This weekend was a big one for this year's Derby Trail. Many key races were run to sort out the talents of the top three year-olds contending for spots in the Derby and Oaks. Friesan Fire, Larry Jones' horse, sweeped the Fair Grounds schedule by winning handily the Grade II, $600,000 Louisiana Derby by 7 1/4 lengths. He had won the Lecomte on January 10th and Risen Star on February 7th. He remains an obvious favorite for the Derby. Rachel Alexandra went wire to wire in the Grade II, $400,000 Fair Ground Oaks in a sloppy track, never letting anyone even get close. Pioneerof the Nile won the San Felipe, continuing his train of wins. But the BIG news is that Old Fashioned took his first loss from a 56-1 longshot purchased for $25,000 on the last day of the September Keeneland sale. Win Willy came from 13 lengths behind to just pass Old Fashioned in the Rebel Stakes, turning his 2 out of 3 record into 3 out of 4, and turning Old Fashioned's record from 4 out of 4 wins to a 5:4,1,0 record! This was Win Willy's stakes debut. What makes me super happy for him is that he's Monarchos' kid, a stallion who won the 2001 Kentucky Derby and who I met at Claiborne Farms. Plus, Win Willy is related to Violet through a Blushing Groom connection. In the photo, you see Danny Johnston's Associated Press shot of Win Willy taking the Rebel Stakes.In a last bit of news, the four yearo-old Macho Again won the $500,000 New Orleans Handicap. Macho Again is also related to Violet via a Blushing Groom connection, and MA also has Shenanigans' kid, Icecapade. You remember Shenanigans as Ruffian's dam.
More updates as the jewel races get closer!