NEW YORK (Saturday, April 6, 2013) – The $1 Million Wood Memorial Stakes (GI) for 3-year-olds with Triple Crown aspirations whose winners have gone on to win the Grade I Kentucky Derby.

Grade-I Wood Memorial, Aqueduct, $1000,000, 1 1/8 Dirt, Post Time: 5:50 ET

The $1,000,000 2013 Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) at Aqueduct is the final tune-up race for the Kentucky Derby (G1) on the New York circuit. The Wood Memorial is for three year old colts and gelding and will run on April 6, 2013. The race is set for 1 1/8 miles on dirt.

The following horses have been pointing toward the Wood Memorial:

Verrazano, by More Than Ready, was the 7/2 favorite at the close of Kentucky Derby pool #3 last week and is coming in here fresh off a super impressive GII Tampa Bay Derby win by widening lengths and picking up 50 Kentucky Derby points in the process to remain undefeated in his career.  The More Than Ready colt trained by Todd Pletcher won his debut at Gulfstream Park on January 1 by destroying the field by 7 3/4 lengths in a quick time of 1:16.48. He thought it would be good to make a charade of the field in an Allowance Optional Claiming $75,000 going a mile as he won by a commanding 16 1/4 lengths in a hand ride 1:34.80. Keep an eye on this colt folks. Quite impressive so far. The one to beat at no odds.

Vyjack, by Into Mischief, is also undefeated in three lifetime starts including wins in the GII Jerome Stakes and G3 Gotham Stakes both here at Aqueduct Park this winter! His G3 Gotham Stakes was rather impressive as he dashed down the center of the Aqueduct inner stretch, from far back, to win by 2 full lengths at the wire! He should be coming fast in the stretch of this Saturday’s GI Wood Memorial Stakes no matter who might be front running at the time here on Saturday comfortably won both of his starts as a two year old taking his maiden debut going 6 1/2 furlongs and the seven furlongs Traskwood Stakes, both at Aqueduct. He carried the momentum over to 2013 and won the Jerome Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct on January 5 going one mile and 70 yards. He made it 2 for 2 this year with a solid win in the Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct. He heads into the Wood Memorial as one of the horses to also beat at no odds.

Normandy Invasion, by Tapit, missed in his debut at Belmont Park on September 15, but came back to break his maiden at Aqueduct on November 2. His lost by a mere nose to Overanalyze in the Remsen Stakes on November 24. His latest was a disaster in the Risen Star Stakes as he endured troubled after every juncture of the race. He still managed to finish 5th beaten just 1 3/4 lengths. He's a native New Yorker maybe the familiar Aqueduct strip will help him but he needs lots of it with this group.

Always In A Tiz, by Tiznow, is coming off a very distant 5th finish in the GIII Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park last out. He does have a solid 2nd to Vyjack over this strip in the Traskwood Stakes back in Dec. then came 3rd by a neck in the Smarty Jones Stakes down at Oaklawn. This colt has run with some top company and beat  Revolutionary in his first start, I loved his dad and he has the speed to stay with the top two, he is so well bred for the Derby Distance and should run all day like his dad, the longer the better.  Also gets Calvin Borel in the irons for this race, Interesting and Dangerous.

West Hills Giant comes off a strong 2nd place effort in the Gotham Stakes. The John Terranova trained colt by Forest Giant broke his maiden second out last summer at Saratoga, then won the $250,000 New York Breeders’ Futurity at Finger Lakes going six furlongs. He finished 7th and distant last in his turf debut in the 1 1/16 miles Pilgrim Stakes (G3) at Belmont Park in October. After a four month break, he returned to finish 3rd in the Java Gold Stakes at Aqueduct on February 10 going six furlongs. He lost by one length. The Gotham was his first race going long on dirt. Expect to see him run in this race after a successful showing.

Elnaawi came off his maiden score at Aqueduct on January 12 to finish 3rd in the Gotham Stakes on March 2. It was the second race as a three year old and third overall under new trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The Street Sense colt debuted in a 3rd place finish on December 8, also at Aqueduct. He is owned by Shadwell Stable, a lot of buzz about how good this guy is early on in NYC, he was bumped hard in his Gotham run and did close some ground late. Wouldn't surprise me at all in this triple. Contender.

Freedom Child, by Malibu Moon, won a $52k Msw at Gulfstream last out going 1 1/8 mile in 1:50.4, wiring that field by 5 1/4 lengths out of Malibu Moon like ORB. He actually reminds of Orb, he's beaten Revolutionary and Transparent and the longer the better, would not be surprised in exotics wagers.    

Quinzieme Monarque, by Rock Hard Ten, has finished 4th, 3 times in a row in 3 consecutive starts at the Graded Stakes level. A hard luck case here or just a bit out his league in top company? We’ll certainly know more about this one’s future at Aqueduct this Saturday. In Deep Here.

Mr Palmer, by Pulpit, won the $100,000, Private Terms Stakes at Laurel Park last out where he covered that 1 1/8 mile course in 1:51.35 to win by 3 1/2 lengths. Hugh step up in class here..? Doubtful. 

Transparent comes off a 5th place effort to some of these in the Gotham Stakes. Not the follow up trainer Kiaran McLaughlin had in mind. The Darley Stable owned colt by Bernardini was coming off a solid 5 3/4 lengths maiden win at Aqueduct to kick off his three year old season. He was 0 for 5 at Saratoga, Belmont Park and Aqueduct in 2012, but got better with each race and the longer the better. pass today.

 
This is one tough race, so I’m still looking for some the overlay my free selections coming soon.

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We combine years of professional horse racing handicapping, research and technology know-how to compile and publish horse racing selections and Reports for major North American thoroughbred race tracks. My Racebook speed figures and related equine databases are maintained and updated daily, so you may have the most up-to-date horse racing information online today.
We are proud to have provided quality information and support to horse racing fans over the years. No matter if you are a beginner or seasoned handicapper, student of speed, pace, breeding or Class  We aim to provide you with the most reliable information necessary in making better horse racing handicapping decisions and horse racing investments on a daily basis.

TAGGED: 2013 KENTUCKY DERBY , PREP RACES, WOOD MEMORIAL STAKES, DERBY CONTENDERS, AQUEDUCT, NEW YORK, VYJACK, HORSE, RACING, VERRAZANO, GOLDENCENTS, ITSMYLUCKYDAY, HEAR THE GHOST, OXBOW, REVOLUTIONARY, SHANGHAI BOBBY, UNCAPTURED, VIOLENCE, WILL TAKE CHARGE, MUDFLATS, BALANCE THE BOOKS, UNCAPTURED, FLORIDA DERBY, SHANGHAI BOBBY, ORB, HORSE, RACING.

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The top two finishers from the Holy Bull Stakes, Itsmyuckyday and Shanghai Bobby, lead a field of 10 colts in Saturday's Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. (Post Time: 6:19 pm Eastern; TV: NBCSN) Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Shanghai Bobby will be making just his second start since November, while morning line favorite Itsmyluckyday is running in his third race of the season.  As it stands now, neither Itsmyluckyday or Shanghai Bobby have enough Kentucky Derby Points to feel completely secure in qualifying for a spot in the 2013 Kentucky Derby. A top two finish in Saturday's Florida Derby will likely get both colts into the Derby; a third place finish will put either one on the edge of qualifying, and any finish outside the top 3 would severely compromise the chances of each colt. Very Interesting this year. Joining the top two in the Florida Derby is Orb, the impressive winner of the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream in late February and a very dangerous, super well bred colt as the races to Kentucky get longer.

Shanghai Bobby by Harlan's Holiday, entered the Holy Bull as the undefeated two-year-old champion, his game Breeders’ Cup Juvenile victory in which he appeared to be slowing down considerably after making the lead, only to go from second gear right back to one of his many top gears in an instant as he battled "He’s Had Enough" the length of the stretch, never letting his foe get by him. Although his Racebook Speed Figures showed Bobby only earned an 86 in the Juvenile, compared to all 90's or above speed figures throughout his 2YR old season including that 107 in the Champagne, Shanghai Bobby demonstrated many of the characteristics of a true champion in the Juvenile with his classy refusal to lose the race. Shanghai Bobby's Breeding Stamina has been everyone's big question as the 2013 Kentucky Derby "Points-Prep-Race-Trail" rolls along is how far can Shanghai Bobby really go.? Well I'm still querying why everyone is questioning Shanghai Bobby's Stamina he's so breed for the Derby Distance its in black and white type. The colt himself doesn't give me any reason to believe that he has any limitations. His sire is Harlan's Holiday, for Christ Sake, Harlan's Holiday won the Florida Derby &  Toyota Bluegrass stakes in 2002 back to back and was the favorite going in the 2002 Kentucky Derby. His son Shanghai Bobby is the most versatile a colt, you could ever wish for in a triple crown contender and he absolutely redefines the word "CLASS" in horse racing today, he's just a true athletic & tenacious, dirt racehorse . Shanghai Bobby, has to answer questions about his distance limitations, I'm so sick of hearing about . You know, you look at his pedigree. On the bottom side, it would suggest that he could have some distance limitations. Having said that,  the type of heart and determination this colt has shown and is showing, the way he's galloped out, and I mean especially the last race after being off, he galloped out very well, I'm willing to give this colt a Derby shot against all the criticism of distance restrictions, and if he can go the mile and an eighth in the Florida Derby, today he'll be very tough on Derby Day. I really don't think he has shown "any of us" how good he really is yet. I don't think he's run close to his 100% abilities or effort in any of his races last year." He's is the fastest 2 year old to "ever run" and although  he was defeated for the first time in his three year old debut by Itsmyluckyday in the Holy Bull Stakes, it took a New Track Record to beat him and he set the pace and just ran out of gas late after his too long 2 month layoff, he needed that race in a big way for his 2013 conditioning.  Todd Pletcher did not enter him in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, to keep him fresh coming up to Kentucky Derby Day, most top handicappers still say he is not bred for the Derby Distance or even for the 1-1/8 Florida Derby distance today, well I still say he is and all he has to do today is just  hit the board in this race to get into the big Derby Day Dance and that is Todd Pletcher's only goal. Today is the Biggest Race of his short Career, the champion juvenile of 2012 worked five-eighths of a mile Sunday (1:00.14) with stable mate Palace Malice and they finished head to head, Pletcher says Shanghai Bobby is training better than he ever has in his career, eating well, has gained some weight and all he wants is another shot at Itsmyluckyday in the Florida Derby Today. May make some new Fans Today, well see soon.

Itsmyluckyday didn’t need any luck in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) on January 26. He simply performed at a high level defeating Shanghai Bobby and the other eight in the field. Itsmyluckyday has improved in each of his last four races, including that impressive victory  giving him a 109 Racebook Speed Figure in that effort, and setting a new Track Record in the process. Itsmyluckyday improved his record in two-turn races on the main track to three-for-four and stamped himself as a strong contender on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Not only that, but Itsmyluckyday demonstrated his class, when Holy Bull third place finisher Clearly Now won the Swale Stakes easily, in his next start. As a son of Lawyer Ron, who won the 2006 Arkansas Derby as well as both the 2007 Jockey Club Gold Cup and Woodward Stakes, Itsmyluckyday should have no issues with the mile and one-eighth distance of the Florida Derby nor the mile and one-quarter distance of the Kentucky Derby only five weeks from now. Therefore, even though my heart is with Shanghai Bobby my my money says, Itsmyluckyday should be the one to beat in this year’s Florida Derby. The Lawyer Ron colt won just 3 of 7 races at two, but is 2 for 2 after the Holy Bull win in 2013. He also won the Gulfstream Park Derby by 6 3/4 lengths. Trainer Ed Plesa has figured this colt out and has him running very well coming up to the Derby. See how he follows up that big track record performance in here.

Orb missed in his first three starts last year at Saratoga, Belmont Park and Aqueduct. Since then, the Malibu Moon colt has put together an impressive three race winning streak. Orb is also on that big pattern of improvement, with more expected as he makes his third start of the year and racing distances increase. That being said, his career best 101 Racebook figure Orb earned last month winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes is a bit short of how fast Itsmyluckyday ran winning the Holy Bull. Just the same, Orb is an example of how much improvement top three-year-olds can show from one race to the next when moving forward by nine points from his previous effort. If Orb shows similar improvement in the Florida Derby, to the 110 figure level, he could come together with Itsmyluckyday on the wire and provide us with an exciting finish that may be duplicated on that first Saturday in May in Kentucky Derby 139. Orb broke his maiden at Aqueduct on November 24 going one mile on the dirt, Revolutionary finished 3rd. He won an Allowance Optional Claiming $75,000 at Gulfstream Park going 1 1/8 miles and the Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park as well going 1 1/16 miles. In each of his three wins, he has come from well off. He has an explosive late kick and has shown that moderate fractions early in the race are not enough to slow him down. John Velasquez has been called to ride. Dangerous Colt.

Frac Daddy  The gray Scat Daddy colt broke his maiden second time out at Churchill Downs after just missing in his debut at Belmont Park. He ran 2nd beaten just a neck to Uncaptured in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs on November 24. He didn’t display any life in a 6th place performance in the Holy Bull Stakes. See how he responds to his worst effort in four races. Trained by Ken McPeek. I really like Uncaptured and this colt was coming to him, McPeek always has his colts ready..but passing

Are You Kidding Me will be making his dirt debut after seven starts on turf and all weather. The Run Away and Hide colt trained by Ontario based trainer Roger Attfield spent his first five races at Woodbine finishing 3rd and 6th in his first two races then breaking his maiden on July 28 on all weather. He came right back to win an Allowance going seven furlongs on turf. His last race North of the border came in the Summer Stakes (G2) on September 15 going a mile on turf finishing 2nd to I’m Boundtoscore. He shipped to Keeneland and ran 5th in the Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (G1) going 1 1/16 miles on all weather. He missed five months over the Winter and returned to action on March 9 in an Allowance going a mile on turf at Gulfstream Park. He lost by a nose to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) runner-up Noble Tune. This would be his first dirt try but has been training on dirt at Payson Park in preparation.

Indy’s Illusion could be the overlay of this field, because even though he finished second in an allowance level race in his most recent start on March 2nd, and earned a 98 Racebook SF that day, its is better than the 92 figure Orb earned when victorious at that comparable level prior to his winning the Fountain of Youth. As a son of 1992 Santa Anita Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner A.P. Indy (who is one of my all time favorite colts and recent sires), Indy’s Illusion could blossom into a top Derby Contender Today and should be respected with this talented group , not just because he is so well breed for today's distance, He has run with this caliper before and been right there he blew away Frac Daddy to break his madien and he was right there with Orb, he really hasn't run a bad race yet and I think he can open a few eyes today.? Look Out.

My Selections:  Returning to the races in the Holy Bull Stakes in January, Shanghai Bobby wasn’t disgraced when second to Itsmyluckyday, who had already raced in 2013. Having earned a 106 in the Holy Bull, Shanghai Bobby appears capable of surpassing his career best 107 RBSF  earned winning the Champagne Stakes last fall. On the other hand, in nearly all of his victories Shanghai Bobby has been first or second in the early stages, can he run from of the pace and in this race with super fast Merit Man stretching out from shorter races and likely having the lead from the start, Shanghai Bobby may be forced to run much faster than average in the early stages of this race, he likes to be up front with the leaders which may result in him being very vulnerable to being passed in the stretch by ORB and Indy Illusion.

• Johnny's Selections: 1)Itsmyluckyday 2)Orb & 3)Shanghai Bobby (BOXED)

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We combine years of professional horse racing handicapping, research and technology know-how to compile and publish horse racing selections and Reports for major North American thoroughbred race tracks. My Racebook speed figures and related equine databases are maintained and updated daily, so you may have the most up-to-date horse racing information online today.
We are proud to have provided quality information and support to horse racing fans over the years. No matter if you are a beginner or seasoned handicapper, student of speed, pace, breeding or Class  We aim to provide you with the most reliable information necessary in making better horse racing handicapping decisions and horse racing investments on a daily basis.

TAGGED: 2013 KENTUCKY DERBY , PREP RACES, DERBY CONTENDERS, LOUISIANA DERBY,SHAKIN IT UP, DYNAMIC SKY, FRAC DADDY, GOLDENCENTS, ITSMYLUCKYDAY, HEAR THE GHOST, OXBOW, REVOLUTIONARY, SHANGHAI BOBBY, UNCAPTURED, VIOLENCE, WILL TAKE CHARGE, MUDFLATS, BALANCE THE BOOKS, UNCAPTURED, FLORIDA DERBY, SHANGHAI BOBBY, ORB, HORSE, RACING.

1. Hear the Ghost by Ghostzapper Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Earnings--Connections J. Hollendorfer 3--2-1-0 50 $222,400--Halo Stables Dosage:  4-1-5-0-0 (10)  Dosage Index / CD: 3.00 / 0.90 Hear the Ghost by Ghostzapper, It's true that everything fell in his lap in the San Felipe, where the leaders ran the opening three-quarters of a mile in 1:09.94 and so very vulnerable in the stretch. Still, Hear The Ghost had the talent and sick speed to take advantage of the situation, finishing with admirable determination and courage and changing his lead very late in the stretch and finished like the Derby Distance is not going to be any problem. This colt has a tremendous turn of foot at asking, it was his first race around two turns. I think with any kind of trip in any race he's always a Winner. I like this colt's breeding  from top to bottom.  I personally think he's the best right now for Kentucky Derby 139 and,  How much better can he get? He should provide us a concrete answer in the Santa Anita Derby possibly win that one and be the big-time favorite for Kentucky Derby 139. My Top Choice. Bet him  you will never see odds like this on him again. Ever!!! True Class.!!! This Kentucky-bred was foaled on January 27, 2010, and purchased for $250,000 at the 2011 September Yearling Sale. His connections made him a Louisiana Derby early bird nominee by the 12/17 deadline. Hear the Ghost's sire, and his maternal grandsire, had plenty of speed, but both carried it 1 1/4 Derby Distance. He is by Hall of Famer Ghostzapper, who wired the 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic at Lone Star Park in a track (and stakes) record time of 1:59 -- proving that he had the same brilliance at 1 1/4 miles that he had shown over shorter trips. His other major victories include the one-mile Metropolitan Handicap, the 1 1/8-mile Woodward and the Philip H. Iselin, and the 6 1/2-furlong Vosburgh. Derby Contender ┌┘Past Performances'└┐   2. Verrazano by More than Ready Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Earnings--Connections T. Pletcher 3--3-0-0 50 $261,300--Let's Go Stable Dosage: 9-0-17-0-0 (26)  Dosage Index / CD: 2.06 / 0.69  Verrazano by More than Ready, Super Dominant in his three wins, Verrazano is clearly the most talented 3-year-old in the country and I'm not saying that because he's a native New Yorker. But  he has never been really tested ? The history of the Kentucky Derby is speckled with the names of horses who peak in March. Can Verrazano take his talent on the road and extend it the 1 1/4 mile Derby Distance? And as others mature and improve, will somebody catch up with him? He'll probably make his next start April 6 in the Wood Memorial at the Big A, here in NYC. Don't worry that his pedigree doesn't ensure that he'll love 1 1/4 Derby Distance, he's a super quality colt, and there will be enough depth and substance to carry him through the Kentucky Derby Distance. 3. Orb by Malibu Moon Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Earnings--Connections S. McGaughey 6--3-0-1 50 $321,050--Phipps Stable Dosage: 11-12-15-0-2 (40)  Dosage Index / CD: 3.21 / 0.75  Orb by Malibu Moon, missed in his first three starts last year at Saratoga, Belmont Park and Aqueduct. Since then, the Malibu Moon colt has put together an impressive three race winning streak. Orb is also on that big pattern of improvement, with more expected as he makes his third start of the year and racing distances increase. That being said, his career best 101 Racebook figure Orb earned last month winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes is a bit short of how fast Itsmyluckyday ran winning the Holy Bull. Just the same, Orb is an example of how much improvement top three-year-olds can show from one race to the next when moving forward by nine points from his previous effort. If Orb shows similar improvement in the Florida Derby, to the 110 figure level, he could come together with Itsmyluckyday on the wire and provide us with an exciting finish that may be duplicated on that first Saturday in May in Kentucky Derby 139. Orb broke his maiden at Aqueduct on November 24 going one mile on the dirt, Revolutionary finished 3rd. He won an Allowance Optional Claiming $75,000 at Gulfstream Park going 1 1/8 miles and the Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park as well going 1 1/16 miles. In each of his three wins, he has come from well off. He has an explosive late kick and has shown that moderate fractions early in the race are not enough to slow him down. John Velasquez has been called to ride. He's a Dangerous Colt, worked a half-mile in 48 seconds Monday at Payson Park, his second serious training move since he won the Fountain of Youth. The long-striding colt has improved steadily this winter, and logic insists that he'll improve big-time with more distance, unreal breeding here, he's got Seattle Slew and Secretariats blood in him. With the addition of Merit Man to the Florida Derby lineup, there's again the possibility that the pace at Gulfstream Park will be very lively and Orb should be flying late to the wire without a doubt. Again John Velasquez called to ride.   4. Itsmyluckyday by Lawyer Ron Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Earnings--Connections E. Plesa Jr. 9--5-1-1 10       $425,600--Laurie Plesa Dosage: 4-3-7-0-0 (14)  Dosage Index / CD: 3. / 0.75 Itsmyluckyday by Lawyer Ron, he didn’t need any luck in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) on January 26. He simply performed at a high level defeating Shanghai Bobby and the other eight in the field, full of run. Itsmyluckyday has improved in each of his last four races, including that impressive victory  giving him a 109 Racebook Speed Figure in that effort, and setting a new Track Record in the process. Itsmyluckyday improved his record in two-turn races on the main track to three-for-four and stamped himself as a strong contender on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Not only that, but Itsmyluckyday demonstrated his class, when Holy Bull third place finisher Clearly Now won the Swale Stakes easily, in his next start. As a son of Lawyer Ron, who won the 2006 Arkansas Derby as well as both the 2007 Jockey Club Gold Cup and Woodward Stakes, Itsmyluckyday should have no issues with the mile and one-eighth distance of the Florida Derby nor the mile and one-quarter distance of the Kentucky Derby only five weeks from now. Therefore, even though my heart is with Shanghai Bobby my my money says, Itsmyluckyday should be the one to beat in this year’s Florida Derby. The Lawyer Ron colt won just 3 of 7 races at two, but is 2 for 2 after the Holy Bull win in 2013. He also won the Gulfstream Park Derby by 6 3/4 lengths. Trainer Ed Plesa has figured this colt out and has him running very well coming up to the Derby. See how he follows up that big track record performance in here.had a useful five-furlong workout (1:01) on Saturday at Calder. His trainer, Eddie Plesa Jr., described it as "perfect." And indeed everything has been perfect for the big colt this year: Also He's unbeaten in his two races at Gulfstream Park, the most recent being, of course, the Holy Bull Stakes. Owns two track records' already?   5. Revolutionary by War Pass Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Earnings--Connections T. Pletcher 5--2-1-2 10 $188,500--WinStar-Farm Revolutionary by War Pass, is a Jekyll-Hyde sort of horse. Among his many talents is one for mischief and trouble. But he also has a talent for escaping trouble, as he showed in winning the Withers. He worked five-eighths of a mile Sunday at Palm Meadows in 1:00.65 in company with stakes-winning filly Unlimited Budget. Both are expected to travel to New Orleans soon, Revolutionary for the March 30 Louisiana Derby.   6. Shanghai Bobby by Harlan's Holiday Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Owners--Connections T. Pletcher 6--5-1-0 24   Shanghai Bobby by Harlan's Holiday, entered the Holy Bull as the undefeated two-year-old champion, his game Breeders’ Cup Juvenile victory in which he appeared to be slowing down considerably after making the lead, only to go from second gear right back to one of his many top gears in an instant as he battled "He’s Had Enough" the length of the stretch, never letting his foe get by him. Although his Racebook Speed Figures showed Bobby only earned an 86 in the Juvenile, compared to all 90's or above speed figures throughout his 2YR old season including that 107 in the Champagne, Shanghai Bobby demonstrated many of the characteristics of a true champion in the Juvenile with his classy refusal to lose the race. Shanghai Bobby's Breeding Stamina has been everyone's big question as the 2013 Kentucky Derby "Points-Prep-Race-Trail" rolls along is how far can Shanghai Bobby really go.? Well I'm still querying why everyone is questioning Shanghai Bobby's Stamina he's so breed for the Derby Distance its in black and white type. The colt himself doesn't give me any reason to believe that he has any limitations. His sire is Harlan's Holiday, for Christ Sake, Harlan's Holiday won the Florida Derby &  Toyota Bluegrass stakes in 2002 back to back and was the favorite going in the 2002 Kentucky Derby. His son Shanghai Bobby is the most versatile a colt, you could ever wish for in a triple crown contender and he absolutely redefines the word "CLASS" in horse racing today, he's just a true athletic & tenacious, dirt racehorse . Shanghai Bobby, has to answer questions about his distance limitations, I'm so sick of hearing about . You know, you look at his pedigree. On the bottom side, it would suggest that he could have some distance limitations. Having said that,  the type of heart and determination this colt has shown and is showing, the way he's galloped out, and I mean especially the last race after being off, he galloped out very well, I'm willing to give this colt a Derby shot against all the criticism of distance restrictions, and if he can go the mile and an eighth in the Florida Derby, today he'll be very tough on Derby Day. I really don't think he has shown "any of us" how good he really is yet. I don't think he's run close to his 100% abilities or effort in any of his races last year." He's is the fastest 2 year old to "ever run" and although  he was defeated for the first time in his three year old debut by Itsmyluckyday in the Holy Bull Stakes, it took a New Track Record to beat him and he set the pace and just ran out of gas late after his too long 2 month layoff, he needed that race in a big way for his 2013 conditioning.  Todd Pletcher did not enter him in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, to keep him fresh coming up to Kentucky Derby Day, most top handicappers still say he is not bred for the Derby Distance or even for the 1-1/8 Florida Derby distance today, well I still say he is and all he has to do today is just  hit the board in this race to get into the big Derby Day Dance and that is Todd Pletcher's only goal. Today is the Biggest Race of his short Career, the champion juvenile of 2012 worked five-eighths of a mile Sunday (1:00.14) with stable mate Palace Malice and they finished head to head, Pletcher says Shanghai Bobby is training better than he ever has in his career, eating well, has gained some weight and all he wants is another shot at Itsmyluckyday in the Florida Derby Today. May make some new Fans Today, well see soon.   7. Flashback Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Owners--Connections B. Baffert 3--2-1-0 30   Flashback lost for the first time in his career in the San Felipe, where he rushed into a lively pace (45.95 seconds for the opening half-mile), making it even more contentious. He faltered in deep stretch, finishing second in what was, all things considered, a very good effort. But when he returns in the Santa Anita Derby on April 6, he'll have a nice change his new rider, Garrett Gomez.   8. Vyjack Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Owners--Connections R. Rodriguez ; background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial initial"> 4--4-0-0 50   Vyjack had an easy half-mile workout Friday in 51.23 seconds, which emphasizes just how much he has matured. His four workouts prior to the Gotham were all the fastest of the morning at the distance. But Friday's move was one of the slowest. As he showed in the Gotham, Vyjack has learned to control his speed; he has learned, in other words, to be a racehorse. He'll take on Verrazano in the Wood.   9. Dens Legacy Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Owners--Connections Bob Baffert 2--5-2-0 20      West--Rock Stables Dens Legacy is Out of Medaglia d'Oro who's first crop was sensational, headlined by Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, who defeated males in the 2009 Preakness, Haskell and Woodward, and crushed the Kentucky Oaks by a record margin. This colt has the most experience and is super consistent and he seems to love to race around two turns. He hasn't run that big race yet, might be peaking at the moment. A must stable entry in all contest's and fantasy games as consistent as they come. Nice colt has a big run coming but derby distance possible problem   9. Will Take Charge Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Owners--Connections D. Lukas 7--3-1-0 60   -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-right-width:0px; border-top-width:0px; border-bottom-width:0px; margin-left:10px; margin-right:0px; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:10px; padding-left:10px; padding-right:0px; padding-top:0px; padding-bottom:0px"> Yes, he had a good trip while winning Saturday, but he was one of the few horses in the Rebel who actually finished with some energy over the very dull surface. And he galloped out strongly, along with his stable mate Oxbow. Will Take Charge could make his next start in the Blue Grass on April 13, according to Lukas.   10. Oxbow Trainer Starts--W-P-S Derby Pts. Owners--Connections D. Lukas 8--2-1-1 36   Although second, he ran at least as well as the Rebel winner Saturday. Oxbow raced five-wide in the first turn, pressed the pace, advanced three-to-four wide in the second turn, put away Super Ninety Nine in mid-stretch and then responded when challenged late. Both horses from the Lukas barn ran well, suggesting they're going to be players on the Triple Crown stage. 2013 ROAD TO THE ROSES GAME PLAY NOW   Download our Free Fantasy Derby Prep Past Performances & Future Picks Here The six-week, 10-race version of “Road to the Roses” includes seven events with scoring on the Derby eligibility points scale of 100-40-20-10 for their respective top four finishers; two “Wild Card” races with scoring of 20-8-4-2; and the Kentucky Derby, in which 200-80-40-20 will be awarded to the Top 4 finishers: March 30, 2013 The Florida Derby (100-40-20-10)Derby-Points March 30, 2013 The Louisiana Derby (100-40-20-10)Derby-Points March 30, 2013 The UAE Derby (100-40-20-10)Derby-Points April 6, 2013    The Wood Memorial (100-40-20-10)Derby-Points April 6, 2013    The Santa Anita Derby (100-40-20-10)Derby-Points April 13, 2013  The  Arkansas Derby (100-40-20-10)Derby-Points April 13, 2013  The Blue Grass (100-40-20-10)Derby-Points April 20, 2013  The Lexington (20-8-4-2)Derby-Points April 27, 2013  The Derby Trial (20-8-4-2)Derby-Points May 4, 2013     The Kentucky Derby (200-80-40-20)Derby-Points

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TAGGED: 2013 KENTUCKY DERBY , PREP RACES, DERBY CONTENDERS, LOUISIANA DERBY,SHAKIN IT UP, DYNAMIC SKY, FRAC DADDY, GOLDENCENTS, ITSMYLUCKYDAY, HEAR THE GHOST, OXBOW, REVOLUTIONARY, SHANGHAI BOBBY, UNCAPTURED, VIOLENCE, WILL TAKE CHARGE, MUDFLATS, BALANCE THE BOOKS, UNCAPTURED, FLORIDA DERBY, SHANGHAI BOBBY, ORB, HORSE, RACING.

San Vicente Stakes winner Shakin It Up tops a field of nine 3-year-olds in Sunday's $800,000 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park. The 1 1/8-mile Kentucky Derby prep will have an approximate post-time of 7:40 p.m. (ET). As part of the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" points system, the Sunland Derby is worth 50 points to the winning horse for entry into the Run for the Roses.
Here is the field for the Sunland Derby in post position order:

TAGGED: 2013 KENTUCKY DERBY CONTENDERS, SHAKIN IT UP, DYNAMIC SKY, FRAC DADDY, GOLDENCENTS, ITSMYLUCKYDAY, HEAR THE GHOST, OXBOW, REVOLUTIONARY, SHANGHAI BOBBY, UNCAPTURED, VIOLENCE, WILL TAKE CHARGE, MUDFLATS

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