Before the Kentucky Derby goes off as the 11th of 13 races on a marathon card at Churchill Downs today, some familiar names will take to the track in five ultra-competitive stakes on the undercard.

Eight Belles Stakes (GIII)

Hot Dixie Chick (Robby Albarado, post 2), who won two stakes at Saratoga last summer, is the favorite in this seven furlong sprint for 3-year-old fillies, which was renamed in 2009 to honor the ill-fated runner-up of the 2008 Derby.

Hot Dixie Chick has reeled off four straight wins since fin¬ishing second in her career debut. She broke her maiden at Churchill Downs, then took the Schuylerville and Spinaway at Saratoga to conclude her 2-year-old campaign.

In her first start this year, the filly won the Prima Donna Stakes at Oaklawn in blinding¬ly fast time.

The only filly ever to beat her, Decelerator (Terry Thompson, post 4) is 4-2-2-0 at Churchill Downs, with a win in the Grade III Debutante and placings in the Grade III Poca¬hontas and Grade II Golden Rod.

Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (GII)

Last year’s winner Tizaque¬ena (Garrett Gomez, post 5) stands out in this field of fillies and mares. The mare went winless in the rest of 2009 after her Churchill win, but returned to win her first two starts of 2010, the LaCombe Memorial and the Bayou Handicap at the Fair Grounds.

Diamondrella (Albarado, post 7) is a multiple Grade I winner but her last win came in October in the First Lady and she’s run poorly recently. Fantasia (Julien Leparoux, post 3) is a Group III winner in her native England and fin¬ished a good second in her American debut at Keeneland.

Phola (Ramon Dominguez, post 2) is 2-for-2 this year with

a stakes win at Tampa; Hot Cha Cha (James Graham, post 6) won the Grade I Queen Eliza¬beth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland last fall; and Hooh Why (Robert Allen Jr., post 4) won the Grade I Ashland last year.

Humana Distaff (GI)

Eclipse champion Informed Decision (Leparoux, post 3) headlines this seven furlong race, which she won last year during her female sprint cham¬pionship campaign.

The gray mare, who was 6-for-7 with a win at the Breeders’ Cup last year, lost her first start of 2010 however, finishing third in Keeneland’s Grade I Vinery Madison. Both the winner of that race, Dr. Zic (Kent Des¬ormeaux, post 1) and runner-up, Dubai Majesty (Jamie The¬riot, post 4) return here.

Mona del Momma (Joel Rosario, post 10) won the Grade III Las Flores last time out and the consistent Free Flying Soul (Mile Smith, post 9) has been on the board in all four starts this year.

Churchill Downs Stakes (GII)

The top three finishers from the Grade I Carter at Aqueduct all return in this competitive seven furlong event. Warrior’s Reward (Leparoux, post 7) is 2-for-2 this year and showed gameness winning the Carter in a photo. Musket Man (Dominguez, post 12) finished third in last year’s Derby and Preakness before taking the rest of the year off due to injury; he returned to win the Super Stakes at Tampa before losing the Carter. Todd Pletcher sends out Munnings (Johnny Velazquez, post 1) a multiple stakeswinner who won the Gulf¬stream Park Sprint Champi¬onship before finishing third in the Carter.

Kensei (Albarado, post 11) won the Dwyer and Jim Dandy last year and finished second in his comeback race at the Fair Grounds, the Kenner Memorial, after a long break. Wall Street Wonder (Channing Hill, post 3) comes off wins in the Pau¬monok and Grade III Toboggan at Aqueduct. Ventana (Gomez, post 8)won the Grade II Potero Grande in California and fin¬ished second in two other graded stakes this year to the likes of Kinsale King and Bob Black Jack. Hull (Shaun Bridgemohan, post 6) hasn’t won in over a year but is returning to the track he won the Derby Trial on last year.

Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (GI)

Court Vision (Albarado, post 3) is a Grade I winner at ages three, four and five and stands out in this nine furlong event immediately preceding the Derby. Winner of the Grade I Shadwell Mile last fall at Keeneland, he crossed the wire second in the Grade I Gulfstream Park Turf Handi¬cap earlier this year but was placed first by disqualification. Most recently, he finished sec¬ond in the Grade I Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland.

Battle of Hastings (Dominguez, post 6) has a pen¬chant for being involved in tight finishes. He’s been first or second in six of his last nine races. Five of those races were decided by ¾ of a length or less. The colt’s last win came in the Grade II Virginia Derby last July, but he’s been second in graded company twice in California this year.

The Irish-bred Loup Breton (Gomez, post 8) is 2-for-3 on the turf in California since arriving in America, with a win in the Grade III San Marcos. He faltered last time out over the ProRide surface in the Santa Anita Handicap, but returns to his favorite surface today.

General Quarters (Rafael Bejarano, post 2), last year’s Blue Grass winner, has been second in all four of his starts since returning from a layoff, but was soundly defeated in his only turf start.

Heavy favorite Blind Luck added her name to a long list of distinguished fillies by prevail¬ing in a photo finish to claim the Kentucky Oaks. But on the undercard, reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra suffered a heartbreaking defeat, her second in as many starts this year.

Blind Luck used her trademark closing kick to win the Kentucky Oaks and needed every inch of the Churchill Downs stretch to prevail by the barest of margins.

The cleverly named filly - by the one-eyed stallion Pollard’s Vision and out of the mare Lucky One - was last as the field of 14 made its way down the backside. She began picking up rivals entering the far turn but was forced to go six wide around the field. Up to third by the top of the stretch, she gradually wore down Ashland winner Evening Jewel, who had taken command turning for home, to get up by a nose in the final stride.

The Oaks was the fourth Grade I victory for Blind Luck, who paid $4.60, $3.60 and $2.80 while finishing in 1:50.70. She also won the Oak Leaf, Hollywood Starlet and Las Virgenes in California and the Grade II Fantasy last time out.

About three lengths lengths behind Blind Luck and Evening Jewel came pacesetter Tidal Pool, who held on for third. Beautician, Ailalea, Amen Hallelujah, Crisp, Quiet Temper, It’s Tea Time, Joanie’s Catch, Champagne d’Oro, Age of Humor, Jody Slew and Bella Diarmante rounded out the order of finish.

Some four and a half hours earlier, Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra - who romped home by more than 20 in last year’s Kentucky Oaks - was sent off as the overwhelming favorite in the Grade II La Troienne Stakes. The field of six included Zardana, who had defeated her in her 2010 debut, the New Orleans Ladies Stakes, in March.

Rachel Alexandra was moving easily on the turn and led at the top of the lane under regular rider Calvin Borel. But Unrivaled Belle, winner of the Rampart last time out, took aim and drew even. With Rachel Alexandra battling back gamely the length of the stretch, Unrivaled Belle nevertheless found her measure in the final yards and prevailed by a head.

Majority owner Jess Jackson answered the speculation as to whether or not the filly might be retired after a second straight defeat.

"She’s not going to retire," he said.

In the other stakes on the Oaks undercard, Mechanicville native Chad Brown saddled Silver Timber to a win in the Grade III Churchill Downs Turf Sprint in course record time; Arson Squad beat a solid field of older horses that included Macho Again and Bullsbay in the Grade III Alysheba Stakes; Doubles Partner won the Grade II American Turf for 3-year-olds; and Lou Brissie won the Grade III Kentucky Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is tomorrow.

Weather watch: Although the track on Oaks day was fast, the rain is expected to arrive in Louisville and continue through Derby weekend. The storms should roll into the area by 10 a.m. with heavy rain expected to last three or four hours; scattered storms and brisk wind could continue for most of the afternoon. With as much as two inches of rain expected, a flash flood warning is in effect in Louisville until Monday morning. Churchill Downs insists that the Derby will go off Saturday - even if storms cause post time to be pushed back later in the evening, something that's possible thanks to the installation of permanent floodlights at the track. The track was harrowed and sealed to prepare for the rain on Friday following the races, and the track may be closed to training Saturday morning.

Super choice: Derby waging began on Friday and Super Saver, who opened as a 15-1 shot on the board, is the early 7-1 favorite. Lookin at Lucky, the morning line favorite at 3-1, has drifted up to 9-1. No other entry is at single-digit odds. Original second choice Sidney's Candy, who was 5-1 on the morning line, is now 11-1. Ice Box, Devil May Care and Awesome Act were the original co-third choices at 10-1; they are now 11-1, 10-1 and 13-1, respectively. Make Music For Me, Dean's Kitten, Backtalk and Homeboykris all opened at 50-1; they are now 25-1, 18-1, 20-1 and 17-1. The longest shot on the board is Discreetly Mine at 41-1.

Recovering: Sunland Park Derby winner Endorsement, who suffered a fracture during what would have been his final Derby work on Wednesday morning, came through the repair surgery with flying colors at Rood and Riddle Equine Clinic. He vanned from Rood and Riddle to WinStar Farm today where he'll be laid up three to six months before returning to training. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to the races next year.

The Kentucky Oaks, America's premiere race for 3-year-old fillies, anchors a rich 12-race card today at Churchill Downs that includes six stakes races. One of the entrants on that undercard is set to steal the show, as the Grade II La Troienne Stakes features reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra's return to Kentucky.

The Oaks drew a full field of 14. The heavy favorite is Blind Luck, a three-time Grade I winner in California. She was installed as the 6-5 choice on the morning line and breaks from the five under regular rider Rafael Bejerano. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer is looking to saddle his third Oaks winner.

The cleverly-named filly - by the one-eyed stallion Pollard's Vision and out of the mare Lucky One - took the Oak Leaf and Hollywood Starlet as a 2-year-old and was also third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. In her first two starts at three, she won the Las Virgenes and finished third in the Santa Anita Oaks. She then proved she could ship and run on conventional dirt by unleashing her trademark late kick to earn a strong score in the Grade II Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn.

Three fillies were installed as the 8-1 co-second choices. Crisp, who breaks from post seven under Joel Rosario, is 3-for-5 lifetime, with wins in the Santa Ysabel and in the Santa Anita Oaks, over Blind Luck. Rick Dutrow, who trained 2008 Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, brings in his filly Amen Hallelujah, winner of the Santa Ynez and Davona Dale. She breaks from near the outside, post 13, under Eclipse Award winner Julien Leparoux. Hall of Famer Wayne Lukas saddles Fantasy runner-up Tidal Pool, who breaks from the eight under Calvin Borel. That rider of course won last year's Oaks with Rachel Alexandra.

The field is full of talented stakes fillies who have already been knocking heads in prep races throughout the spring. Evening Jewel (Kent Desormeaux, post 11) and It's Tea Time (Alan Garcia, post 1) were the 1-2 finishers in the Ashland at Keeneland. Jody Slew (Miguel Mena, post 2) won the Tiffany Lass and Silverbulletday before the runner-up in the latter, Quiet Temper (Robby Albarado, post 3) turned the tables on her in the Fair Grounds Oaks. Joanie's Catch (Pablo Lopez, post 14) is the most experienced of the field with 18 starts under her belt. She hasn't won since September but has been in the money in her last nine starts, all stakes, against the likes of Derby entrant Devil May Care and Amen Hallelujah.

Age of Humor (Rajiv Maragh, post 4 ), Beautician (Alex Solis, post 6), Bella Diamante (Mike Smith, post 9), Champagne d'Oro (Martin Garcia, post 10) and Ailalea (Johnny Velazquez, post 12) complete the field.

Some four-plus hours before post time for the Oaks, the La Troienne for older fillies and mares kicks off the stakes program. Rachel Alexandra returns to the track where she romped by more than 20 lengths in last year's Oaks, just missing the stakes record. The week after that show-stopping performance she was purchased by Jess Jackson and transferred to trainer Steve Asmussen, who campaigned her to wins in the Preakness, Mother Goose, Haskell and Woodward to claim the Horse of the Year title.

Rachel Alexandra made her only start of 2010 in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes at the Fair Grounds on March 13. Coming off a layoff of over six months following the Sept 5 Woodward at Saratoga, the filly was perhaps lacking in fitness - and it showed, as she battled but was run down in the stretch by Zardana, a foe she'll face again today. Rachel Alexandra appears to have bounced back from the loss, firing several bullet works since arriving at Churchill Downs, and has been deemed ready to go by her connections. She breaks from the four in a small field of six under Borel.

Zardana, trained by John Shirreffs - who of course, also handles the unbeaten Zenyatta - leaves from next to her in the three under David Flores. Prior to toppling Rachel Alexandra, the mare also won the Bayakoa Handicap last December.

The third choice is Unrivaled Belle (Desormeaux, post 5). The Bill Mott trainee won the Rampart last out. The field is completed by Be Fair (Thompson, post 1), most recently third in the Apple Blossom behind Zenyatta; multiple graded-placed Morena (Jose Lezcano, post 2) and Distinctive Dixie (Leparoux, post 6), whose last win came in a Churchill Downs allowance.

The Grade III Alysheba Stakes is another intriguing race that features plenty of familiar names making their return to Derby weekend. Friesan Fire, Chocolate Candy, Cool Coal Man and Flying Private were all Derby runners in their respective seasons and Macho Again - whose ownership group has Saratoga connections - ran second in the Preakness runner two years ago. The field also includes defending champion Bullsbay, winner of the Whitney last summer.

In the Grade III Churchill Downs Turf Sprint, Mechanicville native Chad Brown saddles one of the favorites in Silver Timber. The Grade II American Turf Stakes features Setsuko, who was entered in the Kentucky Derby but was excluded from the 20-horse field based on graded stakes earnings. Rounding out the card is the Grade III Kentucky Juvenile, a sprint for 2-year-olds.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just two days away. The Kentucky Oaks is set to go off tomorrow, part of a six-stakes card that also features Rachel Alexandra.

Weather watch: It appears more and more likely that the Derby could be contested over a muddy track. The track was fast and the turf firm during Thursday's race card. Friday's forecast for Louisville is sunny with zero percent chance of precipitation, meaning the Oaks contenders could have a fast surface. But Friday evening the chance of precipitation rises to 50 percent, with scattered storms moving into the area. Saturday's forecast calls for thunderstorms in the area with an 80 percent chance of precipitation.

On site: The last two Derby horses to arrive on the grounds were Mike Maker's duo of Stately Victor and Dean's Kitten, both of whom were training at the nearby Trackside Training Center. The pair settled in on the Churchill Downs backside Wednesday. Both schooled in the starting gate before galloping a mile and a quarter Thursday morning.

Notes: John Sadler's pair of Line of David and Sidney's Candy schooled in the paddock during Thursday's race card, as did Bashford Manor and Sanford winner Backtalk.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just three days away. The field is now set.

Final push: The Derby gods had a few final twists up their sleeves before the field for the race was finalized Wednesday morning. Todd Pletcher did indeed withdraw Interactif, saying the colt will be pointed to turf races this summer. That move allowed Backtalk into the field, and he'll be ridden by Miguel Mena. Shortly afterward, Sunland Park Derby winner Endorsement unfortunately returned from what would have been his final Derby work (a bullet half in :47.40) with a condylar fracture of the right front ankle that will keep him on the shelf for several months. His defection allowed Make Music For Me into the field and also touched off one last game of musical riders. Robby Albarado, who would have been aboard Endorsement, was snapped up by the connections of Dean's Kitten. Joel Rosario, bumped off his second mount in a week, picked up the mount on Make Music For Me. Unfortunately, the last-minute moves didn't help Pleasant Prince and Setsuko, both of whom were entered and excluded based on graded earnings.

Not so lucky: Favored Lookin at Lucky and second choice Sidney's Candy took the worst of things and Wednesday's draw. Lookin at Lucky, installed at the 3-1 morning line favorite, is stuck on the rail in the bulky 20-horse field. Sidney's Candy is at the other end of the gate in the extreme outside, post 20. The Santa Anita Derby winner is 5-1 on the morning line. Ice Box, Awesome Act and the filly Devil May Care are the co-third choices at 10-1. The field from the rail out, with morning-line odds: Lookin at Lucky (3-1), Ice Box (10-1), Noble's Promise (12-1), Super Saver (15-1), Lion of David (30-1), Stately Victor (30-1), American Lion (30-1), Deans Kitten (50-1), Make Music For Me (50-1), Paddy O'Prado (20-1), Devil May Care (10-1), Conveyance (12-1), Jackson Bend (15-1), Mission Impazible (20-1), Discreetly Mine (30-1), Awesome Act (10-1), Dublin (12-1), Backtalk (50-1), Homeboykris (50-1) and Sidney's Candy (5-1).

Last move: Champagne winner Homeboykris turned in his final work before the Derby, going an easy four furlongs in :48.15 and galloping out in 1:02.06

Weather watch: We continue to monitor the forecast as Derby and Oaks contenders are still training over a wet surface at Churchill Downs. It appears likely that they'll have to deal with a less-than-idea surface this weekend. According to Weather.com, the Louisville forecast for Thursday and Friday is partly cloudy with breezes, meaning the track could be in good shape for the Oaks. But Saturday's forecast calls for thunderstorms, with an 80 percent chance of precipitation.

We've been busy with Kentucky Derby developments over the past few weeks, but here's a quick update on racing's leading ladies and some other news.

Rachel Alexandra turned in her final workout for her planned start in Friday's Grade II La Troienne on Monday morning, going an easy half in :50 flat under regular exercise rider Dom Terry. At Tuesday's post position draw, the filly was made the 4-5 morning line choice for the La Troienne and drew post four in a short field of six. Breaking next to her from the three is Zardana, the mare who beat her in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes in March. The race lost a potential entrant over the weekend when Alabama winner Careless Jewel sustained a minor quarter crack. The filly will rebound with no ill effects but was kept out of this weekend's races because she missed some training time.

Meanwhile, the unbeaten Zenyatta worked an easy half mile in :52.40 at her training base, Hollywood Park, on Tuesday morning. The big mare could go for her historic 17th victory at home in the Vanity Handicap on June 13. Trainer John Shirreffs called the race a "logical" spot, adding that he needs to further consider weight assignments and other aspects of the race first.

Segueing to somewhere both of these runners are sure to wind up someday. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame announced the nominees for its 2010 class of inductees this week. Up for induction this year are female runners Azeri, Open Mind and Sky Beauty; males Point Given and Best Pal; jockeys Randy Romero and Alex Solis; and trainers Robert Wheeler and Gary Jones. The Hall of Fame changed its voting procedures this year. In the past, voters would have been asked to choose one inductee from this category. This year, they may vote for their top four candidates in any combination regardless of category - a measure designed to allow two stellar candidates coming from the same category in any one year to be inducted simultaneously (there was so much debate over Horse of the Year, can you imagine the stink if either Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta was slighted out of being a first-ballot Hall of Famer several years from now?). The results of the vote will be announced May 28, and the class of 2010 will be inducted in a ceremony August 13 at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just four days away.

Bubble watch: In the final hours before entries are taken Wednesday morning, the field continues to be in flux. As of late Tuesday, there were as many as 24 horses hoping to enter the Derby field, with those on the outside looking in due to insufficient earnings hoping for last-minute defections. The most likely to come out is Todd Pletcher's Interactif, a stakes winner on the turf. Although the colt worked strongly at Churchill Downs on Monday, Pletcher called him "unlikely" to run. But on Tuesday, he said the colt's status was still being considered and the final decision would come Wednesday morning before entry time. Should Interactif - or anyone else - withdraw, the first horse to get in would be Backtalk, winner of the Bashford Manor and Sanford. A blind draw for post positions will take place at noon Wednesday at Churchill Downs.

Final tuneup: Once-beaten Conveyance, winner of the Southwest earlier this year, turned in his final Derby work on Tuesday morning, a bullet five furlongs in :59.80. The gray colt rolled through splits of :13, :25.20, :36.60 and :48 flat, galloping out in 1:13.

Looking awesome: Gotham winner Awesome Act also turned in his final move, going four furlongs in :48.20. With Julien Leparoux up, the colt went in splits of :13, :24.80 and :36.60 and galloped out in 1:00.80 and 1:15.40 for six furlongs. Awesome Act will school in the paddock Wednesday as he puts the finishing touches on his preparations. Trainer Jeremy Noseda, who wasn't able to make the trip from England last week because of ash generated by the volcanic eruption in Iceland, was expected to arrive in Louisville late Tuesday evening.

Musical riders: Leading NYRA rider Ramon Dominguez lost his planned Derby mount on Monday when Rule was declared out of the race by Pletcher. But Rick Dutrow jumped at the chance to get Dominguez on his longshot contender Homeboykris. Joel Rosario was bumped off Homeboykris, but promptly picked up the mount on Lane’s End winner Dean’s Kitten, who had been without a rider.

Oaks watch: Post positions were drawn and morning line odds were set on Tuesday afternoon for Friday’s 12-race card that includes six stakes races, including the Kentucky Oaks. Blind Luck, who drew post 5 in a full field of 14 under regular rider Rafael Bejerano, was installed as the 6-5 choice in the Oaks by Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia. The filly enters the race with victories in the Grade I Oak Leaf, Hollywood Starlet and Las Virgenes. Most recently, she took the Grade II Fantasy. Three other fillies were installed as 8-1 co-second choices: Santa Anita Oaks winner Crisp (who drew post 7), Davona Dale winner Amen Hallelujah (post 13) and Fantasy runner-up Tidal Pool (post 8). Fifteen fillies were actually entered in the Oaks, but Seeking The Title was excluded due to insufficient graded earnings. Also of note was who wasn’t entered, as Devil May Care’s name was not among those in the entry box. There was still a slim chance that the filly could have been cross-entered in the Oaks and Derby, a perfectly legal move. But as Pletcher’s comments Monday suggested, owner John Greathouse is all in on the Derby. Blind Luck galloped a mile and a half at Churchill on Tuesday and also visited the paddock and starting gate. Two other Oaks entries, Evening Jewel and Joanie's Catch, arrived from California and Calder, respectively. The consistent Beautician, who sustained a minor cut on her leg while training yesterday, is good to go, according to trainer Ken McPeek.

Notes: With only a few works left to be completes, Endorsement and Homeboykris will both breeze on Wednesday. ... Hopeful winner Dublin schooled in the paddock again on Tuesday. ... Nick Zito's pair of Jackson Bend and Ice Box schooled in the starting gate during training hours. ... Former favorite Eskendereya, withdrawn from Derby consideration on Sunday, is dealing well with his injury at Pletcher's barn. The big chestnut colt is walking the shedrow and receiving ice, poultices and anti-inflammatories.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just five days away.

Girlpower: The big news out of Churchill Downs on Monday once again involved a Todd Pletcher trainee - but this time, he was adding one to the arsenal. A day after announcing expected favorite Eskendereya would miss the Derby due to injury. Pletcher said filly Devil May Care, who would likely have been among the favorites in the Kentucky Oaks, will contest the Derby. Owner John Greathouse, who races under the Glencrest Farm banner, and Pletcher had been considering cross-entering Devil May Care in the Oaks, which draws post positions on Tuesday, and the Derby, which takes entries and draws on Wednesday. They then would have run the filly in whatever race she drew the more favorable post in, scratching out of the other. The move is perfectly legal, but would have kept another contender out of the race she scratched out of, since both races are likely to be oversubscribed. There is no also-eligible list for either the Derby, limited to 20 horses based on graded stakes earnings, or the Oaks, limited to 14 starters. Pletcher indicated that Greathouse's preference was to enter the Derby only. The defection of Eskendereya was a deciding factor in choosing to run Devil May Care; not only did the withdrawal open the race up a bit more for the other contenders, it also made Pletcher's first-call rider, Johnny Velazquez, available to ride the filly. Fillies in the Derby have a combined record of 39-3-2-5, with the three winners being Regret in 1915, Genuine Risk in 1980 and Winning Colors in 1988. Females have taken the Preakness or Belmont, the other two Triple Crown events, a combined eight times - including Rachel Alexandra's Preakness victory last year. Ironically, the only winner of a Triple Crown event for either Pletcher or Velazquez came with a filly - Rags to Riches in the 2007 Belmont, who outdueled eventual Horse of the Year Curlin to become the first female in 102 years to win the race. Devil May Care, who broke her maiden at Saratoga, owns victories in the Frizette and the Bonnie Miss.

On the bubble: Pletcher also said Monday that multiple stakeswinner Rule, owned by WinStar Farm, will pass on the Derby. Nothing is physically amiss with the son of Roman Ruler, but the connections weren't pleased with the way the colt has trained since a third-place finish in the Florida Derby. The defection leaves NYRA leading rider Ramon Dominguez without a mount for the time being. The defection of Rule allows Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial runner-up Jackson Bend into the field, giving Nick Zito two entries in the Run for the Roses. Mike Smith has the call on the colt. Next on the bubble to get in should there be another defection is Bashford Manor and Sanford winner Backtalk, who would be ridden by Miguel Mena. It seems likely he'll get in, as another Pletcher colt, Interactif, has been deemed "unlikely" for the race. Although the colt worked four furlongs in a bullet :47.60 Monday morning, his best performances have come on turf and synthetics. A final decision on the colt's status is expected Tuesday.

Feeling lucky: Eclipse champion Lookin at Lucky, expected to inherit Derby favoritism, looked the part when going five furlongs in 1:00.80 in the mud on Monday morning. His final Derby drill was tied for the best at the distance. Going in company, the half-brother to Kensei moved through early splits of :12, :24.20, :36 and :48.20, galloping out in 1:15.20. Trainer Bob Baffert was pleased with the work and also added that his other hopeful, Conveyance, is slated to work Tuesday morning.

Good to go: A crucial work Monday morning for Noble's Promise, attempting to round back into form after emerging from a poor Arkansas Derby effort with a lung issue, went very well. The colt went a half in company in a brisk :48.80 (with each quarter mile an identical :24.20). After the work, he scoped clean back at Ken McPeek's barn and appears ready to go. Jockey Willie Martinez, who rode the colt to victory in the Breeders' Futurity last fall, was aboard for the work and will have the mount in the Derby.

Not so good: Arkansas Derby winner Line of David gave mixed signals in his work Monday morning. The colt broke off through solid early splits of :11.80, :23.60, :35.60, :48.20 and 1:01.20, but tired down the lane and needed encouragement to finish the six furlong drill in 1:15. Trainer John Sadler was displeased with the work and said the colt didn't handle the hard, sealed track well.

The lion's share: Illinois Derby winner American Lion worked five furlongs in 1:02.60 on Monday morning. The colt went in splits of :12.60, :25.40 and :37.60, galloping out in 1:16.40.

Oaks watch: With Devil May Care headed to the Derby, Velazquez likely picks up the mount on Pletcher's Ailalea. Beautician worked a half in :49.20, galloping out five furlongs in 1:03. The filly returned to the barn with some superficial scrapes on a hind leg. Joanie's Catch boarded a van from Calder on Monday bound for Churchill Downs and will arrive Tuesday. Trainer Dale Romans said Sassy Image, a two-time stakeswinner at Churchill last year, will pass on the race.

Notes: In final Derby moves, Awesome Act is scheduled to work Tuesday and Endorsement will have an easy breeze on Wednesday. ... A day after turning in his final work, Dublin schooled in the paddock Monday.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just six days away.

Favorite out: Of course, the big news out of Churchill Downs on Sunday was the unfortunate announcement that likely favorite Eskendereya won't be making the walk over on Saturday. Trainer Todd Pletcher said this morning that the winner of the Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial has filling in his left front leg, from his ankle to his knee. Pletcher, who said telling owner Ahmed Zayat was the "toughest call I've ever had to make to an owner," said he had believed Eskendereya's uninspiring gallops in recent days were due to the wet track at Churchill. The filling - likened to a human with a sprained ankle and extended swelling up the leg - was first noticed yesterday. Pletcher said his team worked on the injury and "hoped for a miracle" overnight, but when it didn't respond, he knew the colt would need to be withdrawn from the race. Further diagnostics will be needed later in the week, once the swelling subsides, to determine the exact nature of the injury and whether it is career-threatening, meaning the son of Giant's Causeway likely won't participate in any of the Triple Crown races. Eskendereya was viewed by many as perhaps Pletcher's best shot to end his 0-for-24 streak at the Derby. Without the favorite, Pletcher still has a powerful arsenal of starters in Louisiana Derby winner Mission Impazible, Arkansas Derby runner-up Super Saver, stakes winner and Florida Derby third-place finisher Rule and Risen Star winner Discreetly Mine. On the fence is San Felipe runner-up Interactif, whose best performances have come on turf and synthetics. Pletcher has also discussed starting Frizette and Bonnie Miss winner Devil May Care, who would be among the favorites in the Kentucky Oaks should he decide to keep her against her own sex. With Eskendereya out, which Pletcher said "swings the pendulum toward her running," first-call rider Johnny Velazquez is now available to ride the filly in either race. Without Eskendereya, favoritism on the morning line, released when post positions are drawn Wednesday, will likely fall to last year's Eclipse champion 2-year-old Lookin at Lucky, third in the Santa Anita Derby last time out.

Bubble watch: Eskendereya's defection strongly affects the makeup of the field, as spots in the starting gate are earned based on money won in graded stakes races. Fountain of Youth and Wood runner-up Jackson Bend is 21st on a graded earnings list that includes Devil May Care. If Pletcher chooses not to run either Interactif or Devil May Care, a spot would open in the field for Jackson Bend. If both don't run, Bashford Manor and Sanford winner Backtalk would be the next horse on deck to get in. A decision on Interactif could come Monday after his planned work at Churchill Downs, but Pletcher may wait until after the post position draw on Wednesday to make a decision on Devil May Care. Trainer Nick Zito, who also has Ice Box in the Derby said that Mike Smith will ride Jackson Bend should he make it into the field.

Last work: Hopeful winner Dublin covered an easy five furlongs in 1:02.80 in his final timed work before the Derby. With jockey Terry Thompson up, Dublin broke off behind stablemate Luv Gov and moved through fractions of :12.40, :24.20, :37.40 and :50.40, galloping out in 1:17.80 while eight lengths ahead over the sealed track. Although the time was relatively slow - Dublin has been known to fire bullets as of late - it was planned as an easy move and was encouraging after the son of Afleet Alex was extremely rank during his gallop Saturday when spooked by runners in the Louisville Marathon.

Smart talker: Bubble contender Backtalk breezed Sunday morning at Keeneland, covering five furlongs in 1:01.60 in company. With Miguel Mena, who will have the mount in the Derby should he enter, up, the son of Smarty Jones ticked off fractions of :12.20, :25, :37.80 and :50.40, galloping out in 1:14.40.

Crunch time: The consistent Noble's Promise, looking to rebound from a fifth-place finish in the Arkansas Derby, galloped Sunday and is scheduled to work Monday in company with Oaks hopeful Beautician. Trainer Ken McPeek said the work won't be postponed, as others have, due to track conditions, joking "he'll work in the slop and he'll like it." Noble's Promise emerged from Arkansas with a lung issue that left his Derby participation in doubt. He'll be scoped and a decision will be made following this crucial work.

On the slate: Scheduled to work on Monday are Lookin at Lucky, Conveyance, American Lion, Endorsement, Interactif, Noble's Promise and Line of David. Awesome Act is expected to work Tuesday.

Oaks watch: Potential favorite Blind Luck arrived late Saturday from her California training base and has settled in well. Ashland winner Evening Jewel, also based in California, is scheduled to ship on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Ashland runner-up It's Tea Time, already at Churchill, schooled in the paddock on Sunday. Wayne Lukas trainee Tidal Pool galloped two miles on Sunday morning.

Notes: Awesome Act's trainer Jeremy Noseda will finally arrive in Louisville on Wednesday, in time for the post position draw. The trainer has been stranded in England thanks to ash clouds from the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland. ... The American Turf, on the Oaks undercard, is attracting several horses who don't have the graded earnings to make the Derby field. Make Music For Me is likely to start, along with Santa Anita Derby runner-up Setsuko and stakes-placed Nordic Truce.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just a week away

Calling an audible: Todd Pletcher had scheduled works for all his Derby contenders on Saturday morning, but the track was already sloppy by the time it opened for training hours at 5:45 a.m. After observing the conditions, Pletcher chose to delay the moves by likely favorite Eskendereya and Interactif –who is on the fence - until Sunday morning. He did work his other four colts on Saturday morning. Arkansas Derby runner-up Super Saver went a half in :48.32, galloping out in 1:01.28 under Calvin Borel, who will have the mount in the Derby. Borel has won two of the last three Derbies. Florida Derby third-place finisher Rule and Louisiana Derby winner Mission Impazible worked in company, finishing up in 1:00.10 and 1:00.30, respectively. The times were best and second-best among 20 at the distance. Risen Star winner Discreetly Mine went five furlongs in 1:00.04, galloping out in 1:13.26 under jockey Javier Castellano.

On the fence: Frizette and Bonnie Miss winner Devil May Care, equipped with blinkers, handled the sloppy track well during her final workout Saturday morning, going five furlongs in 1:00.10. The time was tied for second-best of 20 at the distance. The daughter of Malibu Moon galloped out in 1:13.81. Pletcher hasn’t announced yet whether the filly will run in the Kentucky Oaks or Kentucky Derby, but did mention the possibility of entering both to decide following the post position draw for each race.

Dangerous on dirt: Santa Anita Derby winner Sidney’s Candy, who will be making his first start on dirt in the Derby, once again turned in a solid work at Churchill Downs, going six furlongs in company in 1:11.44 with jockey Joe Talamo up.

No runner from Trial: The Grade III Derby Trial, the feature of Churchill’s opening day card, could have produced a starter for the Derby if Pleasant Prince or Eightyfiveinafifty had won. Both colts would have moved into the top 20 on the graded earnings list with the winner’s purse. However, both will sit out, as Hurricane Ike scored a rail-skimming win in the race under Borel, who rode five winners on the day. Derby Trial runner-up Aikenite has enough earnings to make the field, but Pletcher and owner Cot Campbell reiterated after the race that they plan to point the colt to the Preakness instead.

Notes: Bob Baffert’s duo of Lookin at Lucky and Conveyance schooled in the paddock before the first race on Saturday. … Backtalk, who is 22nd on the graded earnings list, vanned to Keeneland late Saturday and will turn in his final work there Sunday morning. Trainer Tom Amoss wanted to avoid the muddy track. … Santa Anita Derby runner-up Setsuko, who won’t have the graded earnings to make the Derby field unless there are many defections, will instead run in the American Turf Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just eight days away.

Weather watch: Wet weather rolling through the Louisville area has begun to become a major factor in the training schedules of Derby and Oaks contenders and could even affect the races themselves next weekend. Several showers Friday morning resulted in a muddy and sealed track during training hours. Thunderstorms are possible throughout the weekend, causing a few trainers to move crucial final works for their entrants. A muddy track is also likely for tomorrow afternoon’s Derby Trial, which could produce a starter for the Run for the Roses. The 10-day forecast at Weather.com calls for showers throughout the week in Louisville, meaning contenders could have their final works early next week over a muddy track. The system should clear up and turn to sun by Friday, Kentucky Oaks day. Derby Day is forecast to be partly cloudy with highs in the 70’s, with scattered storms returning on Sunday.

Playing in the mud: One horse who indicated he’ll have no trouble with a wet track was Florida Derby winner Ice Box, whose four furlong work in :46 2/5 was the best of 27 moves on the day. The son of Pulpit broke off in tandem with a workmate and turned in early fractions of :11 3/5, :22.4/5 and :34 4/5. He finished up four lengths in front and galloped out five furlongs in :59 3/5, just a tick off the fastest official workout of the day at that distance. Ice Box, trained by Hall of Famer Nick Zito, is coming into the Derby off a six-week layoff.

Another bullet: Blue Grass runner-up Paddy O’Prado also turned in a strong work on Friday, going five furlongs in :58 2/5, the best of 21 at the distance. The colt galloped out a mile in 1:41 2/5. Although signaling his affinity for the surface on Friday morning, Paddy O’Prado was off the board in his career debut on a muddy Churchill Downs track last spring. His best efforts have come on turf and synthetics.

Maker’s duo work: Blue Grass winner Stately Victor and Lane’s End winner Dean’s Kitten, both trained by Kentucky-based Mike Maker, turned in their final serious works Friday morning at Trackside. With storms expected over the weekend, Maker, who originally intended to work the duo Saturday, moved both works up a day. Stately Victor, going in company with stakes winner Kera’s Kitten, broke off through early fractions of :11, :22 2/5, :34 3/5 and :47 1/5, stopping the clock for six furlongs in 1:11 3/5, best on the day at the training center. He galloped out in 1:16 3/5. Dean’s Kitten, working in company with Oaks hopeful Age of Humor, turned in early splits of :11 1/5, :22 3/5, :35 3/5 and :47 4/5 before finishing his five-furlong work in 1:01 2/5. He galloped out in 1:17 3/5. Both colts will move to Churchill Downs on April 29, two days before the Derby. They will school in the paddock that afternoon and gallop April 30.

Status update: Trainer Ken McPeek told the Associated Press that the status of his Derby contender Noble’s Promise is still up in the air. The consistent colt, who turned in a bullet work earlier in the week, has been battling a lung issue following a poor performance in the Arkansas Derby. Noble’s Promise is scheduled for a final, crucial work Monday morning.

On the slate: Todd Pletcher’s seven potential starters – likely favorite Eskendereya, Rule, Discreetly Mine, Mission Impazible, Super Saver, Interactif and the filly Devil May Care – are all scheduled to work at some point this weekend, with exact times depending on the weather. Pletcher will decide following the works whether Interactif – whose best performances have come on turf and synthetic – will take a shot in the Derby and whether Devil May Care, winner of the Frizette and Bonnie Miss, will go in the Derby or Oaks. Also working Saturday will be Santa Anita Derby winner Sidney’s Candy. Scheduled for Sunday are Backtalk and Endorsement. Depending on the track conditions in Louisville, Backtalk’s work could instead be at Keeneland. Scheduled to work Monday are Bob Baffert’s duo of champion Lookin at Lucky and Conveyance, as well as Arkansas Derby winner Line of David.

Oaks watch: With the Kentucky Oaks now just a week away, several contenders turned in their final serious moves on Friday. Likely favorite Blind Luck breezed six furlongs in 1:14 4/5 at Hollywood Park. The Eclipse champion, winner of the Fantasy last out, is scheduled to ship to Kentucky tomorrow. Ashland winner Evening Jewel zipped five furlongs in :59 2/5 at Santa Anita, best of 27 at the distance. She’ll arrive at Churchill Downs on Tuesday. Ashland runner-up It’s Tea Time worked fuve furlongs in 1:02 at Keeneland on Friday and is scheduled to ship Sunday. Among those already at Churchill Downs, four turned in solid works on the muddy track Friday morning. Santa Anita Oaks winner Crisp went six furlongs in company in 1:14 3/5, best of seven on the day, and galloped out in 1:28 2/5. Fair Grounds Oaks winner Quiet Temper went five furlongs in 1:03 3/5 with jockey Robby Albarado aboard. Todd Pletcher’s Ailalea, winner of the Tempted, went a half mile in :48 flat and galloped out in 1:14. Silverbulletday and Tiffany Lass winner Jody Slew turned in a brisk move of :48 2/5, galloping out in 1:01 1/5. The consistent Joanie’s Catch is scheduled to work tomorrow and ship to Churchill Downs on Monday. Also working tomorrow will be contender Champagne d’Oro and scheduled to work Monday is Beautician.

Notes: Chip Woolley, trainer of last year’s Derby winner Mine That Bird, will be in town through the big race next weekend. He was on hand in Louisville for the re-opening of the Kentucky Derby Museum, which now displays the crutches Woolley used to get into the winners’ circle last year after breaking his leg in a motorcycle accident some months before. Mine That Bird, off since the Breeders’ Cup Classic, is jogging at co-owner Mark Allen’s ranch in New Mexico. Allen and co-owner Dr. Leonard Blach told the Daily Racing Form Friday that they would not confirm or deny reports that the gelding could be transferred away from Woolley. ... Rascal Flatts will perform the national anthem during the Derby Day card next Saturday. Churchill Downs has announced that it will also add a performance at the Kentucky Oaks the day before, with Little Big Town singing the anthem.

TGIF - It's the end of a long workweek. And if you're a racing fan in the Saratoga area, there's plenty to do this weekend to keep you busy.

Cabin Creek open house

Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division will host its weekly open house from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. In addition to visiting with 1992 Jim Dandy and Travers winner Thunder Rumble and former runners Midnight Secret, Moonshadow Gold, Watchem Smokey, Karakorum Patriot, Red Down South and New Export, fans can also welcome the farm's newest resident - Zippy Chippy, who arrived on Thursday. Although the gelding is North America's losingest racehorse, finishing his career 0-for-100, he did gain a devoted fan base during his career, and also some notoriety as a pre-game novelty. Zippy twice raced at a minor league ballpark against players from the Triple A-Rochester Red Wings, once defeating Darnell McDonald in a 50-yard dash. McDonald now plays for the Boston Red Sox, and after belting a winning homer the other night, told the Boston Globe that he wants a rematch. Cabin Creek Farm is located at 483 Sand Hill Road in Greenfield Center.

Save NY Racing rally

The local group ThoroFan will hold a rally in support of the New York racing industry Sunday morning outside Saratoga Race Course. The purpose of the rally is to call on state officials to resolve financial issues threatening the racing industry - namely, the failure, over nearly a decade, to name a VLT operator at Aqueduct. The rally begins at 10:30 a.m. in front of the reserved seating entrance to the track on Union Avenue.

Countdown to the Triple Crown panel

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame - located on Union Avenue across from the track - will host its annual Countdown to the Triple Crown program on Sunday afternoon. The program will include video analysis of Triple Crown prep races and audience discussion with expert panelists Nick Kling, Seth Merrow and Jeanne Wood. Kling is a thoroughbred columnist and handicapper with the Troy Record and also co-hosts Capital OTB's Trackfacts. Merrow, the founder and publisher of Equidaily.com, appears weekly on Sirius Satellite Radio's "At the Races With Steve Byk." Wood is an employee of Capital OTB and is making a return appearance on this panel. The program begins at 2 p.m. in the Museum's Hall of Fame gallery. Admission is free and attendees will receive complimentary racing publications. For more information, contact the Museum's Communications Coordinator Brien Bouyea at nmrmedia@racingmuseum.net or extension 133.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just nine days away.

Not in yet: Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial runner-up Jackson Bend worked a strong five furlongs in :59.94. The colt covered his opening three furlongs in :34.51 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.39. Jackson Bend is currently 21st on the graded earnings list and will need at least one defection from those already qualified in order to make the Derby field. Owner Robert LaPenta and trainer Nick Zito already have Florida Derby winner Ice Box in the race. Should Jackson Bend be forced to miss the Derby, Zito says he'll move the colt on to the Preakness.

Notes: Likely Derby favorite Eskendereya and stablemates Mission Impazible and Super Saver galloped well on Thursday morning for trainer Todd Pletcher. ... Daniel Borislow, who campaigned Grade I winner Toccet in 2002, has purchased a minority interest in Champagne winner Homeboykris. The gelding's ownership team also includes Dodgers manager Joe Torre.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just 10 days away.

Baffert duo works: Reigning champion 2-year-old Lookin at Lucky and once-beaten Conveyance turned in strong works Wednesday morning for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. Lookin at Lucky - winner of the Rebel and most recently third in the Santa Anita Derby - worked six furlongs in company in 1:12.01. The son of Smart Strike was eager early, turning in a first quarter of :23.93, and strong late, completing five furlongs in :59.58 en route to his final clocking - which came without the blinkers he wore for his two starts this year. The colt galloped out seven furlongs in 1:25.08 and a mile in 1:39.70. Southwest winner Conveyance, most recently second in the Sunland Park Derby, worked five furlongs in :58.76, best of 22 on the day. The gray colt turned in splits of :23.20, :34.42 and :46.36 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.16.

Torre's colt works: Champagne winner Homeboykris, winless in two starts this year, got his first feel of the Churchill Downs track just a day after getting off the plane from Florida, breezing an easy six furlongs in 1:14.58. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who owns a share in the colt, was on hand to witness the work. The son of Roman Ruler turned in fractions of :25.21 and :50.20 and galloped out in 1:28.04.

Favorite gallops: Likely Derby favorite Eskendereya, winner of the Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial by daylight margins, got his first feel of the track on Wednesday, galloping a mile and a quarter. The colt arrived from his winter training base, Palm Meadows, yesterday.

Trial could produce starter: Churchill Downs opens for its spring/summer meet - which is, of course, highlighted by the Kentucky Derby - on Saturday. The opening day feature is the $200,000 added Grade III Derby Trial Stakes ($124,000 to the winner), which this year could have a major impact on the Derby field. The respective connections of Florida Derby runner-up Pleasant Prince and Bay Shore winner Eightyfiveinafifty have said that they will likely run their colts back a week later should either win and earn their way into the Derby's field of 20, based on performance in graded stakes. Pleasant Prince is currently 27th on the graded earnings list with $166,250 and Eightyfiveinafifty is 31st with $120,000. Homeboykris is currently in the 20th spot with $250,500.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just 11 days away.

Good to go: The consistent Noble's Promise, who came out of the Arkansas Derby with a lung issue that could have jeopardized his Derby hopes, gave every indication he can still be a factor by firing off the best five furlong work of the day at Churchill Downs on Tuesday. Working in company with Ken McPeek-trained stablemate Beautician, who will run in the Kentucky Oaks, Noble's Promise covered the distance in :59.84, with the filly finishing in 1:00.40. Jockey Willie Martinez was up for the work and is expected to ride in the Derby, as regular rider Robby Albarado has already committed to ride Sunland Park Derby winner Endorsement.

Other works: Arkansas Derby winner Line of David worked five furlongs in 1:02.02. Trainer John Sadler announced Tuesday that Rafael Bejerano will ride the colt in the Derby, replacing Jon Court. Gotham winner Awesome Act, most recently third in the Wood Memorial, worked six furlongs in 1:13.05. Julien Leparoux, who will ride the colt in the Derby, was aboard for the move. Illinois Derby winner American Lion worked five furlongs in 1:01.80 at Keeneland.

Upcoming works: Bob Baffert expects to work 2-year-old champion Lookin at Lucky and once-beaten Conveyance on Wednesday morning. Lookin at Lucky, who has been equipped with blinkers for both of his starts this year, won't wear them in the work or in the Derby.

Girlpower: Todd Pletcher said Tuesday that he could start Frizette and Bonnie Miss winner Devil May Care, a leading contender for the Kentucky Oaks, in the Derby depending on how she works over the track. Fillies have won the Derby three times - Regret in 1915, Genuine Risk in 1980 and Winning Colors in 1988. Should Devil May Care run in the Oaks instead, Pletcher might still consider running her in the Belmont - which he won with the filly Rags to Riches in 2007. Devil May Care arrived in Kentucky on a flight from Florida on Tuesday, along with Pletcher's Derby colts Eskendereya, Rule, Discreetly Mine and Mission Impazible. Eskendereya, the expected Derby favorite, and Devil May Care are tentatively scheduled to work for the first time at Churchill Downs on Saturday, with the rest breezing on Sunday.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just 12 days away.

Hopeful winner sizzles: Wayne Lukas trainee Dublin, winner of the Hopeful on closing day last summer at Saratoga, blitzed through a five furlong work in :59.13, best of 44 at the distance (others working included leading sprinter Ventana in :59.80 and stakes winner Kensei in 1:00.40). The son of Afleet Alex, who is winless since the Hopeful but with a series of strong efforts this spring, broke off eagerly behind a workmate and reeled off splits of :11.76, :23.23, :35.07 and :47.04. He finished well clear of his workmate and galloped out in 1:13 and change. Terry Thompson, who will ride the colt in the Derby, was aboard for the work.

Still hopeful: Another Saratoga stakes winner, Backtalk, breezed an easy five furlongs in 1:04 Monday morning at Churchill Downs. The son of Smarty Jones won the Bashford Manor last spring, making him one of the few hopefuls with a win over the track, and took the Sanford on during the opening week at Saratoga. Most recently, the colt was third in the Illinois Derby. Backtalk is currently 22nd on the graded earnings list and would need two defections to make the field.

Other works: Arkansas Derby also-ran Noble's Promise galloped on Monday and will turn in a crucial work Tuesday morning. The colt has been battling a long infection, making his Derby status in doubt; trainer Ken McPeek said he'll wait to see how Noble's Promise comes out of the work before giving a status update. Also galloping Monday and scheduled to work on Tuesday was Gotham winner Awesome Act - whose trainer, Jeremy Noseda, is still stuck in Britain. Other workers Tuesday are expected to include Arkansas Derby winner Line of David and Bay Shore winner Eightyfiveinafifty, who goes in Saturday's Derby trial. Turning in a gallop on Monday morning was Blue Grass runner-up Paddy O'Prado.

Familiar face: NYRA leading rider Ramon Dominguez, who took the jockey title last summer at Saratoga, has picked up the mount on WinStar Farm’s Rule for the Derby. The son of Roman Ruler, winner of the Delta Jackpot and Sam F. Davis, had Johnny Velazquez aboard in his most recent start, when he was third in the Florida Derby. But Velazquez will ride another Todd Pletcher trainee, expected favorite Eskendereya, in the Derby. Dominguez was second in the 2006 Derby aboard another WinStar colt trained by Pletcher, Bluegrass Cat.

New rider: Edgar Prado has ridden Champagne winner Homeboykris in most of his recent starts. But trainer Rick Dutrow, who won the 2008 Derby with Big Brown, said Monday that Joel Rosario will instead ride the son of Roman Ruler in the Derby. Prado won’t have a Derby mount, as he plans to stay in New York and ride at Belmont that weekend. After his Champagne win, Homeboykris turned in lackluster efforts in the Remsen and Holy Bull, then finished second in an allowance to stablemate Radiohead last time out. He comes into the Derby off a layoff of more than two months. Homeboykris is expected to arrive in Kentucky on Tuesday on a flight from Florida that will also carry Pletcher's group of Eskendereya, Rule, Mission Impazible and Discreetly Mine.

Oaks watch: Pletcher added another Oaks filly to his arsenal, declaring that Ailalea will run. The daughter of Pulpit earned a spot in the field - limited to 14 based on graded earnings - with the defection of champion She Be Wild due to injury. The filly won the Tempted at Aqueduct last fall but is unplaced in two stakes tries since then.

Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra fired her third straight bullet at Churchill Downs on Monday morning, firing off six furlongs in 1:11.40.

With regular exercise rider Dom Terry aboard, the Medaglia d'Oro filly reeled off splits of :12.56, :24.28, :36.16, :47.67 and :59.29. She galloped out seven furlongs in 1:24.41 and the mile in 1:37.76.

Her work was the fastest of seven at the day, outworking stakes-winning stablemates Friesan Fire (1:13.20) and Hot Dixie Chick (1:13.60).

Last Monday, Rachel Alexandra worked six furlongs in 1:12, best of seven, and on April 5, she covered five furlongs in 1:00.20, best of 16.

No race has been named for the filly's next start. However, she is nominated to the Grade II La Troienne Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard next week. There, Rachel Alexandra could meet Zardana, who defeated her last out in the New Orleans Ladies, and Careless Jewel, winner of the Alabama last summer.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just 13 days away.

Favorite on the sales block?: A Chapter 11 reorganization plan that owner Ahmed Zayat filed in New Jersey bankruptcy court last week states that Zayat would sell likely Derby favorite Eskendereya in order to help pay off debts. Fifth Third Bank sued Zayat earlier this year for defaulting on loans. The reorganization plan, which also states that Zayat plans to sell several other horses, calls for a deposit of $2 million on Eskendereya by September, with the remainder received by the end of the year. The colt's overall value was not estimated in the document. The plan must be approved by a creditors' committee and the bankruptcy court before either party can take any action, meaning that Eskendereya is unlikely to be sold before the Derby.

Oaks watch: Last year's Eclipse champion 2-year-old filly, She Be Wild, fractured her left front pastern during a gallop Sunday morning at Keeneland. The filly underwent surgery later that day to repair the injury, and while not necessarily retired, is on the shelf indefinitely and will of course miss the Oaks. The daughter of Offlee Wild, who capped her championship campaign with a victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, was most recently third in the Ashland.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just two weeks days away.

The Pletcher brigade: Todd Pletcher breezed a quartet of his Derby hopefuls on Saturday at the Palm Meadows Training Center, led by likely favorite Eskendereya. The Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial winner breezed five furlongs in 1:02 flat, fourth fastest of 14 works at the distance. The chestnut son of Giant’s Causeway opened with a first quarter of :25.01 and turned in a final quarter of :25.14 into a stiff headwind. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.32. Delta Jackpot and Sam F. Davis Stakes winner Rule also turned in a five furlong work in 1:02.65. Discreetly Mine went five furlongs in 1:01.95, third best of the 14 at the distance, and Mission Impazible covered the distance in 1:02.45. All four colts ship out of Florida on Tuesday bound for Churchill Downs.

Strong move: Sunland Park Derby winner Endorsement worked five furlongs in company in 1:01.60 at Keeneland. The colt broke off about five lengths behind his workmate and reeled off splits of :13.60, :26.60, :38.40 and :49.40, finishing up in front by daylight. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:14 and seven in 1:27.40. Endorsement ships to Churchill Downs on Sunday morning and will work again April 25.

Maker's duo: Lane’s End winner Dean’s Kitten worked Saturday morning in company with trainer Mike Maker’s Kentucky Oaks hopeful Age of Humor. The two ticked off five furlongs in :59.80, tied for the fastest of 10 at the distance at the Trackside Training Center. The pair will work together again on April 24. Maker’s other Derby contender, Blue Grass winner Stately Victor, galloped Saturday morning and is scheduled to work April 24.

Down and 'dirt'y: Santa Anita Derby winner Sidney’s Candy, who will be making his first start outside of California and thus his first on a conventional dirt surface in the Derby, signaled his affinity for the surface with a solid first work at Churchill Downs Saturday morning. The son of Candy Ride went five furlongs in a brisk :59 4/5, second best of 18 at the distance.

Oaks watch: Potential Oaks favorite Blind Luck, winner of the Fantasy last time out, worked a strong five furlongs in :59.80 at Santa Anita on Saturday morning. Pletcher’s Oaks filly, Devil May Care, outworked all of his colts at Palm Meadows, turning in the bullet five furlongs of 1:01.15. The winner of the Frizette and Bonnie Miss will also ship to Kentucky on Tuesday. Santa Anita Oaks winner Crisp worked an easy six furlongs at Churchill Downs in 1:15.20, ticking off splits of :24.60, :37, :50 and 1:02.40. The filly, who will work again next Friday, galloped out in 1:28.60.

Lexington win: Pletcher took the Lexington Stakes on Saturday at Keeneland with Exhi, who led all the way for the upset victory. The $180,000 winners’ purse won’t be enough to get the son of Marias Mon in the Derby starting gate, as the graded earnings cutoff is hovering well over $200,000. Still, Exhi, who also won the Rushaway Stakes, could be a force later on the Triple Crown trail.

Notes: The Kentucky Derby Museum will reopen Sunday after being closed since early August, when it was damaged by severe flooding in Louisville. Racing Hall of Famers Wayne Lukas, Nick Zito and Bob Baffert, who have combined to win the Derby nine times, will be on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and will each give remarks.

Updates on Kentucky Derby contenders and other news as the Run for the Roses is now just 15 days away.

Dynamic duos: Hall of Famers Bob Baffert and Nick Zito, who have won five Derbies between them, hope to each start a pair of runners in this year's edition of the Run for the Roses. Baffert's 2-year-old champion Lookin at Lucky arrived from California on Tuesday and got his first serious work at Churchill Downs on Thursday, covering five furlongs in 1:01.20. Stablemate and Rebel Stakes winner Conveyance covered the same distance in 1:00.20. Zito's Fountain of Youth and Wood runner-up Jackson Bend, currently 21st on the graded earnings list, worked a half in :47.40 on Thursday. Friday morning, it was Florida Derby winner Ice Box's turn, as he went in :48.40. Both colts worked in company.

Arrivals: The consistent Noble's Promise, who is still on the fence thanks to a lung infection, arrived from Arkansas on Thursday. He's expected to breeze on April 20 or 21, following which, trainer Ken McPeek says, he'll be carefully evaluated. Blue Grass runner-up Paddy O'Prado arrived by van from Keeneland on April 13. Santa Anita Derby winner Sydney's Candy also arrived from California that same day, coming in on the same plane as Lookin at Lucky. The son of Candy Ride is expected to work on Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.

Final prep: The Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday provides trainer Todd Pletcher the chance to get a record sixth entrant into the Derby, as he sends out Connemara, the only horse in the field with a legitimate chance to make the Derby. The half-brother to 2004 Derby runner-up Lion Heart is currently 29th on the graded earnings list with $138,500 in graded earnings, meaning the Lexington's $180,000 purse would boost him into the top 20 that earn a place in the starting gate. Connemara's chief competition could come from the likable colt Uptowncharlybrown, who brings the human interest story into the race - his trainer, Alan Seewald, unexpectedly died earlier this week.

Earnings scramble: Florida Derby runner-up Pleasant Prince (26th on the earnings list) and Bay Shore winner Eightyfiveinafifty (32nd) will run in the Derby Trial at Churchill Downs a week before the Run for the Roses to attempt to earn their way into the Derby field. Even without Triple Crown implications, the Trial is shaping up as a solid race, as Pletcher's stakes-placed Aikenite - already ruled out of the Derby field - figures to start. Meanwhile, Robert B. Lewis winner Caracortado will likely run in the Snow Chief Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds the same day to try to boost his chances of making the field. If he can't make the Derby or simply elects to pass, he poses a threat for the Preakness.

Oaks watch: Fair Grounds Oaks winner Quiet Temper blitzed five furlongs in :58.60 Friday morning at Churchill Downs. The stakes winning Jody Slew, most recently unplaced in the Fair Grounds Oaks, covered four furlongs in :50 flat.

Notes: Churchill Downs has announced a daily optional reserved training session for Derby and Oaks contenders. For 15 minutes following the renovation break at approximately 8:30 a.m., the track will be closed to all but those horses and their workmates, and horses must wear their track-issues Derby and Oaks saddlecloths to be allowed out. ... Lane's End winner Dean's Kitten is expected to work at Trackside on Saturday morning. ... Trainer Richard Mandella says he'll ship Santa Anita Derby runner-up Setsuko, currently 24th on the earnings list, to Churchill Downs and train him as though he'll make the field.

As the Oklahoma Training Track opened for business on Friday morning (read all about it in Saturday's edition of the Saratogian), there are also signs of life on the Belmont backside, as the NYRA circuit prepares to move on from Aqueduct.

Trainer Tim Ice arrived at Belmont this week with a string of seven horses he plans to campaign on the circuit this year. Ice took three of NYRA's biggest prizes - the Belmont, Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup - with eventual champion Summer Bird in his first full year of training last year. Despite losing Summer Bird to trainer Tim Ritchey because of an owners' decision, he arrived at Belmont as planned with his best stock, leaving the rest of his string at Louisiana Downs under the care of an assistant.

The powerful Godolphin Racing outfit is also setting in at Belmont. Stakes competitors Gayego, Regal Ransom, Desert Party, West Side Bernie and Atomic Rain have already arrived from wintering in Dubai. Stakes winners Sara Louise and Vineyard Haven will arrive Saturday from Kentucky.

Stardom Bound, the Eclipse champion 2-year-old filly of 2008, was retired and shipped to Kentucky this week.

The gray filly, owned by the IEAH racing group, is now boarded at Bluewater Farm near Lexington. She will be bred later this spring to IEAH's biggest star, Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, who stands at Three Chimneys Farm.

From the first crop of Tapit, Stardom Bound burst onto the scene by breaking her maiden in the Grade I Del Mar Debutante, then won the Oak Leaf and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. She won the Las Virgenes and the Santa Anita Oaks to stretch her streak to five consecutive Grade I victories. But the Oaks, in March 2009, would be her last career victory. Although second in the El Encino earlier this year, she was never able to regain her earlier form, and most recently was fifth in an allowance on the Keeneland turf.

Stardom Bround retires with a career mark of 12-5-3-1 and earnings of over $1.8 million.

Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra turned in her latest breeze, and her second straight bullet work, at Churchill Downs yesterday morning, covering six furlongs in 1:12 flat under regular exercise rider Dom Terry.

It was the fourth work for the 4-year-old since losing her season debut, the New Orleans Ladies, on March 13. Rachel Alexandra breezed twice at the Fair Grounds following that race, then shipped to her spring base, Churchill Downs, and has worked strongly since her return to the track she ran away with the Kentucky Oaks over.

In yesterday's work, the filly reeled off splits of :12.80, :25.40, :37.20, :48.40 and 1:00 en route to her final time, which was the fastest of seven at the distance. She galloped out seven furlongs in 1:25.20.

Last week, Rachel Alexandra breezed five furlongs in 1:00.20, best of 16 at the distance. Trainer Steve Asmussen said his charge will work every Monday until further notice, the pattern she followed during her Horse of the Year campaign last year.

Asmussen hasn't confirmed where the filly might start next. However, the rumor mill has mentioned the La Troienne, a two-turn, Grade II stakes on the undercard of the Kentucky Oaks, as a potential race. Rachel Alexandra is nominated to the event, along with New Orleans Ladies winner Zardana and Alabama winner Careless Jewel.