Here's a look at the field, in post position order with morning line odds. After checking out the horses, make sure you pick up your copy of today's paper to see who the Saratogian staff is picking in the Pink Sheet.

1. Lookin at Lucky (3-1)

Pedigree: By Smart Strike, out of Private Feeling, by Belong to Me. Of Belong To Me's three foals, two are stakes winners. The other is Kensei, winner of the Jim Dandy last summer at Saratoga.

Lifetime record: 8-6-1-1. Most recently, third in the Santa Anita Derby on April 3.

Pros: Owner of three Grade I wins in California is a remarkably consistent colt whose only losses come with excuses; he was still second after a poor trip in the BC Juvenile and third after an even worse trip in the Santa Anita Derby. Proved he could ship and win over dirt when he took the Rebel at Oaklawn two starts back. Has fired solid workouts over this track and can settle nicely off what is expected to be a hot early pace.

Cons: Has a tendency to find trouble even in small fields, which makes this 20-horse race a daunting prospect - especially when he drew the rail.

Connections: Bob Baffert, inducted into the Hall of Fame last summer in Saratoga, has three Derby wins. He and owner Mike Pegram, longtime friends, missed the Triple Crown by a nose with Real Quiet in 1998. Jockey Garrett Gomez, among the nation's leaders, would win his first Triple Crown race.

2. Ice Box (10-1)

Pedigree: Pulpit x Spice Island, by Tabasco Cat

Lifetime record: 7-3-0-0. Won the Florida Derby on March 20.

Pros: Improving with each start, this colt is one of the few deep closers in a race that's expected to have a hot early pace. He's trained strongly at Churchill Downs and fired a bullet work in the mud last week.

Cons: Coming off a six-week layoff since the Florida Derby and will need plenty of racing luck in a crowded field.

Connections: Hall of Famer Nick Zito has two Derby wins and starts two horses in this race, both owned by longtime client Robert LaPenta. Rider Jose Lezcano is looking for his first Derby win.

3. Noble's Promise (12-1)

Pedigree: Cuvee x The Devil's Trick, by Clever Trick

Lifetime record: 8-3-3-1. Fifth in the Arkansas Derby on April 10.

Pros: Remarkably consistent colt won the Breeders' Futurity last fall at Keeneland and finished second to Lookin at Lucky twice in 2009. Has fired two strong works in a row at Churchill Downs.

Cons: Comes into this off the worst performance of his career and trainer Ken McPeek waited until earlier this week before announcing the colt was definitely in the field after he came out of that race with a lung issue and some superficial cuts on his legs. There are also questions about his distance limitations.

Connections: McPeek and jockey Willie Martinez are looking for their first Derby wins.

4. Super Saver (15-1)

Pedigree: Maria's Mon x Supercharger, by AP Indy. Super Saver comes from a family with incredible depth. He is a half brother to successful runner and sire Guided Missile; his second dam produced runners such as Accelerator, Daydreaming and Girolamo, as well as the dam of Derby runner-up Bluegrass Cat. Super Saver's third dam, Dance Number, produced the sires Not For Love and Rhythm, as well as Oscillate, dam of sire Mutakddim. Dance Number is out of Numbered Account, champion filly in 1971 and eventually the dam of Private Account, sire of Personal Ensign. The line also traces back to Baby League, dam of the great Busher. Super Saver's sire, Maria's Mon, has already produced a Derby winner in Monarchos.

Lifetime record: 6-2-2-1. Second in the Arkansas Derby on April 10.

Pros: Scored a two-turn win at Churchill Downs last fall in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. The colt keeps Calvin Borel aboard, has a solid pedigree with some propensity to run on a wet track and has displayed heart in deep stretch in his last few races.

Cons: Speedy sort could falter in a race where he'll have plenty of company up front. There were also no real excuses for his Arkansas loss.

Connections: Borel has won two of the last three Derbies and is red hot at Churchill Downs over the first week of the meet. Trainer Todd Pletcher, famously 0-for-24 at the Derby, starts four horses this year.

5. Line of David (30-1)

Pedigree: Lion Heart x Emma's Dilemma, by Capote

Lifetime record: 6-3-0-1. Won Arkansas Derby on April 10.

Pros: Ran exactly like his sire, the 2004 Derby runner-up, in winning the Arkansas Derby, and that's not a bad thing. Chestnut colt whisked through brilliant early fractions then displayed heart in deep stretch to hold off challengers in his first start on conventional dirt.

Cons: Didn't move well or handle the wet track at all in his final work.

Connections: Trainer John Sadler starts two horses here and Rafael Bejarano, who rode Line of David to two of this three wins, regains the mount.

6. Stately Victor (30-1)

Pedigree: Ghostzapper x Collect the Cash, by Dynaformer. First Grade I winner for his sire, the 2004 Horse of the Year. Dam Collect the Cash won the Grade I Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup on the Keeneland turf.

Lifetime record: 8-2-1-0. Won the Blue Grass on April 10.

Pros: Second to Winslow Homer, who went on to win the Holy Bull, in a Saratoga maiden that was off the turf last summer and has also trained well over the wet track this week. Looked good making a sweeping move to win the Blue Grass and that running style could figure in this race.

Cons: Finished well back in two other dirt tries at Gulfstream and his only other career victory came on the turf.

Connections: One of Kentucky's leading trainers, Mike Maker, has two chances to win his first Derby. Alan Garcia, who took the Saratoga riding title and won the Belmont in 2008, is aboard. Co-owner Jack Conway is the Attorney General of Kentucky and is running for a Senate seat, meaning the month of May could be eventful for him - the primary is May 18.

7. American Lion (30-1)

Pedigree: Tiznow x Storm Tide, by Storm Cat

Lifetime record: 6-3-1-1. Won Illinois Derby on April 3.

Pros: Fairly consistent colt showed heart when turning back a foe in the stretch to win the Illinois Derby despite setting the pace.

Cons: American Lion couldn't beat most of the top 3-year-olds from California and the Illinois Derby was one of the weaker prep races this spring.

Connections: Trainer Eoin Harty, a former assistant to Baffert, is looking for his first solo win. Rider David Flores was aboard for the Illinois Derby win.

8. Dean's Kitten (50-1)

Pedigree: Kitten's Joy x Summer Theatre, by Ide

Lifetime record: 11-3-1-2. Won the Lane's End on March 27.

Pros: Has a solid running style and looked good rallying four wide to take the Lane's End. Picks up Robby Albarado in the saddle.

Cons: Has two wins on turf and one on synthetic. In his only try on dirt, he was soundly beaten.

Connections: Maker saddles this colt and Albarado picked up the mount earlier in the week when Endorsement came out.

9. Make Music For Me (50-1)

Pedigree: Bernstein x Miss Cheers, by Carson City

Lifetime record: 8-1-2-1. Sixth in the Blue Grass on April 10

Pros: Twice second and once third behind Lookin at Lucky in stakes company in California.

Cons: This will be his first try on dirt and his only career win came on the turf.

Connections: Joel Rosario finally gets a Derby mount after being bounced off both Homeboykris and Dean's Kitten. Alexis Barba would be the first woman to saddle a Derby winner.

10. Paddy O' Prado (20-1)

Pedigree: El Prado x Fun House, by Prized

Lifetime record: 6-1-2-2. Second in the Blue Grass on April 10.

Pros: Grade III winner and GI placed runner trained strongly over the mud at Churchill Downs and is bred to run all day.

Cons: His stakes win came on the turf and his Blue Grass placing was on synthetic.

Connections: Three-time Derby winner Kent Desormeaux rides this colt, trained by a Kentucky mainstay in Dale Romans.

11. Devil May Care (10-1)

Pedigree: Malibu Moon x Kelli's Ransom, by Red Ransom. Kelli's Ransom was also the dam of a Derby starter last year in UAE Derby and Super Derby winner Regal Ransom.

Lifetime record: 5-3-0-0. Won the Bonnie Miss on March 20

Pros: Solid resume, with wins in the Frizette and Bonnie Miss, would have made her one of the Kentucky Oaks favorites. Has trained strongly and looks to still be improving from race to race.

Cons: A filly hasn't won the Kentucky Derby since Winning Colors in 1988. Devil May Care can still run greenly and act up in the post parade and starting gate, things that don't bode well in a 20-horse field in front of a rowdy crowd.

Connections: The only Triple Crown win for Pletcher and his go-to rider Johnny Velazquez came with a filly in the 2007 Belmont with Rags to Riches.

12. Conveyance (12-1)

Pedigree: Indian Charlie x Emptythetill by Holy Bull

Lifetime record: 5-4-1-0. Second in the Sunland Park Derby on March 28

Pros: Once-beaten colt transferred his form from California to dirt very well, with a victory in the Southwest at Oaklawn two starts back.

Cons: His front-running style makes him vulnerable here.

Connections: Baffert gives Martin Garcia a leg up in his first Derby.

13. Jackson Bend (15-1)

Pedigree: Hear No Evil x Sexy Stockings, by Tabasco Cat

Lifetime record: 9-5-4-0. Second in the Wood Memorial on April 3

Pros: Ultra-consistent colt with a ton of heart and Hall of Fame connections has been second to Eskendereya in his last two races.

Cons: He hasn't won yet this season and could have distance limitations.

Connections: Mike Smith, a Hall of Famer who won the 2005 Derby with longshot Giacomo, teams up with Zito.

14. Mission Impazible (20-1)

Pedigree: Unbridled's Song x La Paz, by Hold Your Peace. A half-brother to stakes winner and sire Forest Camp.

Lifetime record: 5-2-1-2. Won the Louisiana Derby on March 27

Pros: Looked good winning the Louisiana Derby, making a three wide rally to get up for the win. Consistent colt also has a stakes placing at Churchill Downs as a 2-year-old.

Cons: The Louisiana Derby was probably one of the weaker preps.

Connections: Rajiv Maragh has the call for Pletcher.

15. Discreetly Mine (30-1)

Pedigree: Mineshaft x Pretty Discreet, by Private Account. Pretty Discreet, winner of the Alabama, is the dam of Grade I winner Discreet Cat.

Lifetime record: 8-2-3-0. Fourth in the Louisiana Derby on March 27

Pros: Grade I-placed as a 2-year-old, Discreetly Mine finally broke through with a win in the Risen Star this spring.

Cons: Frontrunner could have distance limitations.

Connections: Javier Castellano has the call for Pletcher.

16. Awesome Act (10-1)

Pedigree: Awesome Again x Houdini's Honey, by Mr. Prospector

Lifetime record: 8-2-2-2. Third in the Wood Memorial April 3.

Pros: This colt began his career on the turf in England and has been solid since moving to the dirt in New York, winning the Gotham and running third in the Wood. He had a legitimate excuse in that race, as he threw a shoe at the break.

Cons: The Gotham was probably one of the weaker prep races of the spring.

Connections: Trainer Jeremy Noseda was nearly stuck in England thanks to the clouds of volcanic ash generated by the eruption in Iceland, but he finally arrived in Louisville this week. French-born jockey Julien Leparoux won the Eclipse Award as the nation's top rider in 2009.

17. Dublin (12-1)

Pedigree: Afleet Alex x Classy Mirage, by Storm Bird. From the first crop of his sire, winner of the 2005 Preakness and Belmont. Classy Mirage was a multiple stakeswinner with her big win coming in the Ballerina; second dam First Mirage is the dam of Grade I winner Missy's Mirage; and third dam Gray Mirage was also a stakes winner.

Lifetime record: 8-2-1-2. Third in the Arkansas Derby on April 10

Pros: Winner of the Hopeful last year. Closed strongly to be second in the Southwest in February, then was third with decent efforts in the Rebel and Arkansas Derby.

Cons: Hasn't won yet this year and had no real excuses for the Arkansas Derby loss, hanging in the stretch.

Connections: Hall of Famer Wayne Lukas has won four Derbies - most recently in 1999 - and a win would make him second all-time. Terry Thompson rides.

18. Backtalk (50-1)

Pedigree: Smarty Jones x Apasionata Sonta, by Affirmed. Backtalk is the first Derby starter for his sire, the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner. Apasionata Sonta also produced the multiple stakeswinning filly Bsharpsonata.

Lifetime record: 7-4-0-1. Third in the Illinois Derby on April 3

Pros: Winner of two stakes, the Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs and the Sanford at Saratoga, as a 2-year-old.

Cons: Won his first three starts but is 1-for-4 since, with his only win coming against suspect competition. Was soundly beaten in the Illinois Derby, although he might have left his race in a bullet work earlier that week.

Connections: Trainer Tom Amoss, saddling his second Derby starter, gives first-time Derby jockey Miguel Mena a leg up.

19. Homeboykris (50-1)

Pedigree: Roman Ruler x One Last Salute, by Salutely

Lifetime record: 6-2-1-0. Second in an allowance on Feb. 27.

Pros: Won the Grade I Champagne at Belmont last October.

Cons: Hasn't won since and was soundly beaten in his two other stakes tries. Coming off a layoff of over two months.

Connections: Rick Dutrow, who won the 2008 Derby and Preakness with Big Brown, gives a leg up to Ramon Dominguez, NYRA's leading rider. The gelding's ownership group includes Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre.

20. Sidney's Candy (5-1)

Pedigree: Candy Ride x Fair Exchange, by Storm Cat

Lifetime record: 6-4-1-0. Won the Santa Anita Derby on April 3.

Pros: Consistent colt is a perfect 3-for-3 this year, all in stakes company, and looked good winning the Santa Anita Derby on the front end. Has trained superbly at Churchill Downs.

Cons: Will be making his first start outside of California and his first start on dirt. Drawing the extreme outside means he could get hooked wide around the first turn. With plenty of other horses figuring to join him on the front end, he won't get the easy trip he had last out.

Connections: The young Joe Talamo makes his Derby derbut after having the favorite scratched out from under him on the morning of the race last year. Sadler's trainee is owned by Sid and Jenny Craig, whose silks feature caricatures of a fat horse and a skinny horse.

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.

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.

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.

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.