I like Cooke Creek in the Jerome, 8/5 is generous vs. this weak field, though the slop may figure in....

I am really looking forward to see how Newgrange runs in the Sham....also interested in Mackinnon.  Should be a competitive race, 4 of the 5 can win it.

I like Ben Diesel in the Smarty Jones....though I don't see any horse from this field impacting the TC races....same with the Jerome.

But the Sham has had the KD winner the last two years, so I think we should watch that one closely.

Good pickin'.....you had the generous exacta in your picks, hope you played it :)

Newgrange was able to win easily after allowed an easy pace....helped considerably by 2nd place Rockefeller, also a Baffert colt, by not pressing the winner.  Nonetheless, Newgrange was impressive and should be a player going forward, moreso than Rockefeller.

I'm still amazed that ownership sacrifices Derby points to stay with Baffert.....guess it will stop for the next points races at Santa Anita

Pletcher, in a familiar move, will send promising three year old, Emmanuel, to Tampa Bay Friday, to engage in an allowance race. He likes to go from Gulfstream to TBD, with his sights on the TB Derby. Let's see if this guy moves forward off his debut win.

It's not really the step up in class you were hoping for.....a 30K purse with a couple of claimers, unfortunately.  Don't know we'll learn much from the race on Friday, but I guess it's better than a workout.

I was hoping he would keep him at GP toward the FOY and FL Derby.  Perhaps his stable dispersion is on his mind, or he is less certain about Emmanuel and wants an easier route?  The Sam Davis will probably be next, then the TB Derby....what I don't like about that route is that both races are only 8.5 furlongs, the company is usually less competitive, and there is an 8 week gap before the KY Derby.

Now if Pletcher adds the Ark Derby, or the Bluegrass, then I will be more inclined to approve.

I think so much depends upon the needs of the colt, and what he can learn in competition.

On further reflection, I think he goes to the Tampa Bay Derby, then one of the big April preps. Three sophomore races is the norm for Todd.

As for this race, there are winners in here, rather than maidens. It is more of a challenge, even though it’s not much farther. But remember, he debuted at a mile. He’ll have enough foundation if all goes well to the 1st Saturday in May. Baby steps! After what I watched last year with Crowded Trade, I’m good with the patient approach!

princeofdoc said:

I'm still amazed that ownership sacrifices Derby points to stay with Baffert.....guess it will stop for the next points races at Santa Anita

Given the way the points system works, the eight 100-point races are effectively "win and you're in" for the Derby so I could see a trainer switch just for that final prep. These 10 point races mean almost nothing.  And if the horse can't win a 100-point prep race he probably wasn't good enough to win the Derby anyway so, no loss.  Send him back to Baffert and prepare for the Breeders' Cup (unless he's also banned from Keeneland?)

No owner is switching yet so as to not "show his hand" to other owners, trainers, track management and state officials.

I was wondering if Baffert was just being defiant. If he could win all the major preps, he could render the Derby moot, and make it appear illegitimate. His hubris is on that level!

I sincerely doubt the owners will allow that.....I just wonder what keeps the owner groups with him this long?!?  Do they really think he gives them an advantage?  With Callaghan and Walsh.....young good trainers....as well as the obvious Pletcher and Cox, I just don't understand.....especially with such a good prospect like Corniche.

Tex, You make a lot of sense and the only thing I'll add ,The Trainers that spoke

their mind like Liz Cheney does may be left out adding to their stable . I know

Shirreffs thought it was overdone going way to far for a trainer to do his job.

He might get a horse or 2 if the owners go the route you suggest and Mandella and others

may get shut out. I think you can guess which California trainers get a shot. Maybe Jimmy Barnes.