{"id":3935,"date":"2007-04-06T17:41:40","date_gmt":"2007-04-06T17:41:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=3935"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","slug":"oldbtb_1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=3935","title":{"rendered":"Heinanlaunch, full field chase Wooden Indian(G1) riches, Derby Lock Prep glory"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>New York<\/STRONG>&#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It&#8217;s put up or shut up time for Bluegrass Derby IX!\u00a0\u00a0 We see the 4th, 5th, and 6th <A href=\"http:\/\/www.blacktypebugler.com\/default.asp?artid=3490\"><STRONG>Derby Lock Preps<\/STRONG><\/A> this week and New York hosts the richest one of all in\u00a0the <EM>Grade 1 $1,000,000 Wooden Indian<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>As expected, the racing secretary attracted a full field of sophomore colts chasing that <EM>first Saturday in May<\/EM> dream.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Big Apple main course came up razor fast, so our nine furlong challenge could possibly be the fastest so far this season.\u00a0\u00a0 Who knows?\u00a0\u00a0 Perhaps this year&#8217;s Derby hero lies tucked away in our field.\u00a0\u00a0 Let&#8217;s meet the candidates&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>He&#8217;s\u00a0A Rocket\u00a0Ready To Launch<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Henianlauch(KY)<\/STRONG>\u00a0(6\/1) struts in after his fine 2nd in the <EM>Fountain of Ute(G2<\/EM>).\u00a0\u00a0 The son of Hennessy possesses ferocious speed and he looked like a happy winner at Florida last month.\u00a0\u00a0 Alas, that Degoldenstorm swept up for the victory.\u00a0\u00a0 No worries though, Henianlauch broke through the century-mark speed figure barrier.\u00a0 With a <STRONG>104 SP#,<\/STRONG> Henianlauch won\u00a0the beginnings of his very own fan club.\u00a0 Particularly at the Northwest Racing Circuit residency (Henianlauch competed in their <EM>Cavalcade Cup<\/EM> on Breeders Bowl\u00a0day last season).\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Trainer crandyiv of course saw his prized colt capture the competitive <EM>Club Stakes(G2)<\/EM> after the <EM>Cavalcade Cup<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 This colt&#8217;s a rising star\u00a0and you gotta love how he continues to race forward after tiring on DelPenn Championship day which closed out his freshman season.\u00a0\u00a0 He&#8217;s a feisty villian so far &#8212; we don&#8217;t really know yet about his stamina since his pedigree is rather on the speedy side.\u00a0\u00a0 But if you like your Derby contenders &#8220;blossoming,&#8221; then Henianlauch is your ticket.\u00a0\u00a0 Top NY jockety Nancy Lawton agrees too &#8212; she&#8217;ll pilot Henianlauch up front, all alone, hungry for the winner&#8217;s circle.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><FONT face=Verdana size=2>\u00a0Kick the tires, light the fires, and watch Henianlauch go!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>That Romantico, Fernando<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Fernando always names his homebreds so beautifully!\u00a0\u00a0 <STRONG>Belisario(KY) <\/STRONG>(7\/1) is a word that just rolls off your lips &#8212; and the colt can roll from behind the pace too.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Royally bred by Dixieland Band, Belisario smacked a miler stakes field last time out, recording his first career 100 SP#.\u00a0\u00a0 The feisty youngster earned his feed in the sprinter ranks last season.<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Belisario did try the graded level as a 3yo, finishing off the board in the 8.5f\u00a0<EM>Thousand Islands(G3)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 Maybe he just didn&#8217;t like the off track.\u00a0 Improving colt, but he needs to prove himself worthy of the graded level.\u00a0\u00a0 Gotta love that SP# LTO though.\u00a0\u00a0 He&#8217;s bred for the lawn and don&#8217;t know how far he&#8217;ll go, but his triane rknows talent.\u00a0\u00a0 Belisario is a sleeper\u00a0Saturday.\u00a0\u00a0 Lots of speed in this group, but he might be ready for a breakout score.\u00a0\u00a0If so, b<\/FONT><FONT face=Verdana size=2>elissimo!<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Mister Of\u00a0Thunder, Minister Of Lightning<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Mr. Mistoffelees(KY)<\/STRONG> (7\/1) closed out a solid freshman season with an eye-catching victory in the <EM>Phenom Stakes(G3).<\/EM>\u00a0\u00a0 The Storm Cat youngster won wire-to-wire in the 9f contest, marking his career best SP# of <STRONG>97<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the colt was graded-placed prior and also captured the <EM>GR Simsters Juvenile<\/EM> over a mile.\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Trainer Given gave Mr. Mistoffelees a light Derby Trail schedule.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt missed a photo in a New Mexico listed event back in February before finishing 5th\u00a0four weeks ago in the <EM>All Saint Derby(G2)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He got caught in a speed duel at\u00a0Louisiana &#8212; hopefully &#8216;Mister has matured since and will allow jockey S Israel to rate him behind the lead.\u00a0\u00a0 If so, then this colt might just find the winner&#8217;s circle.\u00a0 He keeps on improving and is\u00a0very fresh.\u00a0\u00a0 Four straight 90+ SP#S indicate class.\u00a0\u00a0 Just has to avoid a speed duel.\u00a0\u00a0 Definitely possible.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>All The Globe&#8217;s Roads Lead to Kentucky<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Cat Thief colt <STRONG>Global Affair(KY)<\/STRONG> (8\/1) is a live sleeper after he just missed a month ago in the <EM>Gary Asher Memorial(G2<\/EM>).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trainer lucha has paitnetly handled Global Affair &#8212; the colt took his time marching through the ALW conditions, bagging victories in sprints to 8.5f.\u00a0\u00a0 Love to see that SP# rise as he gradually stretches out.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A live one!<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Global Affair need to\u00a0win Saturday\u00a0for a trip to the Derby.\u00a0\u00a0Splendid talent in this closer.\u00a0\u00a0 He might sit about midpack this week.\u00a0\u00a0 Decent jockey aboard.\u00a0\u00a0 Love this guy&#8217;s prospects.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Must overcome rail.\u00a0\u00a0 Not a lot to talk about on paper, but this colt&#8217;s ready for this race.\u00a0\u00a0 Definite factor for the board if not\u00a0victory.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Wanted:\u00a0 Valid Ticket Or (Oh No!) I&#8217;ll Miss It<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Golden Missile is one of my favorite Sim sires and it&#8217;s great to see him represented here with\u00a0<STRONG>Valid Missile(KY)<\/STRONG> (10\/1).\u00a0\u00a0 The colt took a spell to break his maiden last season, but has been an entirely different character at age 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trainer chloedawg\u00a0got this speedster two zippy victories over 9 furlongs.\u00a0\u00a0 The real cooker came here at New York where Valid Missile dueled head-to-head in the March 3\u00a0<EM>Trying To Get On The Triple Crown Trail Stakes<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 Valid Missile had plenty left down the stretch to win by near two lengths with a<STRONG> 99 SP#<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>This frontrunner is quite impressive &#8212; we can maybe question the two weeks rest prior to his 3rd place finish March 17th here at New York.\u00a0\u00a0 Vigorous schedule\u00a0might make many handicappers worried.\u00a0\u00a0 He&#8217;s got 3 weeks rest now and desperately needs the win\u00a0if he hopes for\u00a0a Bluegrass date.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hey, proven over the distance and his SP#s simply sparkle &#8212; gotta love that.\u00a0\u00a0 The tough schedule and his fitness though are the big mysteries and of course he faces the like Henianlauch here for the lead.\u00a0\u00a0 Not without a shot, but\u00a0a lot to answer for.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Yoohoo, Rio!\u00a0 Time To Show Up For Real<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Rio Secco(KY)<\/STRONG> (10\/1) is this group&#8217;s total wildcard.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Sky Mesa colt was pretty good\u00a0as a freshman, finishing a promising 2nd\u00a0in <EM>the KY Horsemen Juvenile(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0Unfortunately, he\u00a0horrifically flopped in the <EM>BB Juvenile<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 Trainer fatattack then cut him back to one-turn in the<EM> DPCD Juvenile Sprint Championship(G1).<\/EM>\u00a0\u00a0 Rio Secco woke up suddenly,\u00a0making up tons of ground from off pace enroute to a fair 3rd place finish.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Moral of the story is that you can&#8217;t fault Wayne for thinking this colt was a sprinter.\u00a0\u00a0 It was 10 SP# point improvement and seemed to explain the BB Juvy flop.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The colt still was a 2yo winner over the mile, but perhaps he ran against questionable competition or the rest of the division &#8220;caught up&#8221; with him.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><FONT face=Verdana size=2>So, as expected, Rio Secco\u00a0began his &#8217;07 campaign again around one-turn.\u00a0\u00a0The colt split a pair of ALWs and appeared primed for the 7f <EM>Hutchingson(G2)<\/EM> on March 3rd.\u00a0\u00a0 Had to be a big\u00a0disappointment for Wayne when the colt\u00a0threw a yicky clinker in that race.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Fast forward here to Saturday and Rio Secco&#8217;s return to routes.\u00a0\u00a0 Ranked #26, a\u00a0placing or even a show here\u00a0might see him garner enough points to survive the Derby &#8220;bubble.&#8221;\u00a0 But he has to fire big &#8212; worth a second look since he heas a lot of backclass and experience around two-turns.\u00a0\u00a0 Just\u00a0not a pretty prep trail on paper.\u00a0\u00a0 We&#8217;ll see what happens.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Summon All The King&#8217;s Courage<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>By Kingmambo out of a Theatrical mare, you&#8217;d think <STRONG>King Of Mud(KY)<\/STRONG> (10\/1) would be readying for the Derby de English trail via the Aussie Derbies later this month.\u00a0\u00a0 Instead, trainer Nsw catches that ol&#8217; Derby fever and King Of Mud is no slouch over the sand.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt posted modest speed figures over the main track last season and won an 8.5f listed stakes this year.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>I bet trainer Nsw decided on Saturday&#8217;s spot after King Of Mud ran a credible 4th in the March 10th <EM>Felipe Alou(G2)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The stalker challenged at\u00a0the top of the stretch, but couldn&#8217;t hang on in the 8.5f contest.\u00a0\u00a0 He&#8217;s running like he needs to relax over more ground.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chalk up King Of Mud as another in your live longshots group.\u00a0\u00a0 He fits in with the favorites.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He needs the winners circle though for a Derby ticket.\u00a0 If he doesn&#8217;t get it, then maybe trainer Nsw will try this guy&#8217;s stamina in the Aussie Derbies according to pedigree.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>The Sheriff&#8217;s Come To Bluegrass Town<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>IMO, here&#8217;s your winner at a snappy price.\u00a0\u00a0 <STRONG>Boss Hog Lago(AUS)<\/STRONG> (11\/1) won the <EM>Felipe Alou(G2)<\/EM> with a gorgeous 99 SP#.\u00a0 This colt is perfect through three lifetime routes and he just keeps getting better and better.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He was decent last year around one-turn for billy2shoe &#8212; but wow!\u00a0 The closer just loves the extra ground and he won going away LTO by three smacking lengths.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Boss Hog Lago is a refreshing modest bred by Encosta de Lago(AUS) out of a Storm Bird mare.\u00a0\u00a0 This guy&#8217;s bred for the classic distance.\u00a0 Perfect spot.\u00a0\u00a0 Perfect timing.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He should get some honest fractions up front too.\u00a0 Won or placed in 10-of-12 lifetime starts, so loads of experience.\u00a0 He&#8217;s winner written all over him.\u00a0\u00a0Ranked #15.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0My pick.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Last Call For A Chance At Roses<\/STRONG>\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Simsters7 sends out a Green Desert colt.\u00a0\u00a0 <STRONG>Last Rights(ENG)<\/STRONG> (10\/1) took awhile to pick up steam in &#8217;06, but the colt proved handy enough late in the year, winning his maiden and initial ALW starts.\u00a0\u00a0 As a 3yo, he bolted out of the Derby Prep trail gate, capturing an 8.5f listed event with a sizzling <STRONG>97 SP#<\/STRONG> in the 2nd week of January.\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Last Rights however couldn&#8217;t race forward after such a fine start.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt was unplaced in both the <EM>Thousand Islands(G3)<\/EM> and <EM>I Am Not a Crook(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Seems like he hasn&#8217;t taken to rating somewhat &#8212; he was more of a pace presser early on.\u00a0 Still, five straight 90+ SP#s put\u00a0him in the hunt if he can somehow turn his season around.\u00a0 Bred for lawn and stamina.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Not to be discounted, but has something to prove.\u00a0 Dark horse.<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>To The Royals Go The Spoils<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Jdiso2&#8217;s <STRONG>Royal Soul(IRE)<\/STRONG> (11\/1) breaks from the far outside.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Perfect Soul son claims a royally bred Seattle Slew x Mr. Prospector female family.\u00a0 And the stakes-winning colt ran to those lines out of the gate last season,\u00a0capturing his first three outings easy peasy.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Things looked seriously promising for the late-blooming youngster.\u00a0\u00a0 Unfortunately, he fizzled out the the graded gate in January and has only a placing in owner-restricted company to show for in 4 &#8217;07 starts.\u00a0 On the bright side, you can probably toss out\u00a0his off track debacle LTO in the <EM>Sleepy Fan(G2<\/EM>).\u00a0 On the flip side though, he just looks outclassed and not ready for this group.\u00a0\u00a0 Tossing up a prayer with tons of inside speed.\u00a0\u00a0 Luckily, he has yet to try the lawn which he&#8217;s bred for.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Friendly Skies, But Hostile Ground<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Lightly raced <STRONG>Five Skies(IRE)<\/STRONG> (13\/1) was a stakes winner around two-turns last year and improved somewhat in speed figures by the end of &#8217;06.\u00a0 Gallorette&#8217;s son of Giant&#8217;s Causeway royally bred for the green stuff, but I guess his trainer has been plumb taken over by Derby Fever.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Five Skies appeared injured in his final freshman start and the setback sent him to the farm for a long layoff.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt finally returned to light training in preparation for\u00a0early March&#8217;s\u00a0<EM>Fountain Of Ute(G2)<\/EM>.\u00a0 The colt went off as a mild longshot and pretty much ran like one, finishing 8th of 14.\u00a0 Still, a solid 91 SP# effort under his belt might see him fresh as a tack for this week.\u00a0\u00a0 Must win Saturday in order to make the Derby field.\u00a0\u00a0 Worthy contender, but looks a bit rushed and out of place on paper.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Has to grow up in a hurry.<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Saved By The Bell Or Nothing Left In The Well?<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Only six lifetime starts for <STRONG>Schoolofhardnocks(KY)<\/STRONG> (14\/1), a son of Rock Hard Ten.\u00a0\u00a0 He was a precocious sort last season, winning a Grade 3 event after breaking his maiden likety-split.\u00a0\u00a0 Unfortuantely, he&#8217;s been nowheresville since then, way up the track in the Derby Trail grades.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Itsthebear&#8217;s downtown closer scored a 92 SP#, making up a lot of ground in the <EM>All Saints Derby(G2) <\/EM>LTO.\u00a0\u00a0 &#8216;Nocks still finished 7th, but it was a good effort.\u00a0\u00a0 There&#8217;s only so many times you can go to the well though.\u00a0\u00a0 IMO, his female family&#8217;s bred for speed with Storm Cat x In Reality.\u00a0 Has to round back into form in a hurry.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It&#8217;s now or never.\u00a0\u00a0 Possible if a big speed duel develops.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Non Parkay Mon Ami, Butter&#8217;s For Me!<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Trainer springtime gets on in the action with a son of modestly-priced stallion Freud.\u00a0\u00a0<STRONG>Smooth As Butter(NY)<\/STRONG> (15\/1) soaked up the Kentucky course as a freshman, winning the <EM>End Of The Line Futurity(G2)<\/EM> which sent him to the Breeders Bowl Juvenile.\u00a0\u00a0 The pace presser had a whale of time on BB day though, finishing also-ran.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><FONT face=Verdana size=2>No worries however, because you just can&#8217;t keep the &#8216;Butter in the fridge too long.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt sizzled from midpack in a rallying <EM>Minnesota Juvenile<\/EM> victory.\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>But that was 2006 &#8212; &#8217;07 has been an entirely other matter with Smooth As Butter out of the frying pan and into the fire.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He&#8217;s 0-for-3 in classy Derby Trail preps.\u00a0\u00a0 Not much running at all indeed and he needs to wake up and smell the coffee.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Last call for springtime&#8217;s\u00a0Bluegrass Derby IX hopes.\u00a0\u00a0 We&#8217;ll see if Smooth As Butter can\u00a0pu it all together at long last here.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>Rock Me To The Derby, Amadeus (Oh Ho Ho!)<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Fate sees either a glorious symphony or just a\u00a0<\/FONT><FONT face=Verdana size=2>li&#8217;l base diddy.\u00a0\u00a0 <STRONG>Mozart&#8217;s Essence(FL)<\/STRONG> (25\/1) is just a little guy by Essence Of Dubai.\u00a0\u00a0 It took him a long time to finally break his maiden last year.\u00a0\u00a0 He seemed in all fairness,\u00a0quite average, but not to trainer wolfnjim.\u00a0\u00a0 Mozart&#8217;s Essence&#8217;s trainer leapt him up to the stakes race immediately and the result was a couple of handy stakes-placings over a mile.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>The stalker seemed to appreciate the extra ground.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Mozart&#8217;s Essence made his graded stakes debut in his first sophomore outing:\u00a0 the <EM>Giant&#8217;s Slayer Classic(G3)<\/EM>\u00a0back in late January.\u00a0 \u00a0He came off of an honest layoff into that race and, unfortunately, ran quite dull, finishing last of all.\u00a0 Circumstances then made him sit on the sidelines for another 8 weeks.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt dueled on the lead in a 9f listed Ireland event, finishing 3rd with a <STRONG>91 SP#<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0 Good number for Mozart&#8217;s Essence, but he&#8217;s gonna find himself in tough company this week.\u00a0\u00a0 On only two weeks rest as well &#8212; can&#8217;t blame his trainer for having Derby fever, but the colt looks several lengths behind these horses at this point.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Outsider doesn&#8217;t much of a chance.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Snowchief&#8217;s Picks:<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV>This is a real solid field loaded with tasty longshots.\u00a0\u00a0Despite a possible speed duel, Henianlauch should be there at the wire &#8212; he&#8217;s a classy colt.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Global Affair might get a piece of it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Belisario, Mr. Mistoffelees, King Of Mud might spoil my trifecta.\u00a0 <\/DIV><DIV>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV>But I&#8217;m gonna go with Boss Hog Lago on top from far back.\u00a0\u00a0 The fans cry &#8220;Suuuuu-eeeey!&#8221; down the stretch!\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV>\u00a0<\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Win:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Boss Hog Lago\u00a0 (Suuu-eeeeey!)<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Place:\u00a0\u00a0 Global Affair<\/FONT><\/DIV><DIV><FONT face=Verdana size=2>Show:\u00a0\u00a0 Henianlauch<\/FONT><\/FONT><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>$1,000,000 on the line in the richest nine furlong Bluegrass Derby Trail prep<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":396,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/396"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3935"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3935\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}