The yard will have a strong hand at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Festival Of Speed meeting.

In the Gr 1 Golden Horse Sprint they will enter all of At My Command, Our Giant and Raven Black.

James said about Querari four-year-old gelding At My Command, “He hated the soft gound in the Horse Chestnut, he likes the going on top. All the races that look like the right faces are weight for age (wfa) and there are respectfully better horses than him in those races. There is the Drill Hall but what type of hiding are you going to get from the handicapper (with 131 rated Main Defender involved)? I would say he’s a better horse in handicaps than weight for age. He will be down in trip in the Golden Horse, but the Scottsville 1200m runs like a 1400m. I’m not of the opinion that he’s a miler. I’m of the opinion that he’s a 1200m 1400m horse. ”

At My Command is merit rated 119.

James said I Am Giant, who is also a four-year-old gelding by Querari, had “run a blinder” when a 0,40 length second in the Gr 2 Jehan Malherbe Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m to the crack three-year-old colt Lucky Lad.

He was raised three points to 107 and that will give him a chance of getting in to the Golden Horse.

Raven Black, a four-year-old gelding by Master Of My Fate, has won his last three starts in a five start career, but has not been seen out since October. He is only merit rated 92, so might still have a bit to do to get in.

The yard’s promising three-year-old sprinting filly Cullinan Blue (Vercingetorix) runs on Saturday carrying topweight in a handicap over 1160m, but it will be a peparation outing for the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

The Crawford’s Listed TAB Gold Bowl winner Crimson King will be going for the unofficial staying Triple Crown and having won the first leg now needs to add the Gr 3 Gold Vase and Gr 3 Gold Cup.

Two-year-old Fatal Flaw (New Predator) looks to be a promising 1400m to 1600m filly and James said she will have a Champions Season campaign.

The yard has some other promising two-year-olds whom they hope can put up their hands too.

Picture: Xander Spies (left) is the brains behind Green Lightning Racing (via Meta)

Green Lightning Subcription-Based Service, That Conveys The Feeling of Ownership, Could Be Good For Racing

Trainer Corne Spies’ and his son Xander have come up with a groundbreaking new way of getting involved in horseracing through a monthly subscription.

Green Lightning Racing is intended to make it easier and more affordable for fans to be immediately involved, enabling them to encounter what the “ownership experience” is in the sport of horse racing.

Xander, who is a qualified lawyer and current director of the Racehorse Owners Association, can’t shake off his love for horseracing and explained,  “Young people are interested in horseracing, but just don’t know how to access it and are unsure how to partake in it. So what I generally do is I invite a bunch of friends and show them what racing is about, teach them how to have a bet, teach them how to read form, take them down to the track to hear the horses running on the ground not far away, it’s an experience in itself and it kind of gets people hooked to the extent that they constantly asking me when are we going racing again. So I believe if you start at grass roots level one can really rebuild and rejuvenate racing to a certain extent, but it is a multi-faceted effort and it needs to come from every part of the industry and this is one of the reasons I took on the opportunity to formulate this new concept. We began thinking how can we make racing more accessible to the general racing public, to people who are passionate about horses, who enjoy watching horses and not only enjoy the betting side, but actually follow the horses as if they are sports stars and the jockeys as well to a certain extent. In SA’s past we have had horses like Wolf Power, Igugu, Horse Chestnut … people remember those horse’s names with reverence and fondness. So we thought why don’t we start an idea that is based on a sports team and that is where the logo we use comes from, it borrows from American sports teams as it stands out and becomes recognisable. So we then formed a concept called Green Lightning whereby we want to give involvement to the racing public in a way that is new and fresh and that hasn’t been tested before.”

Corne said the concept had similarities to the huge syndicates in Australia and America etc that gave an an opportunity to those who could not normally afford it to be able to experience racing from an insider point of view.

However, there is one big difference.

Corne said, “With syndication you are tied into a horse. So you could be involved in a horse called Winx which could be great … but you could be involved in Meerkat, which is not that great! Green Lightning is the owner of the horses, but people can get behind the team on a subscription basis and participate and experience what ownership feels like, and the model means the horse team is being replenished all the time. Hopefully with the growth of the subscriber base, the base of the horses will grow and be replenished regularly. You will be tied in to all of these horses and there is not just one who could be a dud and then you have done your money. You can be involved for as long as you subscribe and could possibly be part of something big in SA. We have big racing teams and owners who have a lot of horses running and this concept gives the layman on the street the chance of being part of something similar.”

Xander added, “It is important to note there are several caveats to be explained. This is purely a racing team you pay to be part of. Currently we have three in the team and the amount will grow as the subscriber base grows. The subscribers will earn a point equivalent of the prize money that the horses earn. So when Zoombomber earned R20,000, that money will be allocated to a separate fund and points will be allocated to each and every subscriber to a decimal factor. On the Patreon platform there is a piece that describes how it works. The points earned can be withdrawn by the subscribers after you have reached 250 points, which is equivalent of R250. So it works the same way, in that regard, as normal ownership. However, there is never a transfer of ownership … Green Lightning is the owner and uses the prize money earned to give the subsribers a service. It is almost like a club membership. That is the most simple part. The thing that might give people red flags is you can refer people. Let’s say I am a subscriber and I want to refer a friend, the service will give me a subscription referral code and I ask him or her to use that referral code when subscribing. For as long as that person is subscribed you earn 50 points per month. It is called affiliate marketing and is not multi-level marketing in any sense because that sounds like a pyramid scheme. So that could make it more attractive to people, because you are then not earning just from horses running, but also from referrals.”

Subscription to Green Lighning costs approximately R320 ($15 + VAT) per month.

It sounds like a fun way for fans to be involved and perhaps could lead to other such syndicates, which could add to the health and popularity of racing.

Mask On, being led in by Louis Goosen, is tipped to win Race 6 on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly on Wednesday (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Jack Milner (Tab4Racing)

Richard Fourie looks to be well be on his way to a record-breaking first jockey’s title. Judged on current statistics and having already ridden 275 winners with just under three months to go in the season, he could eclipse Anthony Delpech’s 334 winners with weeks to spare.

On Wednesday he has some interesting rides on the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville, including one for trainer Louis Goosen who is also set to have a good day.

Mask On didn’t show much even though given time. Racing late as a three-year-old he also did little on the poly, but Goosen got him to win two in a row after a flying second-place finish following an eight-month break.

Goosen has often showed he can get moderate sorts to run above their rating.
Mask On also produced strong finishes when racing in higher class company, showing he was not just a one-trick pony.

Last time out, he did run slightly below expectation when finishing 5.35-lengths off B Fiftytwo.

But Mask On has also been hampered by bad draws, so it may be that Goosen left a bit of meat on the bone while waiting for a plum gate.

In Race 6, a MR70 Handicap over 1000m, he has drawn in pole position, and it is significant that Fourie is up this time. He should have every chance of turning the form around with both Chara Sands (now drawn widest) and stablemate Cotton Ron.

Fourie is the one to beat on form horse and best bet Canford Queen in Race 3. She stands out on her improved last run on the Polytrack and while Ntombenhle has decent form, she hasn’t been convincing on the surface.

Fourie could also be on the right one in Race 5 aboard Cupid’s Song. At the moment it would take a brave bettor to leave him out of anything.

Jack Milner’s selections
Race 1: 8 Always Shining, 2 The Mask, 1 Bound By Destiny, 4 Move To Prove
Race 2: 1 Vision To Achieve, 5 War Empress, 4 Micke’s Bomb, 2 Hot Pearl
Race 3: 6 Canford Queen, 2 Ntombenhle, 9 City Lights, 8 Floral Fantasy
Race 4: 7 Fine Admiral, 6 Tom’s Act, 9 Tin Cup, 10 Wave Warrior
Race 5: 3 Cupid’s Song, 2 Teichman, 4 Teatime Tipple, 1 Lucky Dollar
Race 6: 1 Mask On, 9 Chara Sands, 7 Rugger Lover, 4 Cotton Ron
Race 7: 5 Perfect Trust, 1 Poursomesugaronme, 8 Emerald Green, 6 Blush Of Dawn
Race 8: 9 Puff Of Smoke, 6 Cerulean Dancer, 10 Chelsea Flower, 2 Vision Of Will

BEST BET
Race 3 No 6 Canford Queen

VALUE BET
Race 8 No 9 Puff Of Smoke,

BEST SWINGER
Race 3 2×6

BIPOT
R108
Leg 1: 1, 2, 8
Leg 2: 1, 5
Leg 3: 6
Leg 4: 6, 7
Leg 5: 2, 3, 4
Leg 6: 1, 7, 9

PLACE ACCUMULATOR
R162
Leg 1: 1
Leg 2: 6
Leg 3: 6, 7
Leg 4: 2, 3, 4
Leg 5: 1, 7, 9
Leg 6: 1, 5, 8
Leg 7: 6, 9, 10

PICK 6
R960
Leg 1: 6
Leg 2: 6, 7, 9
Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4
Leg 4: 1, 4, 7, 9
Leg 5: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8
Leg 6: 2, 6, 9, 10

JACKPOT 1
R240
Leg 1: 6, 7, 9
Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4
Leg 3: 1, 4, 7, 9
Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8

JACKPOT 2
R320
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4
Leg 2: 1, 4, 7, 9
Leg 3: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8
Leg 4: 2, 6, 9, 10

Picture: Il Etait Temps on his way to victory at Aintree last time out (sportsmax.tv)

Hollywood Syndicate and Barnane Stud-owned dual Gr 1-winning chaser Il Etait Temps will be running on Thursday in the Gr 1 Barberstown Castle Novice Chase over two miles and half-a-furlong at Punchestown where he will atttenpt to exact revenge on Gaelic Warrior, who defeated him in the Gr 1 Arkle Challenge Trophy Novice Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Trainer Willie Mullins said about his chances of winning the race, which is being contested by just four horses:

Pure Predator beat Aragosta by a further margin than Royal Victory did and on the same weight for age terms over the same course and distance, but the handicappers use of Hotarubi as the line horse saved the former from a potentially hefty raise (JC Photos) 

Handicapping Ratings Update (NHA Press Release)

TAB Colorado King Stakes (Grade 2) 

PURE PREDATOR has had his rating increased from 116 to 119 following his win in the TAB Colorado King Stakes (Grade 2) over 2000m at the Turffontein on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the view that 2^nd placed HOTARUBI had returned to his recent best of 116 and used him to that level to rate this race. Accordingly, HOTARUBI was restored to his best rating of 116. The Handicappers ruled out PUERTO MANZANO as a possible line horse as he gave the other runners too much ground at the top of the straight and his jockey did state that he had concerns about this horse’s action in the straight when questioned by the Stewards.

There were no other upward adjustments in this race however, PUERTO MANZANO did receive a 2-point drop after failing to confirm his 125 rating in his last 5 runs, SAFE PASSAGE was dropped to 112 from 115 and SECOND BASE was dropped from 107 to 104.

Jehan Malherbe Senor Santa (Grade 2) 

LUCKY LAD had his rating increased from 119 to 121 after winning the Jehan Malherbe Senor Santa Stakes (Grade 2) over 1160 at Turffontein on Saturday. The Handicappers were unanimous in electing to use the ultra-consistent SURJAY as the line horse here. SURJAY remains on a rating of 119. I AM GIANT was the only other to receive a rating’s increase, he was raised to 107 from 104.

The following horses received drops to their ratings, MOONSHININGTHROUGH was dropped to 96 from 98, TAIKONAUT was dropped to 109 from 113, QUANTUM THEORY was dropped to 112 from 114 and SWING UPON A STAR was dropped to 104 from 105.

TAB Igugu Stakes (Grade 2) 

BEATING WINGS was adjusted to 114 from 112 after winning the TAB Igugu Stakes (Grade 2) over 2000m on Saturday at Turffontein. The Handicappers were unanimous in choosing PERFECT WITNESS as the line horse here and she remains on a rating of 105. In rating the race this way, GILDED BUTTERFLY runs to her rating of 108, effectively making her a line horse as well. The only other horse to receive an increase in ratings was BELLEVARDE who was adjusted to 110 from 96. This adjustment makes her correct on handicapping terms with GILDED BUTTERFLY who she beat by 2.25 lengths while in receipt of 1kg in weight.

Two horses received drops of 2 points each, EMIRATE GINA was dropped to 103 from 105 and IPSO FACTO was dropped to 92 from 94.

TAB Camellia Stakes (Grade 2) 

MRS BROWNING was increased to a rating of 113 from 106 after impressively winning the TAB Camellia Stakes (Grade 2) over 1160m at Turffontein on Saturday.  The Handicappers felt that the consistent ONE FELL SWOOP made for the most suitable line horse here and her rating remained unchanged on 104. TIME FO ORCHIDS was the only other horse to receive a rating’s increase in this event and she was adjusted to 110 from 106.

Two horses received drops in ratings here, ALULA’S STAR was dropped to 105 from 107 and MRS GERIATRIX was dropped to 112 from 115.

TAB Gold Bowl (Listed) 

CRIMSON KING remained unchanged on a rating of 106 after staying on well to win the TAB Gold Bowl (Listed) over 3200m on Saturday at Turffontein. In fact, it was CRIMSON KING himself who was deemed to make for the most suitable line horse in this staying event. In rating the race this way BREEZE OVER produced a performance of 97 and was accordingly adjusted to 97 from 93.

Due to the specific race conditions that prohibit the Handicappers from increasing the ratings of placed runners by more than 4 points, BATTLEGROUND had to be capped to a rating of 88 despite running to a higher mark. EXPLOSIVE BOND ran to a rating of 101 but could only be adjusted by 4 points from 96 to 100.

No other horses received ratings increases in this race. The only runner to receive a drop in ratings was NEBRAAS, who was dropped to 108 from 111.

Dennis Drier Poinsettia Stakes (Grade 3) 

ASIYE PHAMBILI was adjusted to 111 from 108 after emphatically winning the Dennis Drier Poinsettia Stakes (Grade 3) over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. MORGAN LE FAY was deemed to be the most suitable line horse here and she remained on a rating of 98. REEFWAY, who beat the 98 rated line horse by a short head at level weights was accordingly adjusted to 98 from a rating of 84, this ensures that they meet on correct handicap terms in the future.

No other horses received increases in ratings here and only 1 horse received a drop in ratings, RIPPLE EFFECT was dropped to 106 from 107.

In Full Flight Handicap (Listed) 

KING OF THE GAULS had his rating increased to 101 from 97 after landing the In Full Flight Stakes (Listed) over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. The Handicappers were unanimous in selecting HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE as the line horse here and he remained unchanged on a rating of 104. In rating the race this way QUASIFORSURE runs to his rating of 115, effectively making him a line horse as well.

No other horses were given increases to their ratings.

The following horses received drops in ratings. BLACK EGRET was dropped to 93 from 94, DONQUERARI was dropped to 89 from 90, CLIFF HANGER was dropped to 106 from 108, CABINET SHUFFLE was dropped to 90 from 93, CHOCOLATE BOMB was dropped from 91 to 88, SOVEREIGN STATE was dropped from 106 to 104 and lastly AFRICAN SKYLINE was dropped to 99 from 101.

Enquiries:

The Handicapping Team

Undefeated Japanese runners Forever Young (JPN) and T O Password (JPN) put the finishing touches on their major preparation for Saturday’s $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) by working over a Churchill Downs main track rated as good Tuesday morning.

Forever Young (JPN) turned in his final major preparation by working five furlongs in 1:03 over a track rated as “good” Tuesday morning. Fractions on the work were :14, :27, :39.60 and out six furlongs in 1:16.80 under training assistant Yusaku Oka.

It was the second work at Churchill Downs for Forever Young, who covered six furlongs in 1:19.60 last Wednesday under jockey Ryusei Sakai.

Oka was pleased with the work and Forever Young’s ability to handle the less than fast track condition.

“He handled it well and moved well over the track,” Oka said through a translator. “I think we did a good for job for the final breeze.”

Yoshito Yahagi trains Forever Young and is scheduled to arrive in Louisville tonight to oversee final Derby preparations.

Oka, who was the morning partner for 2021 Breeders’ Cup winners Marche Lorraine (JPN) and Loves Only You (JPN) for Yahagi was asked about the confidence level with Forever Young going into the Derby.

After a pause, Oka grinned and said, “The Kentucky Derby is a difficult race to win but all I can is Team Yahagi Stable is undefeated in the United States and Forever Young is undefeated.”

Forever Young is scheduled to return to the track Wednesday with a trip to the paddock on the agenda.

Tomoya Ozasa’s T O Password (JPN) worked a half-mile in :46.80 under jockey Kazushi Kimura. Working in company with Alysheba (G2) entrant T O Saint Denis (JPN), T O Password produced fractions of :23.80 and out five furlongs in :59.60 over track rated as “good” following overnight rain in Louisville.

“Everything was smooth this morning,” Kimura said. “I put him behind his workmate to get some kickback. We got everything we wanted this morning.”

With rain a possibility for Saturday, Kimura was asked if he was confident that T O Password could handle conditions similar to this morning.

“He was OK with the mud this morning,” Kimura said, “but with 20 horses, you never know.”

Trainer Daisuke Takayanagi agreed with his rider’s assessment and indicated that T O Password would return to the track in the morning.

Later Tuesday morning, trainer Brad Cox reported Encino will scratch from Kentucky Derby 150 allowing Epic Ride to draw into the field.

CATALYTIC – Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs’ Catalytic was back on the track Tuesday at the 7:30 a.m. time reserved for Oaks and Derby horses following a harrow break.

With regular exercise rider Olaf Hernandez aboard, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. had the Florida Derby (G1) runner-up jog a mile. He’s hopeful that lightly tested Catalytic continues to improve in the Derby.

“On paper, it’s hard to see that he can win,” Joseph said. “But in racing, you have to have a hope and a dream. You need a perfect setup. He’s a horse who’s only had three starts, so you have to hope that there’s improvement to come. How much improvement, we don’t know.”

And the Derby will present an opportunity to show how much the $125,000 yearling purchase has come along.

“This is the most eyes we ever get,” Joseph said. “There’s pressure on the vets, pressure on the trainers, everyone wants everything to be perfect. That’s our wish, that we have a perfect week. Everyone’s watching, even those who don’t watch racing. It’s the biggest race in America, it’s America’s race, and the attention it gets for two minutes is second to none.”

With jockey Jose Ortiz aboard, Catalytic was timed in :47.80 for the half-mile on Sunday. Ortiz will ride Catalytic in the Derby, starting from the No. 5 post as a 30-1 shot.

CATCHING FREEDOM/ENCINO/JUST A TOUCH – Trainer Brad Cox confirmed Encino will not run in Kentucky Derby 150 after being off after training this morning.

Cox’s other two contenders, Catching Freedom and Just a Touch both galloped at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday and schooled in the paddock.

DOMESTIC PRODUCT/SIERRA LEONE – Grade 1 winner Sierra Leone and his stablemate, Tampa Bay Derby (G3) victor Domestic Product, took to the track separately Tuesday for their morning training under the watch of trainer Chad Brown.

Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Sierra Leone headed out first, galloping twice around the Churchill Downs track during the 7:30 a.m. training period. Shortly after 8 a.m., it was Domestic Product’s turn to get his legs moving as he also went twice around on the gallop days out from their expected run in the Kentucky Derby.

“Everyone’s doing great, we had a nice day of training,” Brown said. “The track is a little wet but it’s in good condition considering. I was happy with that.”

Sierra Leone specifically has gained his share of admirers with the strong impression he has made during the morning hours. Among those who have been on the colt’s bandwagon for some time now is his jockey, Tyler Gaffalione who, like Brown, will be aiming to capture the roses for the first time.

Gaffalione’s best finish in the Derby from six prior mounts came in 2019 when he guided War of Will to a seventh-place effort after the duo nearly went down due to inference from Maximum Security, who was disqualified from the victory.

Gaffalione rode Sierra Leone for the first time in the Feb. 17 Risen Star Stakes (GII) and the chemistry between the two was instant. After getting the colt to rally from ninth to score a half-length win that day, Gaffalione further showcased how well he got along with his mount during their victory in the Blue Grass Stakes when he was able to settle the son of Gun Runner following a prerace tantrum at the gate en route to a 1 1/2-length triumph.

“I love everything about him,” Gaffalione said of Sierra Leone. “He was so impressive in the Risen Star making up all that ground, but I was even more impressed with him the last time in the Blue Grass. With that little bit of fit he threw behind the gate, for him to compose himself and get his mind back on running and put on the performance he did I thought was incredible. It shows the mind frame he has and the talent he has.”

Gaffalione was able to get a feel for what the competition experiences when alongside Sierra Leone as he worked stablemate Domestic Product when the two Brown trainees went in company together on April 27.

“Every time I got up closer to him, he would stick his head out a little bit more,” Gaffalione said. “I’ve definitely never had these feelings before, it’s pretty special. That’s the thing, you get a horse like this and it’s just so exciting. I’m living the dream right now.”

DORNOCH/SOCIETY MAN – Keeping his two contenders healthy and happy is the goal for trainer Danny Gargan as he readies for Kentucky 150 on Saturday. On Tuesday morning after his charges traveled over the drying out Churchill Downs surface, the Louisville native deemed it another day of mission accomplished on that front.

With Gargan looking on, Society Man and Dornoch each put in solid gallops beneath the Twin Spires. Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) runner-up Society Man was first on the scene, coming out early to take advantage of the quieter setting as he stretched his legs.

“Society Man is actually the tougher of the two to train. He’s stronger to gallop,” Gargan said. “That’s why we train him early because he’s more relaxed that way.”

The imposing frame of Remsen Stakes (G2) winner Dornoch was out and about during the 7:30 a.m. training session as he galloped twice around the Churchill Down main track.

“Everyone’s good. Everyone ate up well. They trained good,” Gargan said. “Dornoch always looks good out there on the track.”

ENDLESSLY – Amerman Racing’s homebred colt Endlessly galloped a mile and one-eighth Tuesday morning after standing in the starting gate during the special 7:30-7:45 training session for Derby and Oaks horses.

Assistant trainer Justin Curran noted further that the four-time stakes winner is likely to paddock school with horses in this afternoon’s fourth race, provided it wasn’t raining.

Trainer Michael McCarthy watched his charge’s exercises from the frontside grandstand, then returned to his Barn 35 headquarters.

He was asked for a short take on the dark bay, who has five tallies in six starts, though he has yet to race on a dirt surface.

“He’s always been a good-feeling horse,” the conditioner said. “He likes his work; he’s glad to do it.

“He’s continued in that fashion since he’s been here and, of course, that’s what we want to see.”

McCarthy will give rider Umberto Rispoli a leg up in the new $200 million paddock Saturday in the lead up to Derby 150. The two then will get to start their 1 ¼-mile journey from post 14 in the 20-horse lineup.

EPIC RIDE – Welch Racing’s Epic Ride officially drew into Kentucky Derby 150 following the defection of Encino Tuesday afternoon.

Trainer John Ennis reported the colt will continue his normal training plus have some gate and paddock schooling.

Epic Ride jogged a mile this morning under Sophie Doyle.

FIERCENESS – The morning line favorite for Kentucky Derby 150 this Saturday – Repole Stable’s homebred Fierceness – got his morning exercise in during the special 7:30-7:45 training session designated for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses at Churchill Downs on a track designated as “good” because of overnight rains in the Louisville area.

Danny Wright, the veteran British jockey who once rode for Queen Elizabeth II in England, was up on the City of Light colt, as he has been for the run up to his go in the $5 million headliner.

“He’s feelin’ good,” Wright reported back at Barn 39 following the gallop. “He’s been like that since Day One. He’s a neat little horse.”

Trainer Todd Pletcher noted that his handsome colt was likely to follow a similar pattern morning Wednesday with a side trip for schooling in the starting gate.

GRAND MO THE FIRST – Granpollo Stables’ Grand Mo the First galloped a mile and a half under Amel Macias for trainer Victor Barboza Jr.

Grand Mo the First began his career on the all-weather surface at Gulfstream Park and concluded his 2-year-old campaign with a third-place finish in the Zuma Beach (G3) on the grass at Santa Anita.

“We went to California for the Breeders’ Cup, but he didn’t get in,” owner David Geofrey said. “He ran OK out there (in the Zuma Beach in which he was defeated by Derby rival Endlessly). After that we regrouped to see if could go on dirt and we put him in the Swale and he did OK.”

OK was a third-place finish in the Swale that was followed by a close third in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) and then third in the Florida Derby (G1).

“And now, here we are,” Geofrey said.

HONOR MARIE – Ribble Farms, Michael Eisterman, Earl Silver, Kenneth and Dave Fishbein’s Honor Marie galloped 1 ½ miles at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday under regular rider Maurilio Garcia.

JUST STEEL – BC Stables LLC and Henry Schmueckle’s Just Steel hit the track early Tuesday morning along with stablemate and Kentucky Oaks contender Lemon Muffin, putting in an easy jog two days after breezing a half mile in his last series work before the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas was pleased with what he saw from the son of Justify on Tuesday as he believes the colt was wanting to do a little more than was being asked.

“That’s what I wanted to see today, he had very good energy,” the Hall of Fame trainer said. “Actually, watching him go around there, I was thinking we probably should have galloped him. He’s got a lot of energy.”

Just Steel was installed at 20-1 odds on the morning line and will break from post 6 on Saturday.

MYSTIK DAN –Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing and Daniel Hamby III’s Mystik Dan was out for trainer Kenny McPeek for a typical gallop with exercise rider Martin Reyes on Tuesday.

“He galloped a mile-and-a-half and stood in the gate,” said McPeek.

Brian Hernandez Jr. will ride Mystik Dan, 20-1 on the Derby morning line, from the No. 3 post. Last Saturday, Mystik Dan was timed for the five furlongs in 1:01.20 with Hernandez.

RESILIENCE – It was another good morning for Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) winner Resilience as he galloped twice around the Churchill Downs oval on Tuesday during the 7:30 p.m. training period for Oaks and Derby contenders.

For many horsemen, the Kentucky Derby represents the pinnacle achievement in Thoroughbred racing. In that respect, it would be especially fitting if Resilience is able to deliver a victory in the 10-furlong classic to the man who has been as responsible for equine excellence as anyone over the decades.

The Bill Mott trainee is co-owned by Emily Bushnell, daughter of longtime owners Pam and Marty Wygod, and renowned bloodstock consultant Ric Waldman, whose numerous achievements include managing the career of the legendary stallion Storm Cat at Overbook Farm. Through Waldman’s guidance, Storm Cat became a commercial powerhouse in the Thoroughbred industry, commanding a $500,000 stud fee at the peak of his career en route to creating a bloodline that has its finger prints over the best sires and runners to this day.

Throughout his career, Waldman has counted the Wygods among his top clients and closest friends. In a move that speaks to the level of camaraderie and respect he commands, the Wygods gifted partial ownership of Resilience to Waldman.

That generous gesture took on greater emotional importance when Marty Wygod passed away on April 12 at the age of 84 — just six days after Resilience prevailed in the Wood Memorial. For Waldman, having the chance to become a Kentucky Derby-winning owner pales in comparison to the honor he has of being part of Marty Wygod’s legacy.

“For the historical perspective of it, that would be quite unique that someone years from now would look back on that and see my name (in the Derby),” Waldman said. “But I don’t get caught up in it. My mind hasn’t been trained in that way. How I came about owning this horse is so personal. I said this before and I still believe, I consider myself more of a steward of this horse for Marty and Pam Wygod.

“It was a very personal gift that they gave me,” Waldman continued. “It’s a continuation of our friendship that we’ve had the whole time. I’m grateful for that. Some people think, I’m sure even Bill (Mott) thought ‘Why would you give away the best horse that you might have ever had?’ And the answer to that, if I can put words in Marty’s mouth, is that is the only horse he would give because he would want it to be meaningful. He would want it be to a meaningful gift, something of significance. That’s how Marty would think.”

In Resilience, Waldman sees the culmination of years of diligence on the part of the Wygods – and himself.

Resilience’s dam, Meadowsweet, was bred by the Wygods and is herself the only filly produced from multiple Grade 1 winner Tranquility Lake. The colt is also by five-time leading sire Into Mischief, who counts Storm Cat as his great grandsire.

“I love the horse, I care about the horse, and I can’t wait for the horse’s second career,” Waldman said of Resilience. “As a stallion, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if he ended up having some good turf horses as well as dirt horses. But I always get ahead of myself on this breeding thing. Emily is always in the present on racing and I’m always thinking way past that and forget to smell the roses.”

If the best case scenario happens for Waldman on Saturday, he will have ample chances take in that floral fragrance. Regardless, he believes the colt’s presence in the race itself is worthy of celebration.

“The difference between my emotional barometer on this between winning and losing is more narrow than most people,” Waldman said. “If he wins, I’m not going to jump over the barn and if he loses, I’m not going feel like the world has collapsed. If the horse comes back safely and soundly then there is nothing that could happen that could alter that barometer reading much from that.”

STRONGHOLD – The Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Stronghold went trackside early Tuesday morning under exercise rider Sherri Alexander. The two entered the strip termed sloppy following overnight rains in the Louisville area just after 5:30 and did a 1-mile jog around the big oval.

“He’ll go back to galloping tomorrow,” Alexander said.

The exercise rider triples as stable foreman and wife of trainer Phil D’Amato, who had headed back to California Sunday to take care of their large string at Santa Anita. Tuesday she took all five of the D’Amato contingent on board for races this weekend to the track for a bit of leg stretching.

D’Amato is scheduled to return to Kentucky this afternoon.

TRACK PHANTOM – Lecomte Stakes (G3) winner Track Phantom had an early training session where he jogged about a mile at 5:30 a.m.

The Steve Asmussen trainee is likely to school in the gate Wednesday.

WEST SARATOGA – Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga galloped two miles under Donte Lowery and visited the paddock Tuesday morning for trainer Larry Demeritte.

West Saratoga never has raced on an off track and with a chance of rain Saturday, Demeritte was asked about how his colt would fare on sloppy going.

“I don’t want to ruin the day for anybody (with rain), but I’d take it,” Demeritte said. “I know his daddy liked it.”

That would be Exaggerator, runner-up in the 2016 Kentucky Derby and subsequent winner of the Preakness (G1) and Haskell (G1), both of which were run on sloppy tracks and made up a good chunk of Exaggerator’s $3.5 million in earnings.

ALSO-ELIGIBLE – Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells’ Mugatu (No. 21) walked the shedrow for trainer Jeff Engler.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY FIELD – Here is the field for the 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) in order of post positions (with rider and morning line odds): Dornoch (Luis Saez, 20-1), Sierra Leone (Tyler Gaffalione, 3-1), Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez Jr., 20-1), Catching Freedom (Flavien Prat, 8-1), Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, 30-1), Just Steel (Keith Asmussen, 20-1), Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, 20-1), Just a Touch (Florent Geroux, 10-1), Encino (Axel Concepcion, 20-1), T O Password (JPN) (Kazuski Kimura, 30-1), Forever Young (JPN) (Ryusei Sakai. 10-1), Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, 20-1), West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, 30-1), Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, 30-1), Domestic Product (Irad Ortiz Jr., 30-1), Grand Mo the First (Emisael Jaramillo, 50-1), Fierceness (John Velasquez, 5-2), Stronghold (Antonio Fresu, 20-1), Resilience (Junior Alvarado, 20-1), Society Man (Frankie Dettori, 50-1), Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, 50-1). Also-Eligible: Mugatu (Joe Talamo, 50-1). All starters will carry 126 pounds.

Great Cat (Dynasty) makes it a treble for Brett Crawford and a double for Luyolo Mxothwa (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Brett Crawford scored a treble at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday, two of them ridden by Luyolo Mxothwa

Crawford is now on 90 wins for the season and has achieved it at a strike rate of 12.55%.

Mxothwa is on 66 wins at 10.02%.