Racetrack Lenny

Derby Updates Begin!

Minister Eric had his first major workout at Santa Anita this past Sunday. He ran 6 Furlongs in 1:14-3/5 which is nothing spectacular but not bad for a horse who last raced in the Breeder's Cup. His final 3 furlongs were faster than his first 3, confirming in my mind that this horse is a closer. I've put $20 Win on him in the Derby Futures Pool in Las Vegas--my friend Les happened to be there and let me know that Minister Eric was listed as horse #13 on Friday the 13th--what a hunch bet! He was listed at 60-1. The Field is the favorite in the Futures Book- a very non-appetizing 4/5 odds. Not with my cash.

Another contender, Birdstone, ran an allowance race at Gulfstream at 7 Furlongs and won by 3 at 3/5 odds. It sounds better than it looked. He ran against 6 tomato cans and his time was nothing to write home about. But, a win is a win.

The Fountain of Youth (Grade 2) at Gulfstream this past Saturday was one helluva race. Second of June was 8/5 with Read the Footnotes at 2/1 and Read the Footnotes prevailed by a head after a 3/4 mile battle between the 2. It was another 7 lengths back to the third choice Silver Wagon. Exacta paid $13 and the Triple paid $39. The time was just 2/5 of a second off the stakes record. The top two ran their eyeballs out. I wonder if that took too much out of them. I don't think either trainer wanted that big of an effort this early.

Halfbridled is soon to be worked out with Julie Krone back in action. Halfbridled could be a real serious threat to the boys this year if she picks up where she left off last year. Could be this year's Winning Colors. Too early to tell.

We'll see how it continues to develop. That's it from Uncle Lenny at the races!

Catherine Detweiler went to the post at @ 9:19 PM