SureBet’s Onsite Derby Digest with Tom Dawson - brought to you by Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino - posted April 29, 2010 AM
Last night, the annual Derby media party was held. The invitees include press,
horsemen, racing industry folks and Louisville locals. One of most popular
guests was 2009 Kentucky Derby winning trainer Chip Woolley. He has been
attending various events here all week and he says the reverence with which
returning Derby winning trainers are treated has made it an emotional
experience. And while he has thoroughly enjoyed the social activities, he has a
burning desire to get back with another Derby horse. “I have to come back and
try to win it again”, he said emphatically. Let the quest for a 2011 Derby
horse begin.
Today was another picture perfect morning and this time, the news matched the weather. No defections, injuries or obvious problems. I stopped by several barns, including those of Pletcher, Lukas, Baffert, and Zito They were all conducting their morning press sessions in a very laid back manner. Everybody feels better once the major preparations are complete. That’s not to say that something can’t still happen, but it is as if the collective breaths are getting deeper and more relaxed in anticipation of the quickening pulse of race day.
Sunland Derby winner Endorsement has already undergone surgery for his fractured ankle. Dr. Larry Bramlage, the veterinarian who performed the operation, showed me the pre and post-op x-rays this morning. Two screws were inserted to bind a crack just above the right ankle bone. Dr. Bramlage says that the bone is so thick in that area, Endorsement will never feel the screws. There is no timetable as yet for the colt’s possible return to racing, but step one in the process has been successfully accomplished.
Seeing Chip Woolley reminds me of the recent success of trainers making their first Derby start. Since 2003, all but one Derby winner has been saddled by a “rookie” trainer. Not to say they were inexperienced, they just never had a Derby starter. This year, Jeremy Noseda, Alexis Barba and Mike Maker fall in that category. Noseda is based in England, and would normally be getting horses ready for the Epsom Derby, rather than the Run for the Roses. Barba worked for Eddie Gregson, trainer of 1982 Derby winner Gato Del Sol. And Maker has plenty of Churchill experience as an assistant to Wayne Lukas during the period that encompassed Charismatic’s 1999 Derby victory.
By the way, the only exception during that period was Carl Nafzger, who saddled Street Sense in 2007. Who could forget his first Derby victory with Unbridled in 1990? The image of Nafzger calling the finish of the race for his elderly owner Frances Genter on ABC is indelibly etched in our memory. Those with really long memories might recall Carl training at Santa Fe and Sunland Park in the early seventies.
Wayne Lukas is very happy with his post 17 draw for Dublin. And he has history on his side. Churchill Downs employs the regular 14 stall starting gate and adds a six stall auxiliary for the Derby. “Certain horses that have certain styles are compromised by various positions”, Lukas said after the draw. “This one compliments us. We’re very happy there. And, I’ve been lucky out there, too”. Yes he has. Three of Lukas’ four Derby winners broke from that auxiliary gate, just as Dublin will on Saturday.
When handicapping the excellent Churchill cards Friday and Saturday, here’s a stat to keep in mind. You’ll hear a lot about Todd Pletcher’s 0-24 Derby record since he ran his first Derby horse in 2000. But he has been stellar in the other Derby week races. During the same 10 year period, the trainer has won with 26% of his Derby week starters including 10 stakes. He appears to have several live ones this year as well.
At about 10:30 this morning, I
came across a number tail-gaiting in the parking lot closest to the track. They
come early to get a good parking spot, and then wait for the gates to open while
enjoying adult beverages. It’s just like football, with considerably better
attire.