the first time, and he’ll break from post 10 at 15-1. Don’t be surprised if you see El Querrequerre in serious contention late in the Bluegrass Derby. This little bird can fly!\u00a0<\/div>\n
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The beauty of horseracing is that you never know what’s going to happen when they load those horses into the gate. Representing Empire State Racing, Cadet <\/i>never had been to the Derby despite playing since the game began. Robby is a popular Sim veteran, having played the game for 14 years now. Little did he know when RECONDITE CADET<\/b> loaded into the gate as the longest shot in the field in the Corkscrew that he was about to enjoy the thrill of a Simulated lifetime. His bay son of Dynaformer was away midpack in seventh. He had a decent trip around the first turn in the three-path, then ran nice and easy in the two path down the backstretch. He started moving on entry into turn for home, and swung four wide, bursting into lead in upper stretch. He ran to glory and a trip to the Bluegrass Derby. “It was very exciting,” Cadet said. “There was jumping, fist pumping, screaming and an audible, ‘I’m going to the Derby, baby!’ ” Since then, Cadet has been having a great time talking about the Derby in the chat room. He likes to tell his own story so let’s cut Robby loose. “I don’t like my chances. I have a feeling 9f is his preferred distance and is getting wheeled back awfully quick. Others in the field have more race experience and have already proven more on the race track. Recondite is truly honored to be in the starting gate. He is still lightly raced and is moving in the right direction. I felt the same way prior to the Corkscrew… He earned a shot in the race so we will give it our best effort. If I had to select a real Derby horse he reminds me off it would be Orb. Lightly raced, a little slower on the fig scale, but won the big prep when asked. He is named after an alliteration of my first name Robby. When creating a profile on another site I thought it would be wise to create an alliteration to make my name stick out. I search “r” adjectives and liked Recondite: secret, deep, little know… so he is sorta living up to his name right now. I bred him with the intentions of shooting for the stars. I was able to get a Dynaformer share toward the end of last year and with it being his last year at simulated stud I wanted to shoot for the heavens. The old Yoss sim site was still up and functional and used his information to check for Sire\/Dam sire combinations and decided early on Dyna X Deputy Minister, once I was able to nail down those two line it was merely a quick looks at Final Exit who recently had beat older mares in the Breeders Bowl. She is Dynaformer out of a Seeking The Gold mare, and I wanted something similar. Fun little sim fact… the closest I came to a Bluegrass Derby before this year was in 2001 when I bred original pool unbridled mare to Seeking the Gold and created “Spacey”. Spacey won the G3 Gray Asher and a solid 5th in the Corkscrew. Took me 12 years but was nice to get a win in that prep with a family member of Seeking the Gold. He was bred with every intention of cooking up something special (but aren’t most of them?) I was very pleased when he won FTO sprinter by open lengths and thought maybe I had something. He quickly became my top 2 yr old. I purchased a two turn allowance race and saw he close nicely to hit a 90 speed fig. I thought to myself YES THIS IS IT! So for his next race I wanted to reward myself with something special on Christmas day and though nothing would be better than to see this colt cruise home in a n2l. I purchased the race and stretched him out to 8.5f only to see my dreams dashed away. As a 3\/2 favorite he dropped back to last and was pulled up. I sent him to the farm and gave him a full two months to recover. His first race back was another n2l but back at a mile, again he ran well breaking a 90 fig again, but falling short running second by 2. At this point I already had my Derby dreams focused on Sand Castle Derby runner Trappe Cadet. But the SIM racing gods may shine light in the oddest places when you have your eyes open. I was checking entries the week of 3\/23 for another 3 yr old colt of mine Delphi Cadet. He was sharp just two weeks after an impressive 7f alw win. When to my amazement I found that Zampatelo purchased a g2 race and it was filled with suspect characters. I didn’t think either Recondite or Delphi was g2 material, but when opportunity knocks you better answer the door. Delphi was one of the favorites and to be honest Recondite was an afterthought. At 11\/1 RC made a strong move around the far turn to come within a head of the lead, but wound up hanging, but held on for second. My initial thought was to send him to the Peter Pan. The following week was Sand Castle week, Trappe Cadet finished a strong, but disappointing 5th and with it my Derby hopes, but wait… Given, Frank, and Bamstables were in the chat talking about another upcoming Derby Lock. I had a colt who has enough stakes points to get into any prep he wanted, so as a last ditch effort I entered Recondite in the Corkscrew. I wanted to race against Given, Bamstables, and Taylors Town… I didn’t think I had a shot so I might as well like who I’m running against. The rest is simulated history. My personal Derby record as a trainer is 14 years 0 starters. Horse I would most like to see win if mine can’t is Bamstables and Hunt Blinding. She runs a moderate stable of only 13 stables and is finding great success with solid sires (Belong To Me and Colonel John). I plan on spending my derby with friends celebrating their daughter’s 1 year birthday, but you can be damn sure I’m bringing my laptop to watch the Bluegrass live… I can’t even begin to think how I will have to explain why its so important to get on line at 3pm, but screw them for judging me. I’ll just tell them I have a gambling problem and I had to place another Derby bet!” Jockey L. Snyder, who guided Recondite to his upset win in the Corkscrew, will attempt to do his best impression of Calvin Bo-Rail, breaking from post 1 at the longshot price of 25-1. Don’t think his longshot status is going to bother Robby’s horse.<\/div>\n
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Another chat-room regular with an unlikely entrant in the Bluegrass Derby is Masterm<\/i>, who travels all the way from Australia with PAPA JOE<\/b>. This brown son of Monsun sat on the bubble for several days as the 14th and final qualifier in the All Saints Derby Lock Prep. Proving once again that the chat room is lucky, nobody else entered and Papa Joe got to run. Did he ever! Papa Joe won the All Saints going away to earn his trip to Simulated Louisville. “In all honesty, Papa Joe was never ever a consideration for the Derby until the week of the All Saints,” Matt admitted. “All my other Derby shots had crashed and burned, and he was my last shot.” With only 14 stakes points at the time, Papa Joe needed luck to give Matt his one last shot. “I was checking entries every day right up until the race was drawn. I was praying that no more horses would enter as he was in the spot for around 2-3 days.” In the All Saints, Papa Joe broke fifth and was two wide around the first turn. Positioned just outside Prespector the whole trip, he advanced with that fellow Derby runner and passed him at the head of the stretch. Papa Joe accelerated through the lane and won his trip to Simulated Louisville with a gigantic 113 speed figure. “Winning that lock race was very surprising, not so much that he won the race but that he did it so very easily,” Matt said. “I always thought before the race that if he ran the route trip he would be hard to beat, (maybe thats owner biased) … After the race and how he won it made me thinking of the Bluegrass Derby straight away and what type of chances Papa had in that race. I rewatched the race around 15 times to see if he would get 10f, I dont think that helped as I still have no idea if he will get 10f. It’s always worrying when you have a horse so brilliant at 8-9f that he will be as good at 10f so I have my fingers crossed come Derby day.” Papa Joe is one of three entries from the Queensland Racecourse residency in the Derby. He is named for Matt’s great grandfather. “Unfortunately, he died the same day I was born, so I have only heard stories of what type of person he was. Papa Joe is a tribute to the man he was.” Jockey J. Wilson, who rode Papa Joe to his big win in the All Saints, returns to ride again. He’ll break from post 15 at 13-1.<\/div>\n
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Mano’s<\/i> SIMBESTO <\/b>will enter the Bluegrass Derby as the top-ranked colt who did not win a Derby Lock Prep. It was not for lack of trying. This brown son of More Than Ready came flying late in the Florida Derby and was only beaten a quarter length for all the money. Had he gotten up, Mano’s classy colt already would have more than $1 million earnings. As it is, he enters the Derby with $950,000 in the bank. In the Florida Derby, Simbesto was away slowly, in ninth, and conserved energy in the early stages while he drifted 6 1\/2 lengths back. He commenced his run at the halfway point and burst through a wall of fading frontrunners on the turn for home. He came flying wide in the lane to almost get the money, and finished more than two lengths clear of the third-place horse. He ran a very good race which should prepare him nicely for the big race Saturday. “I think the race sets up well for him,” Mano said. “He should be about six lengths out at five furlongs and start his kick at the head of the stretch. If he is too far back, he will be passed by one of the monster chargers. If he is too close to the front, he will probably wait too long to start his kick.” They must preach modesty at Pastures of Green. Simbesto is the monster closer in the Derby! “It’s a great field, and anyone could take this race,” Mano said. “I worry about the entries, and I worry about some of the great trainers. Can’t really try and guess what folks are going to do and will just run my race. But, I worry anyway. Man, it is a big race, eh?” Yes it is Mano, and might I say? You are conducting yourself with the high class befitting such a prestigious event. Surely the wisdom comes with experience. “I have had four or five Derby runners, no winners, and never one that I felt this good about,” Mano said. “He has been telling me since his first race that he wanted more distance — well, here’s your distance.” Mano believes in his colt, and win or lose on Saturday, followers of the Sim Triple Crown can plan on seeing Simbesto in both the Middle Jewel and the New Yorker. “I plan on showing up for the second leg, in any event,” he said. “And the third leg. I always tell people that this is a difficult game, but it really gets tough when you have a good horse — partly because the difference between a good horse and a great horse is the quality of the trainer.” For Mano, a grandfather of seven, the Bluegrass Derby will be a family affair. “They have all watched races with me,” said Mano. “But I have one granddaughter (age 5) who walks in the door and says ‘let’s watch races.’ I hope we have a good day.” Thanks for the racing wisdom, Mano, and for setting an example for all Sim trainers to follow. Here is one writer who hopes you have a good day, too. As he has for his last three races in a row, Simbesto is drawn wide again, though to an extreme degree this time. He’ll break widest of all from post 20 at 15-1. Regular rider W. McClendon returns for his fourth race aboard Simbesto. So far, in three races with this colt, McCledon is 3:1-1-1.<\/div>\n
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Our second millionaire in the Bluegrass Derby is Dundey’s<\/i> LEFT SIDE STRONG<\/b>, the runner-up finisher in last year’s Breeder’s Bowl Juvenile. While all the runners previewed so far are in very good form, the opposite is true for this brown son of Street Boss. As often happens in the Sim, a brilliant juvenile campaign has not translated into success as a 3yo. After running second on last year’s Bluegrass Derby undercard in the Grade 3 Television Stakes, Left Side Strong went on to an exceptional 2yo season. He won the Grade 1 Sparkling Wine Stakes, and nearly translated that into a Breeders Bowl victory, beating all but Dixie’s TAYLOR’S TOWN in the BB Juvenile. After a close-up third-place run in the Grade 1 Jersey Derby in December, Left Side Strong’s form has fallen apart. He was a well-beaten 13th last out in the Grade 2 Land’s End, and will need a gigantic reversal of form to even finish in the top half of the field in the Derby. Unfortunately, this is the second year in a row this type of thing has happened to Dundey, representing The Minnesota Testbarn Residency. “Left Side Strong comes into this race trying to re-find his way, not something you really want to say as a trainer heading into the biggest 3yo race of the year!,” Dundey said. “But such is the fate I find myself in for the second straight year. I had 2 YO Eclipse award winner BOLTON VALLEY in last year’s Derby. His form was off to start out his 3 YO season, but was a decent second and fourth heading into the Derby. He finished 19th. And has really never been the same since.” Here’s hoping a better fate awaits Left Side Strong, who showed his class before his form went bad. “Left Side Strong, although not winning 2 year old Eclipse honors, was at least in the extended conversation! \u00a0However his 3 year old numbers have not been good to say the least. \u00a0Of three 2013 starts, he’s hit the board in two allowance races, but ran 13th in a G3 last out. To put a positive spin on things, part of his issue (maybe all!) has been his trainer. Looking for that spark, I’ve tried running him on turf and in a sprint and have also played with the jockey settings in the last couple starts. Didn’t work! For the big one on Saturday, everything goes back to the way in was at 2! He’s rested and sharp, so we’ll be hoping for the best. To be honest, I think my real chance for glory on Saturday lies with my filly, GO ON AND ON, who will be running in the Oaks.” Perhaps Dundey’s colt can rejuvenate himself by remembering what he was named for. “The movie ‘Remember the Titans’ was the inspiration for Left Side Strong,” Dundey said. “The star defensive players have a saying in the movie, ‘Left Side – Strong Side.’ My daughter played high school soccer and lacrosse and was left forward and left attack, respectively, and that movie is one of our favorites. The ‘Left Side – Strong Side’ rally became something that she and I would always say before and during games. She now plays college lacrosse and I don’t see her as much, so I thought it would be a great name for a horse.” Considering his current form and recent speed figures, Left Side Strong will go to post as the longest shot in the 2013 Bluegrass Derby at 32-1. Despite having been up the track with him twice, jockey P. Haynes returns for another ride.<\/div>\n
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Houseriot’s<\/i> RAM N RAID<\/b> has been a serious player in the Bluegrass Derby picture all year. This chestnut son of Smart Strike introduced himself back in January with an impressive performance in the Grade 2 Three Kings Handicap. That race caught this writer’s eye when previewing the Grade 1 Vermont Is 4 Lovers in February. Ram N Raid had easily overcome a tough trip in the Three Kings to win easily. Before the Vermont race, Nextbonus Bill, trainer of another Derby runner, JUST GOOD ENOUGH, got a little perturbed with me when I told him one too many times that I thought Ram N Raid was the horse to beat in Vermont. There were a lot of good horses in that race, but for once, this writer was right. Ram N Raid was the best of a very good lot, closing from fifth to take that Grade 1 in impressive fashion again. At that point, Ram N Raid looked like he might be the best 3yo colt on the Simulated planet. Since then, a third-place run in the Wooden Indian has cast a little doubt on that appraisal. Still, Ram N Raid has earned respect from the CPU”s handicapping system. Most of the runners in the Bluegrass Derby share the same light shade of yellow in the bar to the right. Only one is orange, that’s Lenny’s EVIL SUNRISE. Four have a darker shade of mustard yellow: Ram N Raid, You and Tequila, PRESPECTOR and HUNTING BLIND. Ram N Raid is going to have to run better than he did in the Wooden Indian, when he was defeated by Way Too Cool and SWAGU, but his Australian trainer keeps his confidence. “Given he did so well in winning the Vermont Is 4 Lovers, I am hoping for another good effort in the Derby, and I think a lot of it will depend on whether he can get the extra distance.” Indeed, the 10 furlongs of the Bluegrass Derby is uncharted territory for every single runner, every year. Nobody knows who’s going to get the distance, or who is not. We’re not going to know until Saturday afternoon. This year’s Derby is loaded with immense talent, and I challenge anyone to predict a winner. This writer has been covering the Derby prep races all year long, and I have no idea whatsoever who is going to win. There are a couple of the runners in poor form who you might take a position against, but picking a winner? Good luck. One thing is for sure. If Ram N Raid wins, it will be one of the more ironic victories in the history of the Sim. Why is that? Because as an Australian, Houseriot had almost no knowledge of the Bluegrass Derby before this year. He did not know it was run on the first Saturday in May, and did not even know where Louisville was located. It’s ironic that American trainers spend their careers hoping to make the Derby, and an Australian trainer makes the race without any plans of doing so at all. Houseriot is looking for an improved run off his colt’s third-place run in his most recent race. “Last time out he was battling away OK, but seemed to be lacking a bit of spark, so hopefully he bounces back. I don’t have huge expectations. It is just nice to have my first-ever runner in the race.” Ram N Raid was named in the same style as his graded-winning dam, SMASH N GRAB. “His sire, Smart Strike, kind of fit into the same theme in a way,” Houseriot said. “I decided to use Smart Strike because his dam was free of Mr. Prospector and I don’t usually like doing too much close inbreeding. He has a 2yo half-brother by Medaglia D’Oro who is yet to make his debut.” Jockey K. Hellestrae, who was aboard for Ram N Raid’s third-place run in the Wooden Indian, returns to ride. He’ll break from post 6 at 12-1.<\/div>\n
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Texasace’s<\/i> second entry in the Derby is not as well-regarded by the four-time Trainer of the Year as the first. CANDY PEGASUS<\/b>, a brown son of Candy Ride, has lost his way somewhat after a brilliant juvenile campaign. A deep closer, Candy Pegasus came flying from 10th and 10 lengths back in September of last year to win the Grade 1 North Fork Stakes. He followed that up with another late run on Breeder’s Bowl day to pick up third in the Juvenile, then missed all the money in the Grade 1 Jersey Derby by only a quarter length. With those three terrific races, Candy Pegasus had earned enough stakes points to assure himself a place in the Bluegrass Derby come May. Texasace was afforded the luxury of bringing his colt to Simulated Louisville in any way he saw fit. Alas, that luxury has turned into two subpar preps for the Derby that cast this colt into a longshot’s role on Saturday. “He had a great 2yo campaign, but has really struggled this year,” Texasace admitted. “This plan was two prep races and they’ve gone horribly wrong.” It looked like Texasace was pointing for the Florida Derby when he ran Candy Peg in a non-graded stake in Florida going 9.5 furlongs in February. However, the colt fell farther behind than he ever had in a non-descript field of eight, and never fired. He lollygagged it home in fourth, beaten 11 lengths. The disappointing effort threw a sense of panic into the training pride of the Del Penn residency. Texasace entered Candy Peg in the Florida Derby, but must have been nervous. Maybe it was the Florida track he didn’t like? On the day entries were to be drawn, Texasace scratched Candy Peg from the Florida Derby and instead shipped his colt all the way to Dubai to run in the Sand Castle on an off track. The result was shockingly bad. Candy Peg ran by far the worst race of his life, even worse than the dismal fourth-place effort in the non-graded stake. He struggled home 11th, beaten almost 12 lengths. Now, Texasace ships back to the United States to give Candy Peg the shot in the Derby which he earned last year. “Some people will wonder why he’s entered,” Texasace said. “He’s earned it and qualifies, simple as that. If the Derby goes bad, he’s back to sprinting. Keeping our fingers crossed!” Despite his two lousy prep races, a rebound is not completely out of the question for this classy colt. You can make excuses for both of those failures. Maybe he did not like the off track in Dubai last out. Maybe he just wasn’t ready to fire in the first race off a long layoff two back. This is his third race back off a layoff, and a bit of creative handicapping might say he can snap back to his former self on Saturday. However, when the four-time Trainer of the Year tells you that he likes his other horse a lot better, that carries a lot of weight. He’ll go to post as the second-longest shot in the field at 29-1. Jockey H. Harzheim returns to ride despite having no luck at all in the Sand Castle. He’ll break from post 12.<\/div>\n
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Our next runner has won two in a row, yet carries some strong similarities to Candy Pegasus. THE COOLEST<\/b>, a brown son of More Than Ready, is trained by one of the Sim’s best players, Given<\/i> of the GR Simsters. Like Texasace, Given has long dominated at the highest levels of derbyfever.com. Also like Texasace, Given has another 3yo which he thinks is superior to a colt he has in the Derby. (This is an obvious indicator of the strength of these two outfits, to make the Derby with colts that they consider their second string.) One major difference? Texasace’s preferred 3yo is sitting at the top of the Derby qualifying list. Given’s preferred 3yo, on the other hand, is sitting on the sidelines. Dan has said that he believes his KARUKAZA is the fastest horse not in the Derby field, and he’s probably right. He got beat in the California Derby in very fast time, and would be a serious contender in the Bluegrass Derby. It’s tough to miss the race with a colt you believe would have had a serious chance to win. As it is, Given will have to accept the challenge and make missing the Derby a blessing in disguise for Karukaza. He’ll be pointing toward the Middle Jewel with that one. However, this paragraph is not about Karukaza. It’s about The Coolest, who will be stretching out a full two furlongs in the Derby. “The biggest question mark that The Coolest will have to face in the Derby is his ability to get the mile and a quarter distance,” Given said. “He is all class — out of a Grade 1 winning AP Indy mare and is a Grade 1 winner himself. The fact that he had the points for the Derby as a 2yo allowed me to prep him in an ideal fashion for the race, and his form is excellent, winning two straight. Both those races were at a mile, however, and his Grade 1 win was at a mile and a sixteenth. So really, on May 4 it will be all about the distance. His sire says he won’t get the distance, and his dam’s proclivities say he won’t get the distance, but in this game, you never know. Good luck to all the contenders!” The Coolest showed his class in December in winning the Grade 1 Jersey Derby, a race in which he defeated two of his rivals in the Derby, Candy Pegasus and Left Side Strong. When second in February in the Grade 3 Good Cow, The Coolest also defeated another Derby rival, Haack’s Duke. So, this colt has shown he can handle himself in this company. It’s hard to believe a guy could win the Bluegrass Derby with his second-best 3yo, but smart money never would count out the Fire and Blood Stables. Jockey N. Lawton accepts his first mount aboard The Coolest. He’ll break from post 7 at 17-1.<\/div>\n
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GONNA BE TROUBLE<\/b> is a hard horse to figure. This brown son of Dynaformer has turned in some top efforts in top-class competition, but also shows two Grade 1 clunkers that are going to erode the confidence of any Simulated handicapper. First, the good news. Gonna Be Trouble is a Grade 1 winner. He captured the End of the Line Futurity in October of last year over this Kentucky track. The 128 stakes points earned with that Grade 1 triumph were enough to guarantee him a spot in the Bluegrass Derby. After that race, MTK <\/i>of the Blazing Saddles residency entered the Breeder’s Bowl Juvenile with confidence. Now, the bad news: His colt went off as one of the favorites, but flopped, struggling home in 12th. Then, more good news! Gonna Be Trouble’s poor race on Breeder’s Bowl day did not seem to bother him one bit. He bounced right back, winning a non-graded rezzie stake next out, then running the best race of his life two back in the Grade 3 Scam. By then, MTK was establishing Gonna Be Trouble as a West Coast horse. He ran his third of four consecutive races over the California track, and took off with a second-place finish and the best speed figure of his life, 105. As if foreshadowed by his name however, there was Gonna Be Trouble in the California Derby Lock Prep. Just as he had in the Breeder’s Bowl Juvenile, MTK’s colt flopped again, struggling home in 11th, beaten 12 lengths. So, this Blazing Saddles colt comes into the Derby with a very ugly running line in his most recent race. It was not going to keep one of the Blazing Saddles kingpins from taking his Run for the Roses. “He has been very uneven this year but I will not pass a Derby chance,” MTK said, “since anything has happened over the years. Gotta be in it to be trouble.” At first, MTK had no Derby intentions at all with this colt, but has since adjusted his appraisal. “Early in his career I was thinking he might be a sprinter, but then he won the Grade 1 and proved me wrong. He threw a bomb in the BB but rebounded nicely to propel me to a rez day win in our mirror meet training title.” There are others in here who appear far more likely to win, including fellows Blazing Saddles member Gowans’ fine colt Way Too Cool, but so what? So what if Gonna Be Trouble drops another bomb? It won’t shake the confidence of this colt, nor his trainer. He’ll go off at 20-1 from post 14 and have the services of his regular rider, T. Kelly.<\/div>\n
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A dream already has come true for Ray, aka Reman12000<\/i>, a member of the GR Simsters. SWAGU <\/b>made the Derby! This brown son of Discreetly Mine has made a career-long hope come to fruition for this very small operator. Ray is not your typical GR Simsters trainer. Unlike kingpins Lenny, Given or Willyam, he has very few stables. Only two! “I’ve been in the Sim since 2003 or 2004 and never had too many stables,” Ray said. “Two or three were more than enough for me. My goal when I joined the Sim was to have a Derby runner. I thought that would be so cool, but after a few months of playing, I realized how hard that would be. I realized how hard it would be to even win a regular stakes race. Now, about 10 years later, I’ve won every type of race from maiden claimer to Grade 1.” Little did Ray know the monster he was making when he bred Swagu. “I never thought he would be a Derby runner,” Ray admitted. “I was just hoping for a decent runner, maybe basic stakes quality and was thinking sprinter.” Swagu made his debut early in his juvenile season, winning at first asking in March 2012. Then, confirming Ray’s report that he was thinking sprinter, he cut back in distance from six furlongs to only five to clear his initial allowance condition next out. Swagu reeled off five straight victories to begin his career, including triumphs in two Grade 3 races in Argentina. The only poor race Swagu ever has run broke that five-race winning streak, when he was ninth in last year’s Breeder’s Bowl Juvenile. No matter. Swagu rebounded with a close-up fourth-place run in the Grade 3 Sam’s Town Delta Jackpot, then really started running. That race began a string of four-straight top quality starts, all with triple-digit speed figures. Swagu has proven himself to be a very consistent, hard-trying runner. He earned his way into the Bluegrass Derby with 64 stakes points last out when second in the Grade 1 Wooden Indian Lock Prep. In that race, Swagu was caught wide the entire trip and still had the energy to pass three horses in the stretch to get up and earn his trip to the Bluegrass Derby. In doing so, he outran the very impressive Ram N Raid in the stretch. He did what he had to do, as he has done time and again in his career. Can he do it again in the Derby? He’ll break from post 11 at 14-1. C. Winter is back aboard after guiding Swagu to his critical second-place finish in the Wooden Indian. “This is the first year I’ll have a horse running in the Derby and I think he has a shot to do real well. He’s got the figures and running style. I’m definitely looking forward to the first Saturday in May, not only for this race, but it’s also my birthday the same day.” Happy birthday Ray, and congratulations on making your Sim dream come true.<\/div>\n
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When EVIL SUNRISE<\/b> won the Grade 2 Land’s End over this Kentucky track in March, Lenny <\/i>telephoned fellow GR Simsters kingpin Given and said, “Guess who’s going to win the Derby?” Such is the confidence that Lenny has in this bay son of Pivotal. Despite qualifying down here in the 15th position, this is your favorite for the 2013 Bluegrass Derby. He’ll go off at 7-1, shortest price in the field. By way of comparison, Gimlet Neat, the horse who beat him in the Arkansas Derby, will go off at double the odds at 14-1. Evil Sunrise is the only horse in the field with an orange capper bar. Clearly, the CPU always has loved this colt. Back in March when this writer previewed the Land’s End, I was shocked to see Evil Sunrise go to post as the 5-1 favorite. Since when does the CPU make a morning line based on a trainer’s reputation? I wondered. After all, it had taken Evil Sunrise four tries to clear his initial allowance condition. In the hands of a mortal Sim trainer, the gigantic leap from an N2L allowance win to a Grade 2 would inspire little confidence. But yet, in the clutches of the Evil Empire, the horse goes to post as the favorite and wins going away. Since then, Evil Sunrise has earned his way to Simulated Louisville by running second in the Arkansas Derby Lock Prep. The CPU remains impressed, with the capper bar and the morning line naming him as the best horse in the Derby. Still a skeptic? Remain so at your own risk, and be prepared to be touched by evil. L. Radzinski is back aboard, breaking down on the inside from post 2. “I’ve had a few in the Derby before, but this one might be my best shot to win,” said the ghost of George Steinbrenner, errr, I mean, Lenny. “The mare gave me a Travelers winner so distance shouldn’t be a problem. The pedigree says it should be a turf horse, but you know how much that means here. We’ll see what happens, but I’m glad to have a live one as my crop has been terrible this year in general. It should be a blast!”<\/div>\n
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Speaking of trainer plays, a reasonable Sim handicapper would take a long look at TEARS OF FIRE<\/b>, based on the fact that the Super Stables<\/i> have won the Bluegrass Derby twice, and just last year with RAS EL HANOUT. However, this light gray son of Street Cry comes into the Derby with poor form. He’s been off the board in three straight now, and the Super Stables are keeping mum on his chances. Normally unafraid of the spotlight, Whirlwind has remained unusually quiet about this colt. The Supers were one of only a couple of Derby trainers who did not respond to our message board request for PMs on their horses. That can’t be a good sign. If the erstwhile Dr. Dipper Lip had a live horse in the Derby, he might even go so far as to put on a fake moustache and make a Youtube video about the horse. Instead, nothing. The doctor always keeps a bottle of whiskey around, because “in victory you deserve it, and in defeat you need it.” That bottle might be nearly empty by now after this colt’s disappointing prep races. After running second in the Grade 2 If I Don’t Win This I’m Glue, Tears of Fire has disappointed in three straight races. He’s been off the board in the Vermont Is 4 Lovers, the Felipe Alou and the Corkscrew. It’s like the Supers kept looking for a good race out of Tears of Fire to inspire some confidence going into the Derby, but never found it. Instead, a handicapper is left to do some creative thinking to find a reason to think this colt might turn it around in the Derby. So, here goes. The horse does seem to show an affinity for the Kentucky oval. He won the Grade 2 Club Stakes back in December here, and ran a slightly improved race last out in the Corkscrew when fifth, but beaten only three and a half lengths. In his three disappointing races leading up to the Derby, Tears of Fire has at least finished closer to the front in his last two. Alas, the reality is that Tears of Fire is a play only for the staunchest of Super Stables supporters at 19-1. He’ll break from post 3, with faithful jockey J. Stivers returning to ride.<\/div>\n
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Balata’s<\/i> chat room buddies have been giving him a hard time leading up to the Derby, chiding him about the case of seconditis afflicting PRESPECTOR<\/b>. However, as students of the game of golf know, Jack Nicklaus not only holds the record for most victories in major tournaments, but also for the most second-place finishes. There is nothing to be ashamed about for finishing second. For those who don’t know, Balata, aka Rick, is an accomplished golfer. He has won the city championship in Calgary, Canada, seven times. He shoots rounds in the 60s like I shoot rounds in the 80s. Which is to say, often. The thing you need to know about Balata is that he is a tremendous competitor. He’s a champion, and makes a habit of winning, both on the golf course and in the Sim. Ribbing from his chat room buddies aside, Prespector is a horse to be respected. Sure, he’s run second a time or two, but he’s a consistent, hard-trying, high-class colt. We caught up with this affable chat room regular to see what he thinks about this brown son of Bernardini. “I really have no idea what to expect from PRE. The distance is a big question mark but it is with all the runners, I guess. Initially I wasn’t optimistic, but I tend to look at my horses’ worst-case scenarios while looking at the competition’s upside. Normally this paints my horses in a lesser light.” But he’s so consistent! Seven-for-seven in the exacta and never run a bad race. “Running back-to-back 110 speed figures has to be a positive. So I am hoping he can follow up with similar at 10 furlongs I’m just not sure his running style will put him on the top at the end. He runs close to the pace and looms but seems to lack a big kick.” One factor which may indicate that Prespector can get the distance is the fact that his dam has given a horse than can get the 10 furlongs. INSPECTOR, a 5yo mare by Street Cry, is a stakes winner at a mile and a quarter. “Yes, she seems her best at 10 furlongs and is decent at 12 furlongs.” So, even though Prespector has a case of seconditis, he’s not without a chance. “I’m hoping he improves as he has done in every start,” Balata said. “I’d say he definitely has the potential to win, but this field looks extremely competitive.” Balata will be out on the course when the Derby is run. “I just realized I won’t be able to see the Derby until Saturday evening. I have a golf tournament in the morning. I may take the laptop to the course so I can watch it as soon as I get finished. The Derby is much more important. The tourney is only our club’s season-opening fun event. I’ll take a Derby win and a last-place finish in golf,” he said. Prespector will go to post with well-earned respect from the morning line oddsmaker at 9-1, the third choice in the field. He’ll break from post 18 under jockey B. Scott. (What? No R. Heenan in the saddle?)<\/div>\n
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One of my oldest and best friends in the Sim is Nextbonus Bill<\/i>, who will represent the Queensland Racecourse with JUST GOOD ENOUGH<\/b>, a brown son of Corinthian. Now, Bill is from Chicago, which is a long way from Australia. However, the Windy City is indeed the Land Down Under. It’s under Canada! Having covered this colt twice this year, we have to admit that Bill gave us a case of the heebie-jeebies last out when he decided to dial back Just Good Enough in the Florida Derby. Convinced the jockey had moved too soon when fading to third in the Vermont Is 4 Lovers, Bill tinkered with the jockey settings and went with only an 80 percent effort and a .64 come-from-behind strategy. While Bill was rightly confident that he already had made the Derby field, I was nervous for him because I thought, what if his horse needs to run at least third in Florida to make the Derby. Once again, it turns out that I was wrong and Bill was right. Despite fading to eighth in the Florida Derby, the colt’s stakes point total of 117.5 was Just Good Enough to make the Derby. Bill’s reasoning in dialing back his horse’s effort in Florida was that if anything went wrong, he would save something for the first Saturday in May. Once again, I hope he is right. On the surface, it looks like Just Good Enough’s form is headed in the wrong direction. After winning the Grade 2 If I Don’t Win This I’m Glue in January, Just Good Enough regressed to be third in Vermont, then eighth in Florida. Yet, despite going the wrong way, he somehow still has arrived in Simulated Louisville on time for the Derby! For the big race, Bill is going back to jockey select and all out. Jockey F. Oxon, who rode the horse to victory three back in the If I Don’t Win This I’m Glue, returns to ride. He’ll break from post 8 at 16-1. It’s no wonder Nextbonus played it cool coming up the the Derby. He’s been here before. “Just Good Enough will be my fourth Derby starter,” Bill said. “ICE AGE PREDATOR and HALF A WORLD AWAY both finished up the track. YOU SEE LA finished second, the highest finish ever by a filly. She went on to win the Middle Jewel and finish third in the New Yorker.” Nextbonus admits that Just Good Enough’s most recent race has him worried. “Prior to his last race, I felt he had a good shot to win the Bluegrass Derby. Now I have serious doubts. I can’t explain his poor performance in the Florida Derby. It may be because I screwed around with his speed settings prior to the race. I told the jock to take him farther off the pace and dialed back his effort to 80 from 100. He didn’t lift a hoof the entire trip. He came out of the race perfect. Was RTG already when he stepped off the track So the ‘effort’ took nothing out of him. I’ll let the jockey decide how to ride him in Kentucky. Perhaps his form cycle is spiraling downward. Or maybe he is simply not a Grade 1 mile and a quarter horse. But I’m hoping he just had a bad day and will bounce back to his old self. We will all find out Saturday.” Good luck Bill! You know this writer always is rooting for you.<\/div>\n
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Bizall’s<\/i> RIVER JACK CB<\/b> is back on the Bluegrass Derby card for the second year in a row. Last year, he was on the undercard. Now he’s in the main event! Representing the Minnesota Testbarn Residency, this brown son of Fusaichi Pegasus will look to make a habit of winning in Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. Last year, River Jack CB won the Grade 3 Television Stakes in only the second start of his career. Established as a graded winner right away, River Jack CB went on to a very successful 2yo campaign, capped by his victory in the Grade 2 Ransom in December. Before that, the colt was sixth in last year’s running of the Breeder’s Bowl Juvenile. However, like so many good 2yos, River Jack CB has struggled to duplicate that success as a 3yo. He has really, really struggled. Unfortunately, this colt brings some pretty ugly form into the Bluegrass Derby. He’s been well beaten in all three races of his 3yo season so far. To make matters worse, while several of the contenders in here have run 110 and higher, River Jack CB is the only colt in the field who has yet to crack the triple-digit speed figure. To date, his best number is only 99, earned while winning the aforementioned Grade 2 Ransom. He’s a deep closer, and like a lot of horses with that running style, he either fires or does not. Much to the chagrin of his trainer, he has not fired up at all yet this year. In his three most recent races, he’s been beaten a total of more than 30 lengths. It shows you how bad Candy Pegasus and Left Side Strong look that both of them have higher prices attached to them than this off-form colt. It will take a titanic form reversal for River Jack CB to reach contention in the Derby at 27-1. Bizalls knows all about it. “River Jack CB is off form or outclassed in the Derby, but since winning it is my only goal in the Sim, he will take a shot. My only previous Derby starter was MR JOHN CB in 2003, who finished seventh I believe, so it’s been 10 long years waiting for another shot.” There’s an old saying in horse racing: You can never tell another man what to do with his horse. Who’s to tell Bizalls that he should not run River Jack CB because of his poor form when he’s been waiting a decade to run in the race? Not me. Besides, I have a rooting interest in this horse. He is out of the beautiful, beautiful mare RIVER NICOLE, who has yield a horse named FORZA for this writer’s meager outfit. Since Bizalls has sent me good wishes regarding my horse, I will send him back the same for River Jack CB.<\/div>\n
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Finally, we get to the feel-good story of Bluegrass Derby 2013. It’s HUNTING BLIND<\/b>, the bay son of Colonel John who has become the darling of the chat room and the horse that everybody is rooting for because of Bammie<\/i>, his very likable trainer. Wow, what a tense few weeks it was leading up the Derby, as it was clear from early on that Hunting Blind was going to be right on the bubble for making the race. Well Bammie, you made it! Representing Empire State Racing, Bammie will make her first-ever appearance in the Bluegrass Derby. It was not so long ago that she never had won a graded race. Hunting Blind changed all that in the Grade 3 Buccaneer Derby, when he surprised even his trainer with a late-running victory. Then, last out in the Corkscrew, Hunting Blind was away slowly from outside No. 12 post. He only had one horse beaten going around the first turn, but lost no ground. Far back down the backstretch, he began to advance but still had a lot left to do at the head of the lane. He finished very strong to pass everybody but the winner, Recondite Cadet. It was a tremendous race for Bammie’s colt, who has survived an excruciating life on the bubble for making the Derby. Bammie entered right after the Corkscrew, and then everybody started rooting for her to make the race. “If I can get him in, yes,” she said a couple weeks ago. “But it would take a bit of luck for him to make the field. God speed, Hunting Blind!” God speed, indeed, and special thanks to three trainers who played roles in allowing Hunting Blind to run. Previously in this space, credit was given only to the great Dixie, who chose to pass the Derby with Breeder’s Bowl Juvenile champion Taylor’s Town. A ton of credit still goes to the greatest Sim trainer who ever lived, because very few trainers could pass the Derby with the BB Juvy winner. However, Dixie was not the only class act who did right by their horse. Redhill could have run his filly, KING OF STUPID, but did right by her and is letting her rest. OKDavid suffered a real heartbreaker with LONHRO’S IMPACT when he finished up the track in the Corkscrew. He also did right by his horse and chose not to run. Finally, Whocares’ PAR PAR BOGEY earned enough stakes points last week in the Grade 1 No Derby For You Stakes, and will not wheel back on one week’s rest. So, credit to all those trainers who have opened up a spot for Bammie and Hunting Blind. Now, a horse with a real shot in the Derby gets his chance. Hunting Blind is highly regarded by the CPU, and will break from post 17 at 12-1. He’s one of only five horses in the race with a darker shade in the capper bar than the light yellow shared by the majority of the field. O. Parker returns to ride and will be looking back and make one run at them late. Good luck Bammie!<\/div>\n
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In closing, this writer would like to take one last paragraph to say what an honor it has been to cover a lot of the Derby trail leading up to the Sim’s biggest race. It’s an even greater honor to preview the Bluegrass Derby for the first time in my BTB career, and special thanks go to Squirrel for that. Also, special thanks to Mike for returning the BTB to its rightful place of prominence. Happy Derby Day to all, and as always …..<\/div>\n
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GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY!!!!!<\/b><\/div>\n
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