Racing! Its Kentucky Derby Day

Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as we wish everybody a happy and successful Derby Day.

We’re coming around the far turn and into the stretch as far as writing about the Kentucky Derby. First of all, in the morning and through the day, you can log in to our live blog where I’ll be doing capsules, current odds and other stuff. How do you get to it? Just click here.

Here are a couple stories, you might want to look at to get ready for the big race.

There is the race set-up story, centering on Justify with comments from Bob Baffert and Mike Smith. (Just click here.)

We’re also offering up some gambling advice from some of our newsletter experts. (Just click here.)

And find out how Monomoy Girl won the Kentucky Oaks and some other news. (Just click here.)

More Derby with XBTV

Jeff Siegel and Aaron Vercruysse of XBTV.com are doing a series of exclusive video reports on the horses and strategies in the Kentucky Derby. Here’s a look at them, if you’ve missed any, plus a new one.

NEW: Betting the Kentucky Derby. (Just click here.)

Handicapping the Kentucky Oaks. (Just click here.)

The entire XBTV crew debates the Kentucky Derby. (Just click here.)

Here’s an analysis of the draw. (Just click here.)

A look at the horses:

Part five: Noble Indy, Promises Fulfilled, Solomini, Vino Rosso. (Just click here.)

Part four: Lone Sailor, Magnum Moon, Mendelssohn, My Boy Jack. (Just click here.)

Part three: Free Drop Billy, Hofburg, Instilled Regard, Justify. (Just click here.)

Part two: Enticed, Good Magic, Firenze Fire, Flameaway. (Just click here.)

Part one: Audible, Bolt d’Oro, Bravazo, Combatant. (Just click here.)

Even more Derby

It’s a pretty big backstretch, so I can’t get to everybody. Here’s some information from the Churchill Downs notes team, headed by Gary Yunt, put together for the media.

--Todd Pletcher’s quartet (Audible, Magnum Moon, Noble Indy and Vino Rosso) went through their final paces galloping between 10 and 11 furlongs on Friday morning. “That’s all there is,” Pletcher said. “I don’t put my horses on the track on race day, so we’re done.”

--There were no scratches so Doug O’Neill’s Blended Citizen made the trip just for frequent flier miles. He was the 21^st horse in a 20-horse field.

--Bolt d’Oro galloped 1 ½ miles and jogged 1 ½ miles. He did get his spirits up when Free Drop Billy galloped inside of him. “It just shows how good Bolt is feeling right now,” Mick Ruis said. “It’s no big deal.”

--Bravazo went once around the track and then to the paddock for Wayne Lukas. He, Wayne not Bravazo, said everything was fine.

--Combatant did the requisite 1 ½ miles on Friday morning with jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard. “[Ricardo] came in the paddock Tuesday night after we drew the 20 and told us we didn’t have anything to worry about,” trainer Steve Asmussen said.

--Enticed went a 1 ½ miles in the morning. “He won here in November at 1 1/16 mile,” trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said. “Even though he was second at 1 1/8 mile [in the Wood], he got bumped pretty hard and ran really well.”

--Firenze Fire went a mile for trainer Jason Servis.

--Flameaway went one time around the track as trainer Mark Casse described the trip he’s hoping for his colt. “Sit right behind the speed,” he said. “And turning for home I’d like to see him on the lead.”

--Dale Romans sent Free Drop Billy and Promises Fulfilled out for 1 ½ mile gallops. “It’s the longest but best week of the year,” Romans said.

--Good Magic galloped 1 3/8 mile in the early morning. “He looks good,” said trainer Chad Brown. “We’re all done training now. He’ll just walk [Saturday] morning.”

--Hofburg went for 1 3/8 miles. “He had a nice gallop,” Bill Mott said. “We’re just trying to keep it simple from this point on. Nothing fancy, just get there.”

--Jerry Hollendorfer on Instilled Regard: “He jogged back to the paddock and galloped 1 ½ miles.”

--Bob Baffert sent Justify and Solomini out for a mile gallop in the morning.

--Lone Sailor went for 1 ½ mile gallop for trainer Tom Amoss.

--Mendelssohn made his second appearance on the Churchill surface after clearing quarantine on Wednesday. He walked and jogged 1 ¼ miles then reversed course and cantered for a mile before heading back to the barn. “He just did a gentle canter [Thursday] and just did a little bit quicker [Friday],” trainer Aidan O’Brien said. “It’s really just showing him around the place and the track.”

--My Boy Jack went for a mile gallop as trainer Keith Desormeaux said he may change his race-day routine. “I don’t normally put my horses on the track on race day,” Desormeaux said. “But it’s a long day for the Derby. The race doesn’t go until 6:30 or so and that’s along time for the horses to wait. I might put him out there tomorrow morning.”

Santa Anita review

Doug O’Neill isn’t in Louisville for the first time in a couple years but he found some success at Santa Anita on Friday. Probably doesn’t compensate, but at least it’s something. His 4-year-old colt Stone Hands won the $56,000 allowance feature over 5 ½ furlongs. He won by 2 ½ lengths.

He was a pretty strong favorite, paying $4.80, $2.60 and $2.40.

Santa Anita preview

There is an 11-race card starting at noon, however, the track will be open at 7:15 a.m., so you can catch the first race at Churchill Downs. There are two stakes races, the first the $100,000 Singletary Stakes for 3 year olds going a mile on the turf. La La Land, for Phil D’Amato, is the 2-1 favorite. He finished third in the Pasadena Stakes but this race is a step down from that. It should go at about 1:45 p.m.

The other feature is the Grade 2 $100,000 Senorita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies going a mile on the turf. West Palm Beach is the 5-2 favorite for Simon Callaghan. She won an allowance last time out. Post for that race is about 4:20 p.m., after the Kentucky Derby.

More than half, six, of the races are on the turf. The field sizes are good, too. They are, in order, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8, 7, 9, 10, 12, 11.

Big races review

A look at graded stakes or races worth more $100,000 or more on Friday. All times PST.

Churchill: Grade 2 $200,000 Eight Belles Stakes, fillies 3 years old, 7 furlongs. Winner: Mia Mischief ($5.00)

Churchill: Grade 1 $350,000 La Troienne Stakes, fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 1/16 miles. Winner: Salty ($10.40)

Churchill: Grade 3 $200,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint, 3 and up, 5 furlongs on turf. Winner: Will Call ($15.60)

Churchill: Grade 2 $400,000 Alysheba Stakes, 4 and up, 1 1/16 miles. Winner: Backyard Heaven ($6.40)

Churchill: Grade 3 $200,000 Edgewood Stakes, 1 1/16 miles on turf. Winner: Toinette ($12.80)

Belmont: $100,000 Flat Out Stakes, 4 and up, 1 3/8 miles. Winner: Hard Study ($3.30)

Churchill: Grade 1 $1 million Kentucky Oaks, fillies, 3 years old, 1 1/8 miles. Winner: Monomony Girl ($7.20)

Big races preview

A look at graded stakes or races worth more $100,000 or more on Saturday. All times PST.

10:13 Churchill: Grade 1 $300,000 Humana Distaff, fillies and mares 4 and up, 7 furlongs. Favorite: Lewis Bay (3-1)

10:55 Churchill: Grade 2 $300,000 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile, fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 mile on turf. Favorite: La Coronel (3-1)

11:45 Churchill: Grade 2 $500,000 Churchill Downs, 4 and up, 7 furlongs. Favorite: Imperial Hint (9-5)

12:08 Tampa Bay: $100,000 Ivanavinalot Florida Sire Stakes. Fla.-breds, fillies 3 years old, 1 mile and 40 yards. Favorite: Florida Fuego (7-5)

12:30 Belmont: Grade 2 $200,000 Sheepshead Bay Stakes, fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 3/8 miles on turf. Favorite: Holy Helena (7-5)

12:37 Churchill: Grade 2 $300,000 American Turf, 3 year olds, 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Favorites: Threeandfourpence (4-1)

1:28 Churchill: Grade 3 $300,000 Pat Day Mile, 3 year olds, 1 mile. Favorite: National Flag, Mask (4-1)

1:42 Tampa Bay: $100,000 Silver Charm Florida Sire Stakes, Fla.-breds, 3 year olds, 1 mile and 40 yards. Favorite: Tip Sheet (2-1)

1:46 Santa Anita: $100,000 Singletary Stakes, 3 year olds, 1 mile on turf. Favorite: La La Land (2-1)

1:49 Woodbine: $100,000 Woodstock Stakes, 3 year olds, 6 furlongs. Favorite: Be Vewy Vewy Quiet (7-5)

2:25 Churchill: Grade 1 $500,000 Old Forester Turf Classic, 4 and up, 1 1/8 miles on turf. Favorite: Beach Patrol (5-2)

2:48 Belmont: Grade 3 $150,000 Fort Marcy Stakes, 4 and up, 1 1/8 miles on turf. Favorite: Silverwave (2-1)

3:46 Churchill: Grade 1 $2 million Kentucky Derby, 3 year olds, 1 ¼ miles. Favorite: Justify (3-1)

4:07 Belmont: Grade 3 $200,000 Westchester Stakes, 4 and up,1 mile. Favorite: Cloud Computing (1-1)

4:20 Santa Anita: Grade 3 $100,000 Senorita Stakes, fillies 3 years old, 1 mile on turf. Favorite: West Palm Beach (5-2)

Bob Ike’s SA play of the day

FOURTH RACE: No. 1 Afleet Ascent (8-1)

Speedy colt from the Jerry Hollendorfer barn was burned up in a pace duel last time but might be dangerous if he can shake loose from the outside horse going into the first turn. He may not want to run quite this far but he could be a surprise package if allowed to control the fractions.

Friday’s result: Chalky exacta got split on the wire when El Tovar won but Preacher Roe was nipped for second at the line.

Bob Ike is a Partner/VP of Horsebills.com (here’s a video) and the proprietor of BobIkePicks.com (full-card picks, 3 Best Plays and betting strategy).

Ed Burgart’s LA play of the day

SEVENTH RACE: No. 6 Majestic Mr Perry (3-1)

He is a debuting gelding from the powerful freshmen barn of trainer Jaime Gomez. I really like the way this 2 year old reached out past the 1/16-pole in last 12.3 drill after breaking sharp. He was also well in hand when recording prior 12.6 drill when easily outworking his company.

Final thought

Still looking to jump the circulation of this newsletter. Can’t beat the price. If you like it, tell someone. If you don’t like it, then you’re probably not reading this. Either way, send to a friend and just have them click here and sign up. Remember, it’s free, and all we need is your email, nothing more.

Any thoughts, drop me an email at johnacherwa@gmail.com or feed my ego by following me on Twitter @jcherwa

And now the stars of the show, Friday’s results and Saturday’s entries.

QUANT SAVANT had speed outside foes then dueled alongside a rival on the turn, kicked clear in the stretch and held under a moderate hand ride and a snug hold late. TIME FOR KISSES chased outside, came four wide into the stretch and finished willingly while drifting in some. ROLINGA had good early speed and dueled inside, came a bit off the rail into the stretch, drifted inward in midstretch and held third. AWEPOLLONIA between horses early, stalked inside on the turn and into the stretch, came off the rail in the drive and was edged for the show. DERBY ROYALTY sent between horses early, stalked outside a rival then off the rail on the turn and weakened. GREAT SALVATION broke a bit slowly, came just off the rail into the turn, angled out into the stretch and gave way.

MEAL TICKET pulled her way along outside a rival chasing the pace, split horses on the second turn, came four wide into the stretch, bid outside foes under left handed urging in midstretch to gain the lead past the eighth pole and drew clear. YOU MISSED IT chased a bit off the rail, came three wide into the stretch, bid outside a foe then gained the advantage between horses in midstretch, could not match the winner thereafter but held second. JAZAALAH pulled and stalked inside then came out into the backstretch, bid outside the pacesetter to vie for command, took a short lead into the stretch, fought back past midstretch and held third. BLOSSOM TRAIL MISS saved ground stalking the pace throughout and was outfinished for the show. LADY MAMBA had speed outside rivals then angled in, set a pressured pace inside, fought back into the stretch and weakened in the final furlong. UNAFFORDABLE U stalked the pace outside a rival then off the rail on the backstretch, went three deep on the second turn, dropped back off the inside leaving that turn and also weakened. LADY LEMON DROP broke out a bit, saved ground off the pace, dropped back inside on the second turn and had little left for the stretch.

SUMMER DOWN NOW went up inside to the early lead, set all the pace along the inside and held on gamely under urging. PRINCESS ARENI stalked off the rail then outside a rival, went three deep into the turn, continued outside a foe on the bend and into and through the stretch and edged that one for the place. VINAKA close up stalking the winner a bit off the rail then between foes into the turn, continued just off the inside leaving the turn and in the stretch and was edged for second. DIAMOND OF VALUE between horses early, stalked inside, inched forward leaving the backstretch, was shuffled back some into the turn, came out leaving the turn and three wide into the stretch and came back on some late to be edged for a minor award. PURDUE broke a bit slowly, chased off the rail to the stretch and gave way in the drive.

SWINGING STAR chased outside a rival then between horses on the backstretch and into the second turn, continued outside a foe leaving that turn, came out in the stretch and rallied under left handed urging to nail the runner-up late. DR. TROUTMAN quickly sped to the lead, opened up on the first turn, set the pace on a conspicuous advantage along the inside, continued clear in the stretch and held on well but was worn down nearing the wire. DARK ENERGY three deep early, stalked outside a rival then off the rail leaving the second turn and into the stretch and continued on willingly late to best the others. RUN LIKE RHETT broke a bit slowly, angled in and settled inside, went outside a rival into the second turn and four wide into the stretch and improved position in the drive. THIS TOWN saved ground chasing the pace, came out in upper stretch, was between foes in deep stretch and lacked the needed rally. TOPGALLANT angled in and chased inside, came out into the stretch, angled back in some in upper stretch and could not offer the necessary late response. BUILDER reluctant to load, hesitated to be away behind the field, settled outside a rival then three deep on the backstretch and second turn and into the stretch and did not rally. ACCREDITATION chased a bit off the rail then inside into and on the second turn and into the stretch and lacked a further response.

BARGAINING angled in and dueled outside a rival, took a short lead into the stretch, battled outside that one under urging through much of the drive, inched away late and held. JUNIOR GILLIAM saved ground stalking the pace, came off the rail in midstretch and finished with interest alongside the winner late. VAN LINGLE MUNGO chased three deep, came four wide into the stretch and edged a rival late for the show. ROCKY'S SHOW had good early speed and dueled inside, fought back on the turn and in the stretch until deep stretch and was edged late for third. HE'S A TIGER stalked the pace off the rail on the backstretch and turn, came out some into the stretch and weakened. LOUDEN'S GRAY chased between horses on the backstretch and turn, continued a bit off the rail in the stretch and had little left for the drive.

EL TOVAR stalked the pace inside, came out leaving the hill and three wide into the stretch, took the lead three deep in midstretch and pulled clear while drifting in a bit under left handed urging. LEROY chased a bit off the rail then inside, cut the corner into the stretch, came out in midstretch and got up for the place three deep on the line. PREACHER ROE chased outside a rival then three deep midway on the hill, continued outside a rival, came out leaving the hill and four wide into the stretch, drifted in some and was edged for second between foes. COOL GREEN stalked the pace inside, bid outside a rival leaving the hill and into the stretch, put a head in front in upper stretch, battled between foes in midstretch and was edged late for a minor award. INSUBORDINATION sped to the early lead, kicked clear, set the pace a bit off the rail then angled in, dueled inside leaving the hill, fought back along the rail in midstretch and weakened late. IBON three deep early, chased outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. TACO TUESDAY sent between horses early, stalked outside a rival, was between foes nearing the stretch and weakened. INFORMALITY settled a bit off the rail then inside, hopped and bobbled onto the dirt crossing, continued inside and had little left for the stretch. Rail on hill at 7 feet.

ALLIE'S LOVE dueled outside a rival, inched away leaving the turn and drew off in the stretch while drifting in some under urging then steady handling late. MYRCELLA saved ground chasing the pace, moved up inside leaving the turn, came out into the stretch and was clearly second best. BONNEVILLE FLATS three deep early, chased outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and picked up the show. MAMA'S KID had good early speed and dueled inside, stalked leaving the turn and into the stretch and weakened in the drive. MIDNIGHT SUMMER broke in a bit, stalked between horses then off the rail, came a bit wide into the stretch and also weakened. ALL NET close up stalking the pace a bit off the rail then between horses leaving the turn and weakened in the drive. INNYMINNIEMINEYMOE dropped back off the rail then well off the fence, came five wide into the stretch and was through early. CHIEFS LIL PEARL stalked outside on the backstretch and turn, came four wide into the stretch, gave way and was eased in the drive.

STONE HANDS had good early speed and dueled three deep between foes, took a slim lead nearing the stretch, kicked away while drifting in under left handed urging and won clear under a hold late. KIDMON chased a bit off the rail then inside, came out leaving the turn, swung three deep into the stretch and edged a rival for the place. GRAZEN SKY settled inside then just off the rail, came out leaving the turn and four wide into the stretch and was edged for second. SERENGETI dueled four wide on the backstretch and turn and into the stretch, drifted to the inside in the drive and weakened. ARGOSY FLEET dueled between horses, fought back between foes on the turn and weakened in the drive. MOST AMUSING angled in and dueled inside, fought back on the turn and into the stretch and also had little left for the drive.

PACIFIC STRIKE chased outside a rival then between foes, went three deep nearing the quarter pole then outside a foe into the stretch, came out in upper stretch and rallied under left handed urging to get up three wide late. HIMMAH (IRE) stalked three deep then outside a rival to the stretch, came out some in the drive, bid between horses in deep stretch and continued gamely. SPIEL prompted the pace three deep then outside a rival on the second turn, took the lead in upper stretch, inched away in midstretch and held on well but was caught late. RESOLU saved ground chasing the pace, came out in upper stretch, went around rivals in midstretch then angled in and finished well while in tight off heels nearing the wire. CHIFFON broke a bit slow, angled in and settled outside a rival then inside into the second turn, came out leaving that turn and three deep into the stretch and found her best stride late. BELLA SIGNORA (IRE) saved ground off the pace, came out in the stretch and was outfinished. LOVING MOMENT angled in and stalked a bit off the rail on the first turn then inside, inched forward leaving the second turn and into the stretch, steadied sharply in tight along the fence in midstretch and could not recover. FASHION BRAND broke a bit slowly, angled in and settled off the pace inside, came out some in the drive and lacked the needed rally. INTO GLAMOUR had good early speed and set a pressured pace inside, came a bit off the rail in upper stretch, drifted in some in midstretch and weakened in the final furlong. AHA pressed the pace between horses, dropped back on the second turn and had little left for the stretch.