THE DERBY DISPATCH

Contacts: John Asher (502) 636-4586 (o), (502) 494-3626 (m) or [email protected] @JohnAsher Darren Rogers (502) 636-4461(o), (502) 345-1030 (m) or [email protected] @DerbyMedia Kevin Kerstein (502) 635-4712 (o), (610) 420-6971 (m) or [email protected] @HorseRacingKK

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LOUISIANA DERBY, SUNLAND DERBY MY BOY JACK, TOP THREE TOP ROAD TO SLATE FACE OFF IN

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, March 22, 2018) – An exciting edition of the $1 million Louisiana Derby (GII) is Saturday’s 105 th running of the $1 million Louisiana Derby set for Saturday at Fair Grounds with a field of 10, including Presented by TwinSpires.com (Grade II) and Sunday’s 15 th (GIII) romper My Boy Jack and the top running of the $800,000 Sunland Derby (GIII) are the featured three finishers from the local (GII) all lining stops on this week’s Road to the Kentucky Derby up. Championship Series as 3-year-old continue The 1 1/8-mile affair kicks off the second part of the their quest for points to secure a berth in the 144th running of Championship portion of the Road to the Kentucky Derby by the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford offering 100-40-20-10 points toward a starting berth in the Reserve (GI) on Saturday, May 5 at Churchill Downs. May 5 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (GI). The 1 1/8-mile Louisiana Derby at New Orleans’ Fair Trainer Keith Desormeaux ships My Boy Jack outside of Grounds – headlined by Southwest (GIII) winner My Boy California for the second straight time in this spot. The Jack and the Risen Star (GII) top three Bravazo , Snapper Creative Cause colt spent his first seven races competing over Sinclair and Noble Indy – is the first of seven prestigious tracks in the Golden State, beginning with his debut at Santa races over the next four weeks that will award 170 points to Anita Park last June. My Boy Jack was no factor that day on the Top 4 finishers – 100 to first, 40 to second, 20 to third and the main track, finishing sixth, but appeared to take to the 10 to fourth. grass when switched next out for a turf maiden at that same Meanwhile, the 1 1/8-mile Sunland Derby in New Mexico is venue. worth 85 total points or 50-20-10-5 to the first four placings. The Kentucky-bred racked up a trio of seconds, including In the last three years of the point system that has the Del Mar Juvenile Turf in early September, before earning determined the preference list for the 1 ¼-mile Kentucky his initial victory in the grassy Zuma Beach Stakes at Santa Derby, the final horse to make the Derby field had garnered Anita Park on Oct. 9. My Boy Jack showed back up at Del Mar between 22 and 32 points. for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (GI) and was beaten only A win or a runner-up effort in these select races should have three lengths when seventh on that occasion. the upper hand, while horses that earned points during the Prep Season could be in the mix with Top 4 placings. ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY TOP 25

Saturday’s Louisiana Derby anchors an action-packed 14- # Horse Trainer Points race program at Fair Grounds that features eight stakes races 1. Bolt d’Oro Mick Ruis 64 and purses cumulatively worth $2.36 million. The first race is 2. Enticed Kiaran McLaughlin 63 1:30 p.m. (all times Eastern) and the Louisiana Derby goes as 3. Bravazo D. Wayne Lukas 54 4. Promises Fulfilled Dale Romans 52 Race 11 at 6:21 p.m. 5. 50 The Fair Grounds stakes bonanza also includes the $400,000 6. Quip Rudolphe Brisset 50 (GII) for 3-year-old fillies. The 1 1/16- 7. McKinzie 40 mile race will award 100-40-20-10 points to the Top 4 finishers 8. Good Magic Chad Brown 34 9. Solomini Bob Baffert 34 on the Road to the . 10. $-Flameaway Mark Casse 30 The Fair Grounds Oaks and Louisiana Derby are the final 11. Firenze Fire Jason Servis 29 two legs a special $200,000-guaranteed All Stakes Pick 4 pool 12. Free Drop Billy Dale Romans 24 that will cover Races 8-11. The sequence begins with the 13. Snapper Sinclair 22 14. Combatant Steve Asmussen 22 $400,000 New Orleans Handicap (GII) at 4:39 p.m., which is 15. $-Blended Citizen Doug O’Neill 22 immediately followed by the $300,000 Muniz Memorial 16. Strike Power Mark Hennig 20 Handicap (GII) at 5:06 p.m. 17. Old Time Revival Kenneth Decker 20 Sunday’s Sunland Derby goes as Race 11 at 7:15 p.m. on a 18. Instilled Regard Jerry Hollendorfer 19 19. Catholic Boy Jonathan Thomas 14 12-race Sunland Park card that also includes the $200,000 20. My Boy Jack Keith Desormeaux 12 Sunland Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. The 1 1/16-mile 21. Greyvitos Adam Kitchingman 10 Sunland Park Oaks, which goes as Race 6 at 4:44 p.m., will 22. Audible Todd Pletcher 10 award 50-20-10-5 points to the Top 4 finishers on the Road to 23. Kanthaka Jerry Hollendorfer 10 24. Lombo Mike Pender 10 the Kentucky Oaks. – Darren Rogers 25. Noble Indy Todd Pletcher 10

$ = Late Triple Crown Nominee

The dark bay colt ran third in the Jan. Sham Stakes (GIII) Retirement Fund comes from the Asmussen shedrow, while returning to the main track for his sophomore bow at having suffered his first defeat from three career starts when Santa Anita, then shipped outside of California for the first seventh in the Southwest last out. Prior to that, the time to take the Southwest on Feb. 19 at Oaklawn Park. Eskendereya colt wired both his races going a mile and 70 Regular rider makes the trip to pilot My yards at Fair Grounds under returning Shaun Boy Jack, who has been installed as the 5-2 morning-line Bridgmohan . He’s listed at 12-1 on the morning line. favorite for the Louisiana Derby. Pletcher sends out Hyndford , who breaks just outside of “As soon as he crossed the wire in Arkansas, we started Retirement Fund at 8-1 early odds. The Street Cry chestnut thinking about our next move,” Keith Desormeaux said. thus far has sandwiched a maiden claiming victory at “When you win over a track, it makes sense to run right back Gulfstream between a fourth in a turf maiden at that venue there, but (part-owner) Sol Kumin brought up a good point. and a runner-up effort in an allowance/optional claimer at The (March 17) Rebel (at Oaklawn) is not an equal weights Tampa Bay Downs. Joe Bravo will be aboard for the first time race, so off a graded stakes win, we would be at an immediate in this spot. disadvantage. The Louisiana Derby is equal weights and there Dark Templar drew the far outside post and makes his are twice as many points offered. It gives us an extra week, one stakes debut here for trainer Brendan Walsh at 12-1 on the million is a monster pot, and if we are forced to scratch or morning-line. The Tapit colt broke his maiden sprinting six have an unlucky trip, there is time to get into another prep race furlongs first out at Churchill Downs in November, then filled and still make the Kentucky Derby. the third and second spots against allowance/optional claiming “I live in California, but I’m 100 percent Louisiana-bred. I rivals at Fair Grounds in his next pair. The latter of those two look for any good reason to come home, but that has no came behind Retirement Fund on Jan. 20, but Dark Templar bearing on our racing decisions. Last year was my first time returned to the winner’s circle most recently on Feb. 19 with a running in the Louisiana Derby, and we ran fifth with a (37-1) 1 ¼-length wire job against similar going a mile and 70 yards. longshot Sorry Erik . We’ve had a nice run of success the last has the call. couple of years. It has been very rewarding for me and my Lone Sailor finished third to Bravazo’s second in the family, anything that happens from this point forward is Breeders’ Futurity (GI) last fall at Keeneland, then held that welcomed with appreciation and gratitude. A lot of hard work rival to third by 3 ¼ lengths when second by a head in the has gotten me here, and I just want to enjoy it.” Street Sense Stakes at Churchill Downs next out. The Tom The last local prep for the Louisiana Derby was the Risen Amoss trainee closed out 2017 with a fifth-placing in the Star on Feb. 17, which saw Bravazo and Snapper Sinclair Kentucky Jockey Club (GII) and didn’t show much in his battle throughout before the former prevailed by a nose over seasonal bow while finishing ninth in the Lecomte. The his rival. The D. Wayne Lukas trainee was sent off at 21-1 in Majestic Warrior colt rallied for second behind Dark Templar the nine-horse field but easily outran those odds to earn his most recently and gets James Graham holding the reins once first stakes victory. The Awesome Again colt, who is now two- again. He’ll open at 20-1 on the morning line. for-two on the year after taking his seasonal bow at Oaklawn Givemeaminit is also listed at 20-1 early following a well- by a neck on Jan. 13, gets jockey back in the beaten eighth-placing in the Risen Star last out. Before that the irons and breaks from the rail as the 7-2 co-second choice. Dallas Stewart charge was an eight-length maiden winner Snapper Sinclair was actually sent off at longer odds than going six furlongs over a good, sealed track. The Star Guitar Bravazo in the Risen Star. The bay son of City Zip was the 41- colt seems to do his best work sprinting, finishing in-the- 1 second longest shot on the board despite finishing third in money in all four attempts thus far including a neck third in the (GIII) one race earlier. In fact, the Steven last year’s seven-furlong Hopeful Stakes (GI) at Saratoga. Asmussen pupil has gone off at double-digit odds in his past Javier Castellano takes the mount. three races, with his 2017 finale coming as a 12 th -placing in the Marmello completes the field for the 105 th running of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (GI) at 20-1. Snapper Sinclair Louisiana Derby. Installed as the 50-1 longshot on the reunites with Jose Oritz , aboard for the Kentucky-bred’s morning line for trainer Mikhail Yanakov , the bay son of career debut last July at Belmont Park, and the pair have been Concord Point will attempt to earn his first career win in this made 9-2 on the morning line. spot following a third over Fair Grounds’ turf and a fourth- Noble Indy suffered his first career loss while making his placing on the dirt at that track March 1. Jack Gilligan will be stakes bow in the Risen Star for trainer Todd Pletcher . The aboard. – Jennifer Caldwell, Brisnet.com Take Charge Indy colt wired his maiden debut by 8 ¾ lengths in early December at Gulfstream Park, then posted a three- UPCOMING ROAD TO THE DERBY RACES

quarter length score back at that track on Jan. 11 while Date Race Track Top 4 Points stretching out to 1 1/16 miles against allowance/optional March 24 Louisiana Derby FG 100-40-20-10 claiming foes. The Kentucky-bred bay ran third throughout March 25 Sunland Derby Sun 50-20-10-5 the Risen Star and on the wire was two lengths behind the top March 30 Burradon* Newcastle 30-12-6-3 March 31 UAE Derby Meydan 100-40-20-10 pair while a neck in front of Instilled Regard , who captured March 31 Florida Derby GP 100-40-20-10 the Lecomte Stakes (GIII) over the track one race earlier. April 7 Wood Memorial Aqu 100-40-20-10 Noble Indy keeps John Velazquez in the irons as the 7-2 co- April 7 Blue Grass Kee 100-40-20-10 second choice on the morning line. April 7 Santa Anita Derby SA 100-40-20-10 April 14 OP 100-40-20-10 Both Snapper Sinclair and Noble Indy have stablemates also April 14 Lexington Kee 20-8-4-2

entered in the Louisiana Derby. * European Road to the Kentucky Derby

ALL OUT BLITZ, NEW YORK CENTRAL OAKS TOP 12-HORSE SUNLAND DERBY CLASSY ACT TOPS FAIR GROUNDS OAKS – The Road Kentucky Derby contenders assemble in New Mexico ON to the Kentucky Oaks Championship Series continues Sunday for the $800,000 Sunland Derby (GIII). A qualifier Saturday with the $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (Grade II) and worth a total of 85 points (50-20-10-5 scale) toward a berth in will award 100-40-20-10 points to the Top 4 finishers. the first leg of the Triple Crown, the 1 1/8-mile race drew 12 Classy Act , slated as the 5-2 morning line favorite, was the runners including multiple graded stakes-placed All About runner-up finisher behind top Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) Blitz and last-out allowance scorer New York Central . contender Monomoy Girl in the Feb. 17 Rachel Alexandra First held in 2003, the Sunland Derby was the launching (GII) at Fair Grounds. Monomoy Girl is expected to enter the point for Firing Line , who parlayed a 14 ¼-length romp into April 7 Ashland (GI) at Keeneland, according to trainer Brad a close second to Triple Crown winner in Cox . the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Of course, 50-1 upsetter Mine Trained by Bret Calhoun , Classy Act broke her maiden by That Bird rates as the most distinguished alumni and his long four lengths over the turf at Fair Grounds in late December odds are attributable to a non-threatening fourth in the 2009 and was successful four weeks later in a first-level allowance Sunland Derby. when she switched surfaces back to the dirt and defeated a All About Blitz broke his maiden in mid-December and field comfortably by 2 ½ lengths prior to her runner-up effort returned three weeks later with a runner-up to McKinzie in in the Rachel Alexandra. the Robert B. Lewis (GIII), finishing four lengths clear of The main competitor to Classy Act could be Demoiselle third-placer My Boy Jack . That rival followed with a victory (GII) Stakes winner Wonder Gadot. The Medaglia d’Oro filly in the Southwest (GIII) at Oaklawn and is listed as the was third in the Rachel Alexandra for trainer Mark Casse . – morning-line favorite in Saturday’s $1 million TwinSpires.com Kevin Kerstein Louisiana Derby (GII), but All About Blitz faltered when cutting back to a sprint in his next outing, recording a well- BLAMED HEADLINES SUNLAND OAKS – Multiple beaten third in the Feb. 10 San Vicente (GII). stakes winner Blamed leads a field of five in Sunday’s Sunland A son of Concord Point, All About Blitz was made a late Park Oaks that will award 85 total points to the Top 4 finishers nominee to the Triple Crown this week and the Simon on a 50-20-10-5 scale on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. Callaghan pupil adds the services of for his Based in New Mexico for trainer Joel Marr , Blamed was the second route attempt. He’s listed as the slight 4-1 morning line 6 ½-length winner of the Island Fashion Stakes on Feb. 25 at favorite from the innermost post. Sunland, the local prep for the Sunland Park Oaks. New York Central invades from Oaklawn Park for Steve There are no fillies in the Sunland Park Oaks nominated for Asmussen following a commendable allowance victory on the May 4 Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI). The late nomination Feb. 19, gamely re-rallying to edge a well-regarded rival over a period remains open for the Kentucky Oaks until Saturday, muddy track. The gray Tapit colt will bring jockey Ricardo April 14 in which a fee of $1,500 must be paid to be eligible to Santana Jr. with him and is the early 9-2 second choice. compete in America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3- Asmussen also has Dream Baby Dream , a rallying third to year-old fillies. A supplementary nomination of $20,000 may New York Central in the aforementioned allowance. Listed at be made at the time of entry if a late nomination fee is not 10-1, the colt adds blinkers and picks up leading paid. – Kevin Kerstein local rider Alfredo Juarez Jr. Hollywood Star , fourth when opening his sophomore PAST PERFORMANCES & HISTORY season in the Sam F. Davis (GIII) at Tampa, ships in from Gulfstream for Dale Romans and rides. • Brisnet.com Triple Crown PPs: http://bit.ly/2oB2PLf He’s 6-1 on the morning line along with stablemate Seven • Brisnet.com Kentucky Oaks PPs: http://bit.ly/2GTwrtX Trumpets , a close second in the Jerome two back but seventh • Brisnet.com Louisiana Derby PPs: http://bit.ly/2GiGGLs in the Southwest; and restricted stakes winner Prince Lucky , • Brisnet.com Sunland Derby PPs: http://bit.ly/2HVwoOG • Louisiana Derby History: http://bit.ly/2FXkPpN Todd Pletcher who makes his first start for following an • Sunland Derby History: http://bit.ly/2pqarQP unplaced effort in the Lecomte (GIII) at Fair Grounds. • Road to the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard: http://bit.ly/2BBapN7 Runaway Ghost is the top local hopeful, easily winning the • Road to the Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard: http://bit.ly/2t6SafV Riley Allison prior to a runner-up effort in the Feb. 25 Mine • Kentucky Derby Media Guide Information: http://bit.ly/2FbGuNP That Bird. Peace , a non-threatening fourth in the San Felipe (G2), wheels back after a 15-day rest for Hall of Famer ROAD TO DERBY VIDEO SERIES Richard Mandella and Drayden Van Dyke has the call. – James Scully, Brisnet.com • Episode 10: http://bit.ly/2pvhDdY • Episode 9: http://bit.ly/2FyXLAo • Episode 8: http://bit.ly/2GkXUEj • Episode 7: http://bit.ly/2HkZk31 • Episode 6: http://bit.ly/2ELeAry • Episode 5: http://bit.ly/2odEVnI • Episode 4: http://bit.ly/2HmXWNC • Episode 3: http://bit.ly/2ELdZWQ • Episode 2: http://bit.ly/2C4qsEh • Episode 1: http://bit.ly/2Ez2GC5

THE RUNDOWN DERBY DETAIL

TWINSPIRES.COM FAIR GROUNDS OAKS (GII) RISEN STAR SUCCESS IN LA DERBY – Risen Star Saturday, March 24, $400,000, 3yo Fillies, 1 1/16 M, Fair Grounds (R10), 5:41 (GII) winner Bravazo will attempt to add his name to the p.m. ET. RTKO Top 4 Points: 100-40-20-10. TV: TVG2. roster of horses who have completed the Risen Star-Louisiana # Horse Jockey Trainer ML 1. Classy Act Javier Castellano Bret Calhoun 5-2 Derby (GII) double. In the last 10 years five horses have 2. Saguaro Row Gary Stevens Brendan Walsh 12-1 completed the sweep: 3. America’s Tale Marcelino Pedroza Bernie Flint 10-1 4. Eskimo Kisses Florent Geroux Kenny McPeek 9-2 Year Risen Star Winner Louisiana Derby Result 5. Patrona Margarita Brian Hernandez Jr. Bret Calhoun 10-1 6. She’s a Julie Corey Lanerie Steve Asmussen 15-1 2017 1 (1 1/4 lengths) 7. Testing One Two++ Diego Saenz Victor Arceneaux 10-1 8. Wonder Gadot John Velazquez Mark Casse 3-1 2016 1 (4 1/2 lengths) 9. Chocolate Martini Mitchell Murrill Tom Amoss 10-1 2015 International Star 1 (neck)

LOUISIANA DERBY PRESENTED BY TWINSPIRES.COM (GII) 2014 Intense Holiday 2 (3 1/2 lengths) Saturday, March 24, $1 million, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Fair Grounds (R11), 6:21 p.m. ET. RTKD Top 4 Points: 100-40-20-10. TV: TVG2. Radio: HRRN Sirius 2013 Ive Struck a Nerve N/A 219/ www.horseracingradio.net 2012 El Padr ino N/A # Horse Jockey Trainer ML 2011 3 (3/4 lengths) 1. Bravazo Gary Stevens D. Wayne Lukas 7-2 2. Noble Indy John Velazquez Todd Pletcher 7-2 2010 Discreetly Mine 4 (1 1/4 lengths) 3. Marmello+ Jack Gilligan Mikhail Yanakov 50-1 4. Givemeaminit Javier Castellano Dallas Stewart 20-1 2009 1 (7 1/4 lengths) 5. Retirement Fund Shaun Bridgmohan Steve Asmussen 12-1 2008 1 (3 lengths) 6. Hyndford Joe Bravo Todd Pletcher 8-1 7. Snapper Sinclair Jose Ortiz Steve Asmussen 9-2 8. Lone Sailor James Graham Tom Amoss 20-1 – Kevin Kerstein 9. My Boy Jack Kent Desormeaux Keith Desormeaux 5-2 10. Dark Templar Florent Geroux Brendan Walsh 12-1 WATCHING THE WEATHER – Below is a look at the SUNLAND PARK OAKS (GII) National Weather Service forecast for this weekend’s Road Sunday, March 25, $200,000, 3yo, 1 1/16 M, Sunland Park (R6), 4:44 p.m. ET. to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks RTKO Top 4 Points: 50-20-10-5. TV: TVG/TVG2. Championship Series races:

# Horse Jockey Trainer 1. Kram++ Roimes Chirinos Todd Fincher Track Location Weather Race 2. Charge Back++ Ricardo Santana Jr. Steve Asmussen Fair Grounds New Orleans Mostly sunny, with a high Louisiana 3. Bella Be Ready++ Luis Contreras Henry Dominguez near 80. Derby; Fair 4. Blamed++ Ken Tohill Joel Marr Grounds 5. Exotic Beauty++ Elvin Gonzalez Bart Hone Oaks

SUNLAND DERBY (GIII) Sunland Park Sunland, Patchy blowing dust after Sunland N.M. noon. Mostly sunny, with Derby; Sunday, March 25, $900,000, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Sunland Park (R11), 7:15 p.m. ET. a high near 80 Sunland RTKD Top 4 Points: 50-20-10-5. TV: TVG/TVG2. Park Oaks # Horse Jockey Trainer ML 1. All Out Blitz Martin Garcia Simon Callaghan 4-1 2. Dark Vader Stewart Elliot Peter Eurton 15-1 DOWN THE STRETCH – Withers Stakes (Grade III) 3. New York Central Ricardo Santana Jr. Steve Asmussen 9-2 winner Avery Island has been taken off the Kentucky Derby 4. Hollywood Star Robby Albarado Dale Romans 6-1 5. Peace Drayden Van Dyke Richard Mandella 12-1 trail and will miss approximately 90 days of training, according 6. Shane Zain Terry Thompson Doug O’Neill 15-1 to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin . … Owner Ron Paolucci 7. Prince Lucky John Velazquez Todd Pletcher 6-1 reported on Twitter Tuesday that Fountain of Youth (GII) 8. Seven Trumpets Luis Contreras Dale Romans 6-1 fourth-place finisher Machismo is now being pointed towards 9. Choo Choo Mario Gutierrez Jerry Hollendorfer 8-1 10. Dream Baby Dream Alfredo Juarez Jr. Steve Asmussen 10-1 to the April 7 Blue Grass at Keeneland. … The backstretch at 11. Runaway Ghost Tracy Hebert Todd Fincher 8-1 Churchill Downs is now open. Training is scheduled to begin 12. Fortified Effort Ry Eikleberry Kevin Eikleberry 20-1 Friday at 6 a.m. (all times Eastern). The exclusive training

period for Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders is scheduled

+ Not Kentucky Derby Nominated to begin Saturday, April 21 from 7:30-7:45 a.m. and will ++ Not Kentucky Oaks Nominated continue through Thursday, May 3. … Multiple Kentucky Derby winning trainer Todd Pletcher and Hall of Fame jockey have been added to the roster for a

special autograph signing on “Champions Day”, which will be held Tuesday, May 1. For more information and to purchase

tickets visit www.kentuckyderbyweek.com . – Kevin Kerstein

SPOTLIGHT HORSE: MAGNUM MOON SCULLY’S KENTUCKY DERBY REPORT

Trainer Todd Pletcher will attempt to win the Kentucky Magnum Moon easily proved up to the task making his Derby in back-to-back years with undefeated stakes debut in the Rebel (GII) at Oaklawn Park, drawing away winner Magnum Moon . The $300,000 purchase from the through the stretch to a 3 ½-length decision, and his 100 BRIS 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale is undefeated Speed rating ranks among the upper echelon of Kentucky through three starts and three different racetracks. The son of Derby contenders. broke his maiden on Jan. 13 at Gulfstream Park By Malibu Moon, sire of winner Orb, by 4 ½ lengths and was successful in a first-level allowance at Magnum Moon was unveiled by Todd Pletcher in mid- Tampa Bay Downs by two lengths prior to defeating nine January and has overwhelmed the competition in three rivals in Oaklawn Park’s Rebel by 3 ½ lengths. consecutive starts. And along with Justify , who remained

• Horse information : (3-3-0-0—$577,800) unbeaten with a powerful allowance victory on March 11, o Owner : Robert and Lawana Low Magnum Moon looks capable of being a serious factor this o Trainer : Todd Pletcher spring despite being unraced at age 2. o Last Jockey : Luis Saez The Rebel epitomized the picture as o Breeder : Ramona Bass LLC (Ky.) even-money favorite Solomini returned with a non- o Sire : Malibu Moon (A.P. Indy) threatening second, becoming the latest 2-year-old star to o Dam : Dazzling Song (Unbridled’s Song) come up short in his sophomore opener. Champion Good o Named After : His sire Malibu Moon Magic , multiple Grade 1 winner Bolt d’Oro , Remsen (GII) romper Catholic Boy , Hopeful (GI) scorer Sporting Chance • Owner information : Robert Low founded Prime, Inc. and Kentucky Jockey Club (GII) winner Enticed also failed to trucking company in 1970. Prime is one of top industry finish first in the first start back this year (Bolt d’Oro was trucking transportation businesses with more than 6,800 placed first by stewards but wasn’t beating McKinzie without trucks and 12,800 trailers. The Low’s also own Palace the bumping or if they went around again). Casino Resort and Spa in Biloxi, Miss. The husband and Justify and Magnum Moon filled a void with captivating wife duo have one starter in the Kentucky Derby: performances and bettors have been willing to ignore the 136- , who was third in 2006. year gap since the last unraced juvenile won the Kentucky • Trainer Information : Pletcher, 50, began working for his Derby, hammering Justify down to 6-1 favoritism among father, J.J., as a hot walker when he was 7-years-old in individual interests in Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future New Mexico. A graduate of the University of Arizona Wager and lowering Magnum Moon’s odds to 10-1 at the Race Track Industry Program, the Texas native began Wynn Las Vegas Sportbook. working for Hall of Fame conditioner D. Wayne Lukas Look for movement over the next four weeks as the first of while he was still in college. Pletcher oversaw much of seven major prep races, the $1 million TwinSpires Louisiana Lukas’ east coast-string of horses from 1991-’95 until he Derby (GII) at Fair Grounds, will be offered Saturday. It’s took out his trainer’s license. Pletcher is a seven-time worth a total of 170 points (100-40-20-10 scale) as part of the Eclipse Award-winning Outstanding Trainer (2004-’07, Road to the Kentucky Derby series. ’10, ’13-’14) and has two Kentucky Derby winners through a record-equaling 48 starters: (2010), Rebel and Always Dreaming (’17).

– Kevin Kerstein Purchased for $380,000 as a yearling by Robert and Lawana Low , Magnum Moon crushed rivals on the front end when INSIDE CHURCHILL DOWNS making his debut in a six-furlong maiden at Gulfstream. He shipped to Tampa Bay Downs for his first two-turn start and “Inside Churchill Downs ” begins its fourth season next proved versatile rating off a slow early tempo, netting a 101 Friday, March 30, at 6 p.m. on ESPN 680/105.7 . The weekly BRIS Late Pace figure rallying to a two-length decision on Feb. one-hour radio show is co-hosted by Churchill 15. Downs Racetrack’s John Asher , Darren Rogers and Kevin The bay colt left the Rebel starting gate as the 3-1 second Kerstein , and delivers a wide-ranging list of interesting guests, choice among 10 rivals with regular rider Luis Saez . He from jockeys, trainers, owners to well-informed handicappers established a forward position into the first turn and tracked and other industry insiders. Those outside the Louisville radio about a length back in third as the field traveled down the market can listen live online at backstretch of the 1 1/16-mile race. http://www.espnlouisville.com/ or via podcast on the Magnum Moon made his move nearing the completion of station’s website or https://soundcloud.com/. the far turn. After dismissing pacesetter Title Ready , he accelerated clear into the stretch and proceeded to defeat a solid group of rivals with complete authority. Pletcher, who won last year’s Kentucky Derby with Always Dreaming , will be seeking his third overall victory in the first leg of the Triple Crown. Magnum Moon became his second major contender to emerge in recent months, joining Holy Bull (GII) winner Audible , who is scheduled to make his next

appearance in the Florida Derby (GI) on March 31. Magnum Moon has the $1 million Arkansas Derby (GI) on previous stakes form isn’t good enough but I was encouraged April 14 circled for his final tune-up. And with Justify expected by the improvement displayed in a Feb. 19 allowance at Fair to make his stakes debut in the same spot, the Arkansas Derby Grounds as Lone Sailor overcame a slow pace and being last promises to be a thrilling affair between up-and-coming on the far turn to just miss, registering a 103 BRIS Late Pace talents. number for the neck second. This race looks ripe for an Solomini didn’t break smoothly and was blocked along the improving colt and Lone Sailor could be finishing fastest of all. inside while advancing into the stretch. He wasn’t going to I’ll also include the winner of Lone Sailor’s allowance, Dark match strides with Magnum Moon but the Bob Baffert - Templar , in any multi-race bets. – James Scully, trained colt showed good determination overcoming trouble, Brisnet.com getting up in the final strides to edge Combatant by a head for runner-up honors. His BRIS Speed ratings declined from a 100 TAKING SHAPE his juvenile finale to a 96 and that’s more of a than the defeat. The possible fields for Kentucky Derby Championship Series races I want to see Solomini earn a triple-digit Speed rating in the are fluid as horsemen vie for points on the Road to the Kentucky final prep, the April 7 Wood Memorial (GII). Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. Below are known horses Combatant never threatens for the win but always gets part, (with Road to the Kentucky Derby point totals) mentioned to be recording his fourth straight placing in a qualifier. I don’t know under consideration for each race based on published news reports if the late-running son of Scat Daddy can elevate his game for and other sources. Again, the shape of these fields is fluid and some horses are considered “possible” for multiple races: Steve Asmussen , but Combatant looks like the type you’ll want for exotic tickets on Derby Day at expected long odds. MARCH 31 UAE DERBY – $2 million UAE Derby (GII) to be run over 1 3/16 miles at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai: Mendelssohn Jeff Ruby Steaks (20)**, Threefourpence (8)**, Seahenge (4)**, Gold Town (GB) (0), Raaya (0), Reride (0), Ruggero (JPN) (0), Taiki Ferveur (JPN) (0), Blended Citizen rallied to edge Pony Up by a neck in the Jeff Yulong Warrior (0). Points to Top 4 : 100-40-20-10. Ruby Steaks (GIII) (formerly the Spiral) and earned 20 points MARCH 31 FLORIDA DERBY – $1 million Florida Derby (GI) to toward a Kentucky Derby berth in the 1 1/8-mile event on be run over 1 1/8 miles at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla.: Turfway Park’s Polytrack. Owners Greg Hall of Sayjay Promises Fulfilled (50), Strike Power (20), Catholic Boy (14), Audible Racing made the son of Proud Citizen a late nominee to the (10), Fire When Ready (0), King Zachary (0)*, Millionaire Runner Triple Crown and plan to point toward the Kentucky Derby, (0)*, Mississippi (0)*, Storm Runner* (0), Tip Sheet (0). Points to but Blended Citizen (who also earned 2 points finishing third Top 4 : 100-40-20-10. in the El Camino Real Derby on a synthetic track) will probably need more than 22 points to qualify. APRIL 7 WOOD MEMORIAL – $750,000 Wood Memorial (GII) He’s making fine progress for Doug O’Neill but it’s to be run over 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct in Ozone Park, N.Y.: Enticed difficult to have much faith in the Blended Citizen, whose (63), Quip* (50), Solomini (34), Firenze Fire (29), Old Time Revival (20), Gronkowski (20)**, Instilled Regard* (19), Good Magic* (10), fortunes turned around when being switched from the main Vino Rosso (7), Gidu-IRE (0)*, Westerdale (0). Points to Top 4 : 100- track to turf. He opened his career with three dismal dirt 40-20-10. performances. Multiple turf stakes runner-up Pony Up, who ran poorly in APRIL 7 BLUE GRASS – $1 million Blue Grass Stakes (GII) to be the Holy Bull on dirt, is expected to stick with turf racing for run over 1 1/8 miles at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky.: Pletcher. Quip* (50), Flameaway (30), Free Drop Billy (24), Blended Citizen* (22), Gronkowski (20)**, Instilled Regard* (19), Good Magic* (10), Machismo (5), Gidu-IRE (0)*, Storm Runner* (0). Points to Top 4 : Up Next 100-40-20-10.

Fast conditions appear probable and the 1 1/8-mile Louisiana APRIL 7 SANTA ANITA DERBY – $1 million Santa Anita Derby Derby drew a field of 10 including My Boy Jack , the 5-2 (GI) to be run over 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.: morning line favorite following a minor upset win in the Bolt d’Oro (64), McKinzie* (40), Blended Citizen* (22), Instilled Southwest (GIII) at Oaklawn Park. The late runner could Regard* (19), Restoring Hope (0). Points to Top 4 : 100-40-20-10. receive the right set-up in a speed-laden field, but I won’t take short odds as the turf stakes winner caught favorable muddy APRIL 14 ARKANSAS DERBY –$1 million Arkansas Derby (GI) track he relished and raced on the right part of the track last to be run over 1 1/8 miles at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark.: Magnum Moon* (50), Blended Citizen* (22), Sporting Chance (2), time. Gidu-IRE (0)*, Justify (0). Points to Top 4 : 100-40-20-10. Noble Indy was banged around a little and stuck in tight quarters behind horses on the inside finishing a close third in APRIL 14 LEXINGTON – $200,000 Lexington Stakes (GIII) to be his stakes debut, the Feb. 17 Risen Star (GII), and the well- run 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky.: built Take Charge Indy colt rates as a legitimate rebound Greyvitos (10), Core Beliefs (0), Exclamation Point (0), Mask (0), candidate for Todd Pletcher . But an inside draw (post 2) Telekinesis (0). Points to Top 4 : 20-8-4-2. doesn’t appear favorable and we’ll see what tactics are utilized *Under consideration for multiple races. with the addition of blinkers: Noble Indy must improve his ** Points were earned in European Road to the Kentucky Derby. BRIS E1 Pace numbers (87-89-89) to match strides early with speedy rivals Bravazo , Marmello and Snapper Sinclair . I’m tabbing an upset with Lone Sailor . Fifth when concluding last year in the Kentucky Jockey Club (GII), his