Racetrack Lenny

There Ought To Be A Law!

Years ago, if a trainer or owner had more than one horse entered in a race, they were forced to couple them as an entry in the wagering. About 10 years ago or so, the law was changed so that if there was bonafide separate ownership interests with the same trainer, the horses would run uncoupled. The reasoning was that each owner wants to win the race and thus the betting public is not harmed.

That won't be the case on Saturday if Spanish Chestnut does indeed run for the Roses. There is some tie-in between the connections of Spanish Chestnut and Bandini. In fact, the trainer of Spanish Chestnut has publicly stated that Spanish Chestnut may serve as a rabbit for his uncoupled entrymate, Bandini. Well, at least we know the strategy before the race. If Spanish Chestnut draws an inside post, he will set the pace until he runs out of gas at the 3/4 pole. Churchill Downs officials should run them as 1 and 1A- an entry. As for Spanish Chestnut, the owners have a bad case of Derby fever. This horse cannot get the distance, he is a 6 furlong sprinter and has no chance of winning the Derby. He does not belong.

Other doings: High Fly worked 5 furlongs in 1:00:2/5; Noble Causeway went the 5 furlongs in 1:00 flat. Bellamy Road worked 5 furlongs in 1:00:2/5. Nick Zito was quite pleased with the results showing his stable of horses is razor sharp for Saturday.

Other works: Bandini worked 5 furlongs in 1:00-4/5, while stablemate Flower Alley worked the same distance in 1:00-3/5. D. Wayne Lukas' trained Going Wild went 5 furlongs in 59:1/5- a bullet work showing the horse is razor sharp. But, Going Wild was up the track in the Wood and I think he is a distance challenged horse. Jose Valdivia, Jr. has been named to ride.

As of today, no defections from the Derby field which keeps Don't Get Mad on the outside looking in. Don't Get Mad's owners have already made plans for the Preakness and are hoping for one defection from the Derby field to get Don't Get Mad in the run for the Roses. Don't get too excited as it is rare these days to have a horse come back with a super effort with only 6 days rest.

May the horse be with you,

Racetrack Lenny

racetrack lenny went to the post at @ 8:21 PM