I arrived in Louisville around noon on Tuesday and went out to the track to check out what was happening today. This morning at Churchill Downs was nasty with rain and thunder which resulted in a sloppy track for morning works, so I am just as glad I wasn't there today.
Tuesday was entry day for the Kentucky Oaks and 14 fillies were entered there headed by favorite Balance. You can check them out here.
There were a few horses schooling in the paddock as well so here are a few shots and comments for them.
Brother Derek was one of two potential Kentucky Derby favorites who schooled in the paddock this afternoon. After putting in his final bit of serious work for the Kentucky Derby Monday morning, the bay colt just walked on the shedrow this morning. "He walked about a half hour, had his bath and is doing fine," trainer Dan Hendricks noted at Barn 42 on a day that started amidst rain, thunder and lightning, but settled into kinder and gentler air with splashes of sun as the morning progressed.
Lawyer Ron came out to school during the 5th race this afternoon. He also had a morning jog over the sloppy track early today. "He was really good this morning," said Betsy Couch, who is Lawyer Ron’s regular morning partner with the afternoon duties going to jockey John McKee. Trainer Robert Holthus also liked what he saw. "He jogged around to the front of the stands and waited for some of the traffic to clear and then galloped about two and a quarter miles," Holthus said. "Everything is going well."
Kentucky Oaks favorite Balance came out to school during the 3rd race and seemed a bit nervous, which is apparently normal for her as she is a bit high strung. Entries were taken and post positions drawn today for the Oaks, and she drew the #4 and is the morning line favorite at 2-1.
Quiet Kim was the only other Oaks filly schooling this afternoon. She drew the #3 post and is 12-1 in the morning line.
A nice shot of Brother Derek schooling in front of the Twin Spires. He was very calm and collected about it all.
Triple Crown quick links:
Top Kentucky Derby Contenders - my list of the top horses headed to the Derby with profiles for each with photos, stats, and link to more info like past performances and pedigree.
Analyzing the top 2013 Kentucky Derby contenders - My annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year there were is a 3-way tie for the top spot: Goldencents, Normandy Invasion, and Overanalyze.
2013 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules will be enforced this year. Be sure to read the rules as many have changed and more things are banned. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2013 - by Jim Mazur. Includes lots of stats for all 3 races and explains how to use a system of statistically derived negative angles to eliminate the "bad" picks.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.
