It's that time of year, where we unveil the Kentucky Derby spreadsheet that I have been putting together (geek alert) for the past six years tracking key statistics, pedigree and other relevant data pertaining to the probable runners for Derby 139. It will be a document I will be updating through the remainder of the qualifying Derby prep races. I've used it when comparing to the 2013 Kentucky Derby Odds and trying to find that elusive handicapping clue that could lead to the eventual Derby champion. The spreadsheet is also located on the right sidebar labeled "2013 Derby Spreadsheet."
Speaking of prep races, the Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby are on tap this weekend and I have a print article in today's TBN previewing both races. Not only is it a big Derby prep weekend, two major Oaks preps will kick off both the Wood and Santa Anita stakes races, the Gazelle at Aqueduct and the Santa Anita Oaks at the Great Race Place.
Taking a shot with my pal GG today at the Rainbow Six with a $72 ticket. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The carryover is over $1.9 million, and should swell to a fairly sizable pot with the mandatory payout. I missed the memo (email ended up in my spam) from TwinSpires regarding a Players' Pool, so you know they'll have a few healthy tickets chasing the prize. Although putting $100K into it seems a bit much and could result in taking a bath should a chalky sequence result in Hallandale. Not that I wouldn't have contributed if I was more in tune.
Some interesting news this morning regarding a trainer switch by Team Valor to go exclusively with Rick Mettee to train all of its North American-based horses. Mettee was Goldophin's U.S. trainer and assistant to Saeed bin Suroor, and the Dubai royal family. This means trainer Graham Motion is out (except regarding Animal Kingdom who he will continue to train). It appears that Team Valor wanted an exclusive trainer, and Motion didn't want to lose the other business he currently has with other owners.
Barry Irwin stated in the release: "However, due to the unique type of operation we run with partnership-owned horses, we feel at this time it would serve our needs better to have one trainer that was exclusive to our stable. Graham agrees. He has offered to continue to train our horses through the month of April until our new trainer has set up his operation." So, it seems to be a mutual parting of the ways, but it's likely that it ultimately came down to a negotiation between Motion and Team Valor that couldn't reach a number Motion would accept for exclusivity.
Oh yeah, one more thing.....GO CUSE!!!!!
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