Only five horses going back 51 years captured the Kentucky Derby after failing to hit the board in their final prep. And four ran in just two of the six current major preps.

Five horses that took the San Anita Derby since Swaps in ’55 scored at Churchill Downs, but the last colt to turn the trick was Sunday Silence in ’89.

The last two unplaced horses at Santa Anita to triumph at Churchill Downs were Gato Del Sol in ’82 and Giacomo two years ago.

The same interests that guided Giacomo won Santa Anita’s premier event this year with Tiago, who roared down the stretch from fifth to a half-length victory. In a less than stellar 10-horse field, King of the Roxy was second and opted for the Preakness. Sam P., third, and Liquidity, fifth, are yet to take a stakes race.

Ten winners of the Blue Grass Stakes since ’55 repeated at Louisville. Two that ran fourth at Keeneland also won: Sea Hero in ’93 and Thunder Gulch in ’95.

Domincan nosed out Smart Sense this year, skyrocketing his earnings to qualify among the 20 likely starters in the 133rd Derby. But it was the 57th slowest of 83 Blue Grass races.

The five top runners will make the trip from Lexington, including fifth place finisher Great Hunter. The son of Aptitude, beaten less than two lengths, had a horrible trip:

He brushed the gate at the break, inched ahead of pacesetting Teuflesberg leaving the far turn, was floated out by that horse entering the stretch and then was forced to take up when the fading fourth place finisher drifted out at the sixteenth pole.

One of the most surprising upsets in Derby history featured what many consider the most talented field of 3-year-olds a half-century ago. It was preceded by the Derby Trial, an important final tune-up in those days, which was staged from five days to two weeks earlier.

During the heyday of Calumet Farm, three of its horses captured both The Trial and The Derby: Citation, ’48 Triple Crown champ; Hill Gail, ’52; and Tim Tam, ’58, the last to win both races. In addition, runners-up Whirlaway and Ponder, scored in ’41 and ’49, respectively.

In the ’57 Derby Trial, Federal Hill finished first, followed by Calumet’s Gen. Duke. The runner-up’s stablemate Iron Liege, who ran third behind him in Gulfstream Park’s Florida Derby, ran an uninspiring fifth.

They were headed to the 83rd Derby with Bold Ruler, winner of the Wood after finishing second in the Florida Derby, and Round Table, victorious in the Blue Grass, plus Gallant Man, who captured the Hibiscus at defunct Hialeah Park.

On the morning of the May 4, likely Derby favorite Gen. Duke was scratched because of a foot injury suffered 11 days earlier in the Derby Trial.

Federal Hill set the pace like he did in the Florida Derby, with favored Bold Ruler and Iron Liege pressing him. Iron Liege grabbed the lead in the stretch while Gallant Man made a big move that put him in front between calls.

Then Bill Shoemaker started to stand up in the irons misjudging the finish line and Gallant Man was knocked off stride briefly. Before both could recover, Iron Liege hit the wire a nose ahead. Round Table finished third, followed by Bold Ruler and the fading Federal Hill.

Iron Liege, the only winner in 51 years to smell the roses after running fifth in the final prep, paid 18.80 as the fifth choice.

By BookMaker Racebook

AQUEDUCT

He’s Tough: Broke slowly, raced seventh early, moved to sixth more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced inside for the drive, angled out in third to make up six lengths in stretch and gained second by 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on April 19.

Against the Grain: Raced third early, dropped back to fourth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied three wide approaching stretch, bumped with winner in upper stretch, gained lead briefly by a head, steadied when that rival came out near wire and lost by a length at a mile on a good surface April 13.

Native Hall: Stumbled at start, bumped, dropped back to fifth early, moved up inside to fourth 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied turning for home, made up 5 ½ lengths in stretch and gained second by a neck at six furlongs on Feb. 22.

Today’s Charmer: Raced 17 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, advanced wide to sixth in stretch, made up nearly 11 lengths and lost by a half-length and a neck at six furlongs on Feb. 17.

EVANGELINE DOWNS

No Net Needed: Raced wide down backstretch, trailed by more than 9 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied from eighth to fourth in stretch, made up nearly six lengths and lost by a head at 1 1/16 miles on March 16 at Fair Grounds. (Raced seventh early, dropped to ninth after six furlongs, moved outside midway on far turn, advanced to fifth in stretch and continued rally to gain second by 2 ¾ lengths at a mile and 70 yards on April 14.)

GULFSTREAM PARK

Fearless Vision: Chased pace 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, swung four wide for drive and gained second by a head at 1 1/8 miles on March 31. (Chased pace 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, rallied to take command on the turn and drew off in stretch to win by 9 ½ lengths at a mile on April 21.)

HAWTHORNE

Who Let the Cat In: Bumped at start, checked while rushing up to fifth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, checked repeatedly racing fourth in stretch and rallied when clear to third beaten three-quarters of a length and a neck at six furlongs on April 22.

Allys Golden Smile: Raced three wide more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied to make up two lengths in stretch and gained second by a nose at six furlongs on April 13.

Silver Legacy: Stalked pace in third more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground to fourth on far turn, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and lost by a half-length and a neck at 1 1/16 miles on March 31. (Tracked pace 1 ½ lengths behind in second after a half-mile, gained lead in stretch by a head and prevailed by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on April 21.)

Show Me the Doe: Trailed inside by more than five lengths after a half-mile, moved to third in stretch, steadied behind rivals, recovered and gained second by a length at six furlongs on March 11.

Quill Play: Broke last, trailed early, raced sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for drive, made up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and gained second by 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Feb. 23.

KEENELAND

Nonesuch Kiss: Broke awkwardly, trailed early, raced seventh more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came eight wide entering stretch in fifth for drive, bumped, forced out by third-place finisher at sixteenth pole, recovered, made up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on April 21.

Fast Actress: Raced seventh more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, came out more than four wide for drive, bumped in fourth by rival at eighth pole and rallied to finish second by a length at seven furlongs on April 15; ran final three furlongs in 37 flat.

Precautionary: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost position on turn, swung out in seventh eight wide for drive, rallied when straightened in stretch and gained third beaten 1 ½ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on April 12; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 31 flat.

OAKLAWN PARK

Samba G: Raced six lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, lost ground to seventh on far turn, came widest into the lane, rallied from fifth to make up more than five lengths in stretch and finished second outside winner a neck back at 1 1/16 miles on March 28. (Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, roused on turn and gained second by 3 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on April 14.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Topping: Pressed pace wide a half-length off lead after a half-mile, steadied on far turn, dropped to fourth for drive, came again in stretch and finished third beaten a neck and a length at a mile and 70 yards on April 21.

Kawaaser: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied between rivals in stretch and gained second by a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on April 14.

Precisely Sue: Tracked pace more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, shuffled back between rivals midway around turn, closed in final furlong to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and lost by a head at six furlongs on March 27.

Top of the Town: Trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after a half-mile, moved up from eighth wide on far turn, rallied from fourth to second in stretch, made up more than two lengths and lost by a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on March 13. (Raced more than 1 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile and rallied from fourth in stretch to gain second by a nose at a mile on April 17.)

Cabo Rojo: Raced seventh more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up inside to fifth in stretch, made up more 2 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on Feb. 17.

PIMLICO

Hot Alliance: Raced seventh more than fourth lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung out inside eighth pole, rallied from six as rider dropped whip near sixteenth pole, made up nearly five lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a neck at five furlongs on the turf April 21.

Satin Song: Bobbled at break, raced fourth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, raced four wide losing ground on turn, rallied late from fifth to make up nearly five lengths and finished third beaten a head and neck at 6 ½ furlongs on March 15 at Turfway Park.

SANTA ANITA

Doppio: Raced eighth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, was in tight off heels of rival heading home, came out in stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and lost by 1 ¼ lengths at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf March 15. (Stalked leaders close up off rail in third after a half-mile, came out entering stretch, put a head in front three deep in mid-stretch and prevailed by that margin under urging at 6 ½ furlongs on the turf April 8.)

By BookMaker Racebook

Miami Bosses: ‘R’ Word Is Retooling or Reshuffling

The Miami brass says the “R” word for this season is retooling or reshuffling, not rebuilding.

“We don’t look at it as rebuilding,” owner Wayne Huizenga told The Miami Herald. “Our defense is pretty much intact. We kept the guys we wanted to keep. Now we’re got to make some changes on offense. I don’t look at that as a rebuilding.”

The team is reshuffling the roster as opposed to rebuilding it, general manager Randy Mueller told The Sun-Sentinel.

I went to the dictionary to discern the differences:

Retooling means “to reorganize something in order to make it more efficient or powerful” – like the Dolphins will have to retool if they are to remain competitive.

Reshuffling means “to arrange or organize anew” — like Miami must reshuffle the team.

Rebuilding means “to work to restore something that has been weakened, damaged or ruined” — like the Dolphins will have to rebuild.

To paraphrase Shakespeare: That which we call rebuilding – by any other word would be the same.

No matter which “R” word you prefer, there’s no doubt changes must be made for Miami to reach the AFC playoffs for the first time since losing 20-3 to Baltimore in the 2001 first round.

All-Pro defensive end Jason Taylor thinks the playoffs are within reach: “We can be in the AFC championship game like New Orleans was (last year in the NFC). It can turn around very quickly.”

At his recent charity golf tournament, Taylor told The Palm Beach Post, “We are looking for young guys and you have to in this league. There are different levels of rebuilding. Hopefully we’re not in a little tear-down part.”

Rebuilding? Well, the Dolphins lost a dozen players who started a combined 100-plus games in ’06.

Taylor said head coach Cam Cameron addressed his concerns about rebuilding in some ways with the signing of onetime Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Parker.

Cameron, however, stresses the Dolphins will rely more on the draft than free agency. “We’re going to build this team through the draft,” he told a news conference after returning from a family vacation.

Miami has four picks in the Top 71, including the ninth. Defensive back Jason Allen, who went 16th last year, is one of three back-ups on the team.

On April 28-29, the Dolphins have nine selections in the seven rounds. Right now the main concern is starting quarterback. An NFL team without a dependable quarterback is like a fish out of water. In this case, the Dolphins are animals on defense, but minnows on offense.

Miami, fourth last year in total defense, was ranked 29th in total offense. Only Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Oakland were more pathetic. The team averaged 16.2 points a game, only ahead of the lowly three above.

Since Hall of Famer Dan Marino retired, the Dolphins have been inconsistent at best. Consider just two of his numerous individual records compiled from 1983 through ’99:

Most 300-yard games: 63. Jay Fiedler, his successor through ’04, was tied for second with three.

Most TD passes: 420. The next four, including Bob (Super Bowl) Griese, ’67-80, and Fiedler, combined for 331.

The quarterback situation for ’07 is up in the air because Joey Harrington was cut March 5.

He led the Dolphins to a 6-10 record last year while ranking 29th among passers, lower than either of his previous two seasons at Detroit. His release came partly because of a high salary cap number and he was due a $1 million roster bonus.

Cameron, who oversaw San Diego’s explosive offense that led the NFL in scoring last year, has said, “Whoever our quarterback winds up being, it will be the guy that has earned the job.”

The candidates are:

Daunte Culpepper: Acquired from Minnesota only four months from reconstructive knee surgery, he started the first four games in ’06, going 1-3 as his mobility was hampered by lingering knee problems.

Culpepper renewed rehabilitation, giving way to Harrington. While the Dolphins expect him to attend quarterback schools and mini-camps, but not fully participate, his status remains a mystery.

Cleo Lemon: He became a Dolphin in ’05 from San Diego where he worked with Cameron for a year. His playing experience: four games, including one start – replacing Harrington in a season-ending loss.

Trent Green: So far, the price isn’t right. Kansas City wants a higher draft choice than the seventh pick Miami is willing to shell out for the aging veteran relegated to back-up after missing eight starts with a concussion. Cameron and Green were at Washington in ’96 when Cameron was quartbacks coach.

Brady Quinn: Ranked in the Top 5 of most likely to be drafted on April 28, the Notre Dame quarterback is unlikely to be around when Miami selects ninth.

Stay tuned!

By Greg Melikov

AQUEDUCT

Against the Grain: Raced third early, dropped back to fourth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied three wide approaching stretch, bumped with winner in upper stretch, gained brief lead by a head, steadied when that rival came out near wire and lost by a length at a mile on a good surface April 13.

Black Adonis: Raced fifth inside nine lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, angled out in stretch, made up 4 ½ lengths and finished second a length back at 1 1/16 miles on March 31.

Birdie Run: Raced fifth early, dropped to last more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, came wide in sixth for drive, rallied from third to make up nearly four lengths and lost by a neck at a mile and seventy yards on March 1. (Raced third early, dropped to fourth

More than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied inside to second, but couldn’t catch winner at a mile on a wet fast inner track on March 14; returned $9.60 for place.)

Native Hall: Stumbled at start, bumped, dropped back to fifth early, moved up inside to fourth 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied turning for home, made up 5 ½ lengths in stretch and gained second by a neck at six furlongs on Feb. 22.

Today’s Charmer: Raced 17 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, advanced wide to sixth in stretch, made up nearly 11 lengths and lost by a half-length and a neck at six furlongs on Feb. 17.

Bold Mon: Raced fifth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in upper stretch and rallied to gain second by a half-length at six furlongs on Feb. 28. (Raced third early, dropped to fourth along rail more than two lengths behind after a half-mile and rallied in stretch to gain second by a nose at six furlongs on March 21.)

EVANGELINE DOWNS

No Net Needed: Raced wide down backstretch, trailed by more than 9 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied from eighth to fourth in stretch, made up nearly six lengths and lost by a head at 1 1/16 miles on March 16 at Fair Grounds. (Raced seventh early, dropped back to ninth after six furlongs, moved outside midway on far turn, advanced to fifth in stretch and continued rally to gain second by 2 ¾ lengths at a mile and 70 yards on April 14.)

GULFSTREAM PARK

Sylvia’s Cat: Trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after a half-mile, swung out in ninth for drive, advanced to sixth in stretch, bumped hard with rival inside sixteenth pole, made up 3 ½ lengths and lost by a length at a mile on a good turf course April 13.

Gold Trippi: Broke last, trailed by more than six lengths after a half-mile, rallied five wide to make up nearly three lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a nose and 1 ½ lengths at seven furlongs on March 31.

Navarre Light: Broke on top, taken back to fifth, lacked room behind rivals along backstretch, raced more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for drive, made up nearly 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and lost by neck and three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Feb. 25.

Eight Mile Rock: Broke slowly, trailed by more than 7 ½ lengths after a half-mile, launched bid five wide on turn, rallied belatedly from fourth to make up 3 ¾ lengths in stretch and lost by 1 ¼ lengths at a mile on Feb. 18.

Hay Cheif: Broke slowly from outside post, raced ninth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped back to 10th when blocked behind wall of foes leaving far turn, found room while advancing in stretch, rallied from fifth to make up more than 1 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Feb. 11.

Fearless Vision: Chased pace three wide 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, took over by a head entering stretch and drew off by four lengths at a mile on March 10. (Chased pace 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, swung four wide for drive and gained second by a head at 1 1/8 miles on March 31.)

HAWTHORNE

Allys Golden Smile: Raced three wide more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied to make up two lengths in stretch and gained second by a nose at six furlongs on April 13.

Silver Legacy: Stalked pace in third more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground to fourth on far turn, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and lost by a half-length and a neck at 1 1/16 miles on March 31.

Show Me the Doe: Trailed inside by more than five lengths after a half-mile, moved to third in stretch, steadied behind rivals, recovered and gained second by a length at six furlongs on March 11.

Quill Play: Broke last, trailed early, raced sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for drive, made up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and gained second by 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Feb. 23.

KEENELAND

Mama’s Temper: Raced sixth early, dropped back to seventh more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from sixth in stretch to threaten leaders, lacked room at sixteenth pole, steadied and finished willingly in third beaten three-quarters of a length and a nose at six furlongs on April 13.

Precautionary: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost position on turn, swung out eight wide in seventh, rallied when straightened in stretch and gained third beaten 1 ½ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on April 12; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 31 flat.

OAKLAWN PARK

Samba G: Raced six lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, lost ground to seventh on far turn, came widest into the lane, rallied from fifth to make up more than five lengths in stretch and finished second outside winner a neck back at 1 1/16 miles on March 28. (Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, asked for some run on turn and gained second by 3 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on April 14.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Kawaaser: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied between rivals in stretch and gained second by a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on April 14.

Precisely Sue: Tracked pace more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, shuffled back between rivals midway around turn, closed in final furlong to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and lost by a head at six furlongs on March 27.

Top of the Town: Trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after a half-mile, moved up wide on far turn from eighth, rallied from fourth to second in stretch, made up more than two lengths and lost by a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on March 13.

Cabo Rojo: Raced seventh more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up inside to fifth in stretch, made up more 2 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on Feb. 17.

SANTA ANITA

Butterfly Belle: Raved eighth early, dropped to ninth more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came out for drive, angled out further in stretch, closed with a rush to make up more than five lengths and finished second beaten a length at 6 ½ furlongs on the turf March 31.

Doppio: Raced eighth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, in tight off heels of rival heading home, came out in stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and lost by 1 ¼ lengths at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf March 15. (Stakes leaders close up off rail in third after a half-mile, came out entering stretch, put a head in front three deep in mid-stretch and prevailed by that margin under urging at 6 ½ furlongs on the turf April 8.)

Isipingo: Broke slowly, trailed by more than 3 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced outside from eighth to fifth in upper stretch, crowded off heels of rival, forced further out for room, finished well making up more than three lengths while bumped late between foes and lost by a nose and a half-length at a mile on the turf March 1.

Tonkins: Raced fourth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, split rivals into turn, lost ground to fifth in stretch, rallied outside to make up 2 ½ lengths and was nosed out at 5 ½ furlongs on Feb. 11.

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Will Those Kentucky Derby Jinxes Hold True in 2007?

What do Apollo, Regret, Exterminator and Sunny’s Halo have in common? Yes, all three have won the Kentucky Derby.

But the quartet shares another common thread – the start or perpetuation of jinxes that have held true for decades.

The oldest Curse of Churchill Downs dates back to 1882 when Apollo roared down the stretch to capture the eighth Derby. He was the last winner that didn’t run as a 2-year-old.

That’s the century-plus jinx Curlin must overcome. The son of Smart Sense scored the most impressive victory of the half-dozen major preps when he captured the 71st Arkansas Derby by a record 10 ½ lengths at Oaklawn Park. But there are other jinxes he must put to rest.

Then there are 2-year-olds champions that had high hopes for a successful trip to Louisville after winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Some didn’t compete because of injuries, but those that did failed during all 21 years.

Can Street Sense come close to his resounding triumph in the 22nd BC Juvenile at Churchill Downs?

That jinx goes back even further: No juvenile champion since Spectacular Bid in ’79 has accomplished the feat. That was during a glorious decade of racing when a

half-dozen winners of the Eclipse Award for 2-year-olds captured The Derby. Three of those took the Triple Crown: Affirmed, ’78; Seattle Slew, ’77; and Secretariat, ’73.

Regret won the 41st Derby going wire-to-wire. The first filly to smell the roses in 1915 had only three career starts. No other horse, colt or gelding has performed the feat.

Enter Curlin again. He did average 9 ½ lengths in three career victories. But can he overcome such historic odds even though he was the 7-2 favorite in Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

Exterminator took the 44th Derby with only four races behind him. No other horse since 1918 has managed to duplicate that achievement.

In the same boat are Tiago, surprise winner of the 70th Santa Anita Derby, and Deadly Dealer, third in the 83rd Blue Grass.

Another jinx dates back to ’83 when Sunny’s Halo captured the 109th Derby. He was the last horse with only two preps to do so. In fact, he broke the same jinx that had withstood the test time since ’47 when Jet Pilot triumphed.

There are a slew of horses with only two preps: Blue Grass winner Domincan, Street Sense, Circular Quay, Great Hunter, Deadly Dealer and, of course, Curlin.

Another jinx was broken last year when Barbaro won at Churchill Downs after resting five weeks following his Florida Derby victory. The son of Dynaformer was only the second horse to take that much time off after Needles followed the same route in ’56.

Horses in the same boat this year: Circular Quay, winner of the Louisiana Derby; off eight weeks; Hard Spun, victorious in the Lane’s End, off six weeks; and Scat Daddy, first in the Florida Derby ahead of Chelokee, third, and Stormello, off five weeks.

You have time to figure out if any jinx will bite the dust.

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Blue Grass, Arkansas Derby Will Pare Louisville Hopefuls

The final major preps for the Kentucky Derby will go a long way toward deciding which 3-year-olds enter the starting gate on the first Saturday in May.

Running well in the $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes or the $1 million Arkansas Derby, both at 1 1/8 miles, won’t automatically qualify for a shot at a healthy chunk of the guaranteed $2 million purse at Churchill Downs.

That’s because the number of starters on May 5 is limited to 20, based on graded stakes earnings, like last year when Barbaro banked more than $1,450,000. And only twice in 21 years has the field at Louisville fallen below 15.

Chief contenders in Saturday’s Blue Grass are already in the Top 5 in earnings as well as most 3-year-old rankings:

Street Sense, already a millionaire primarily because of his 10-length victory in the Breeders’ Cub Juvenile at Churchill Downs last fall, is the likely post time favorite. He won his sophomore debut in the Tampa Bay Derby on March 17.

Great Hunter, third in the BC Juvenile with earnings of $730,000, captured the Robert B. Lewis Stakes on at Santa Anita Park on March 3.

The main negative for them even if either wins at Kenneland is no horse with only two preps has smelled the roses since Sunny’s Halo in ’83.

A big question mark had been Hard Spun after the impressive victory in the Lane’s End at Turfway Park that raised his earnings to $360,000. On Tuesday, his interests made it clear he won’t run in the Blue Grass.

A serious workout this week at Churchill Downs will determine where he races next. If he handles the surface well, he will train up to the Kentucky Derby like quite a few others. If he doesn’t, he will run in the Coolmore Lexington on April 21, but then go to the Preakness.The Blue Grass means most to several other horses that won’t make it to Louisville if the don’t bank more cash:

Zanjero, third in the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, has earned $130,000, while Teuflesberg, third in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, is father down the list with $120,000.

The $1 million Arkansas Derby field features second-tier contenders for America’s Race led by Curlin, who romped to victory in the Rebel by 5 ¼ lengths in only his second start. His earnings are a fairly comfortable $180,000.

Curlin not only will be bucking odds to score at Louisville off two preps, but do what no horse that didn’t race as a 2-year-old has accomplished since Apollo in 1882.

Officer Rocket, second in the Southwest and Rebel, could be on the bubble if he doesn’t at least hit the board since his earnings just top $153,000.

Way down on the list are Ketchikan, runner-up in the Louisiana Derby with $120,000, and Dominican, winner of the Rushaway at Turfway with $33,848.

Other horses expected to race have even less graded earnings: Air Commander, second in the San Felipe at Santa Anita; Delightful Kiss, third in the Tampa Bay Derby; and Deadly Dealer, victorious in a Gulfstream allowance race.

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By Greg Melikov

Hitting the Board in Two Major Derby Preps Important

It’s not whether you win or lose that counts in two significant Kentucky Derby preps on April 7, but whether you ran fairly well and at least hit the board.

For example, only two of the 10 Wood Memorial winners since Seattle Slew in 1977 scored at Churchill Downs: Pleasant Colony in ’81 and Fusaichi Pegasus in ’00.

However, eight that hit the board in Aqueduct’s showcase race at 1 1/8 miles smelled the roses. The latest: Monarchos in ’01 and Funny Cide in ’03.

The $750,000 Wood features a pair of Top 5 contenders: Circular Quay, rebounding at Fair Grounds from fifth in the Risen Star to capture the Louisiana Derby March 10 under John Velazquez, and Nobiz Like Showbiz, coming off a disappointing third in Gulfstream’s Fountain of Youth (FOY) Stakes March 3 after taking the Holy Bull.

Todd Pletcher’s Circular Quay has been working well at Gulfstream’s Palm Meadows training center. The son of Thunder Gulch posted a bullet workout March 24, breezing four furlongs in 49 1/5 on a good surface.

Nobiz Like Showbiz dons blinkers after ducking out entering the clubhouse turn in the FOY and lugging in down the stretch. On two successive workouts at five furlongs, the son of Albert the Great breezed 59 4/5, galloping out six furlongs in 1:13 on Sunday under regular rider Cornelio Velasquez.

“I can’t do much more now except get put there and ride him myself,” Tagg said. “He’s done everything I asked.”

Another contender and Pletcher trainee, Cowtown Cat, emerged victorious in Aqueduct’s 55th Gotham last month. However, the only winner of that race to win the Kentucky Derby was ’73 Triple Crown champ Secretariat after finishing third in the Wood.

Cowtown Cat breezed five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 at Belmont on March 24. “It was sensational,” said Pletcher assistant Seth Benzel. “His energy level’s been high, he looks good and I’m sure his best days are ahead of him.”

Summer Doldruns, third in the Gotham, will try his luck again in the 83rd Wood. He failed to show the sparkle he displayed romping to victory in the Whirlaway, but an examination revealed mucus in the lungs.

The son of Street Cry breezed six furlongs in 1:15 1/5 on March 23. “We had another horse with him just to keep his attention,” Rusty Myers, assistant to trainer Rick Violette, told the Daily Racing Form. “He went easy enough.” An endoscopic exam following the workout came up clean.

In the Santa Anita Derby, no winner since Sunday Silence in ’89 triumphed at Churchill Downs, but seven others did dating back to Hill Gail in ’52. They included the last Triple Crown champion, Affirmed in ’78.

Three sophomores that hit the board in the 1 1/8 miles test since ’86 were successful at Louisville, including runners-up Silver Charm in ’97 and Real Quiet in ’98.

The $750,000 Santa Anita Derby is wide open since Pletcher’s Ravel was knocked off the Triple Crown trail. The son of Fusaichi Pegasus fractured his left front cannon bone and will be sidelined at least three months.

Top contenders include King of the Roxy, yet another Pletcher 3-year-old that overcame a slow start to capture the Hutcheson Stakes at 7 ½ furlongs on March 3. The son of Littleexpectations made up for running eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after winning the Belmont Futurity.

Other challengers with a chance in the 70th renewal are Liquidity, runner-up to Ravel in the Sham Stakes and second to King of the Roxy in the Futurity, but sixth in the Louisiana Derby, and Bwana Bull, winner of the California Derby at Gold Gate Fields and the El Camino Real Derby at Bay Meadows.

The field likely will include Sam P., second in the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita; Boutrous; fifth in that race; Level Red; third in the San Felipe; and Black Seventeen, third in only his second start in a Santa Anita allowance contest.

By  BookMaker Racebook
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