Just one major Kentucky Derby prep remains, the Arkansas Derby. Life, as it so often does, has intervened, so just a quickie to go with this week’s 3-year-old/Kentucky Derby rankings release. One sentence on each of last week’s three races.
BLUEGRASS STAKES: Essential Quality had done nothing but duplicate and prove his form as a 2-year old, wearing down Highly Motivated, in what was essentially a match race. Essential Quality remains number one, and off a two-race cycle should go into Derby Week in top form. Highly Motivated did little wrong and was less than a length behind; see little reason why he’s not eligible to reverse the result the first week in May, and also enters the Derby in the 3rd race of his season. (OK, that was three sentences.)
SANTA ANITA DERBY: Wow ! Rock Your World transferred his best form to dirt, and posted a Gaudy 100 beyer in the process. Medina Spirit and Dream Shake couldn’t hang, and I know wonder whether they are worth for the Run for the Roses. RYW jumps all the way up to third on the list; best last race beyer pending this weekend, serious player.
WOOD MEMORIAL: The figs came back slow as Bourbonic came from the clouds to win. They say there’s not trips in slow races, but I will be watching back the trips for Dynamic One and Crowded Trade, and even Weyburn, as I think there is a future for all three, albeit for none of them on May 1 in Kentucky.
You can view the full Kentucky Derby 3-year-old rankings here.https://turfhandicapper.com/3-year-old-rankings/
Turfhandicapper.com 