Racetrack Lenny

Derby Update - Lane's End, Rebel Stakes

The Lane's End at Turfway Park saw the much heralded debut of Birdstone with Jerry Bailey up. The fans bet with reckless abandon making Birdstone the prohibitive 3/5 favorite. He finished a lethargic 5th beaten nearly 11 lengths. His trip around the track was somewhat of a saunter, quite dismal. The surprise winner was Sinister G with the immortal Paul Toscano up. Sinister G at 16/1 combined with Tricky Taboo at 55/1, Little Matth Man at 10/1 and That's an Outrage at 18/1 produced a Superfecta that paid $106,848. The only Derby hopeful doing any serious running at the end was Little Matth Man who came from last to be 3rd. This is a one-run stone closer who can win if there is a meltdown on the front end and he has a super trip. Seldom do those horses win the Derby; but, stranger things have happened--remember Gato Del Sol??

Finally, the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park was the only formful race of the weekend. Despite Philadelphia Park shipper Smarty Jones having won 3 straight, the fans sent him off at a generous 7/2. He won for fun-by 3 widening lengths. Stewart Elliott was up and he seems to have the mojo with this pony. Look for Smarty Jones to be a serious contender on Derby day. Purge, another Derby hopeful, led most of the way as the 2/1 favorite but could not hold off Smarty Jones.

Oh, and Minister Eric? No published workouts since his last race. We think he is napping comfortably.

Catherine Detweiler went to the post at @ 9:08 PM