Just a couple of quick notes to start the day.
The weather doesn't look good but may taper off by the time the Derby is run.
Irad got shutout yesterday but has 10 shots today.
Asmussen has the most tries, 26, without winning the Derby. Today he takes two shots with #13 Publisher & #14 Tiztastic.
In the 2nd race today, #10 Generous Lover won his last race 6 months ago by 26 lengths at Mahoning Valley. I find it odd that he won by 26 but sat on the bench for 6 months after that. ML 7/2 with Jose Ortiz taking the mount.
The Baffert Factor..he ran 4th with his only try yesterday & today he has 7 running : 2 in the 3rd, 2 in the 6th, 1 in the 8th, 10th & 12th. In the 8th, he has #10 Nysos who hasn't race in over a year. Prior to that time he was undefeated going 3 for 3. The dude is always a factor.
Juan Hernández has 6 mounts today for Baffert & his new connection Mike Maker.
Coach Lukas is high on jockey Nik Juarez & they have 6 mounts today. It could be a long day for them.
In Race 6, #2 Built dropped out of the Derby to run in the Pat Day Mile. Owners apparently think this is a softer spot for their colt.
If time permits, I'll post those who have raced on an off track in each race. Here's the list for the Derby.
DERBY HORSES WITH OFF TRACK EXPERIENCE:
#2 NEOEQUOS WON BY 3.5 LENGTHS AT GULFSTREAM & LOST THE RIDER AT THE START IN HIS 1ST RACE AT GULFSTREAM
#5 AMERICAN PROMISE WON BY 1.5 LENGTHS AT OAKLAWN & RAN 8TH BY 6.5 LENGTHS AT CHURCHILL
#6 ADMIRE DAYTONA RAN 4TH BT 4.5 LENGTHS IN TOKYO
#7 LUXOR CAFE RAN 2ND BY A NECK AT SAIPAN (THEIR TRACK RATINGS MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN OURS BECAUSE HE'S LISTED AS 4-3-1 ON A OFF TRACK)
#13 PUBLISHER RAN 2ND BY 1.5 LENGTHS AT OAKLAWN & RAN 3RD BY 2.5 LENGTHS AT CHURCHILL
#16 COAL BATTLE WON BY 2.5 LENGTHS AT DELTA DOWNS & WON BY 3.5 LENGTHS AT EVANGELINE DOWNS