Cause to Believe gets a bath after his gallop this morning
Wednesday Kentucky Derby Photos
Date: 05/3/2006
There were no real works today from the Derby or Oaks horses, but many of them were out on the track to stretch their legs. The crowd of fans and horsemen on the backside is really starting to build and you can feel the excitement in the air.
Here are 15 of the Kentucky Derby horses that I caught this morning plus 9 Oaks fillies and one bonus surprise horse at the end. I will add comments for the horses once the morning notes come out.
A.P. Warrior was out at Churchill for the first time since arriving yesterday. He galloped 1 3/4 miles and everything is fine according to trainer John Shirreffs. He has first pick at the post position draw.
Barbaro galloped 1 1/2 miles and stood in the starting gate to get used to it. He also schooled in the paddock before the races in the afternoon. He has 4th choice at the post position draw.
Bob and John galloped at Churchill for the first time going 1 3/8 miles and later in the day schooled in the paddock. He gets to pick 2nd at the post position draw.
Brother Derek galloped 1 1/2 miles this morning and later in the afternoon schooled in the paddock. He will have 16th choice in the post position draw.
Cause to Believe visited the paddock, stood in the starting gate, and then galloped 1 1/2 miles. He will have 14th choice in the post position draw.
Flashy Bull galloped 1 3/8 miles after the break. He only made the field after Mr. Triester dropped out and will have 18th choice in the post position draw.
Jazil also galloped 1 3/8 miles with the same exercise rider as Flashy Bull. He has 20th and last choice so not much choice at all in the post position draw.
Lawyer Ron galloped 2 miles just before the break. He will have 15th choice at the post position draw.
Point Determined galloped 1 3/8 miles at the same time as Bob and John and also schooled in the paddock with him. He will have 6th choice at the post position draw.
Seaside Retreat galloped 1 1/2 miles this morning. He will have 12th choice at the post position draw.
Sinister Minister galloped 1 3/8 miles as well this morning. He has 11th choice at the post position draw.
Steppenwolfer galloped 1 5/8 miles then stood in the starting gate. he will have 10th choice at the post position draw.
Sweetnorthernsaint galloped 1 1/2 miles this morning. He will have 13th choice at the post position draw.
Sunriver was out with trainer Todd Pletcher on the pony. He failed to draw in the Derby due to lack of graded earnings.
Red Raymond, the other hopeful from trainer Bob Holthus, galloped. He also failed to draw in the Derby field due to lack of graded earnings.
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.