Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Daily Derby dose

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.

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