4/24/2025

KYD Update               

As we inch closer to the first Saturday in May, out team of crack reporters are walking the backsides looking for every single tidbit we can find… the crumbs are small this year as barns seems to be keeping their cards close to the vest… can you blame them?  We did happen across the big barn, and although Mb Stables was gracious enough to give us some insight, we won’t name names… let’s just say the three he seems to have ready to go will make a formidable trio of horseflesh, to say the least.. “I think they are all training well, but there are are a lot of strong horses here and it’s hard to stand out among them. I think the advantage I have is I’m confident that all 3 of mine are true routers, so I hope they’ll appreciate the full 10 furlongs…”.  Certainly a key as none of these have gone the classic mile and a quarter. 

Another chance meeting was with the head of operations over at Alydar Stables, and their probable post time favorite, Daemon.  At first I thought he flipped me off, but maybe that was just a wave – “…he has been working steady. Not quite as fast as he was earlier in the year but the slower works didn’t seem to bother him come race day. We are hoping that doesn’t change. He will get a work over the CD dirt in the next couple days then it’s all about the draw and that extra furlong…” and post position is another massive factor… of course they fixed the outside push (sure) so that’s out of the equations (bad math). 

Next, we see the head of racing at Red Fox Farms, conditioner of Tropical Surge… “…he has been working consistent and is built for the mile and a quarter…” standing at 17 hands, yeah… let’s hope they can fit him into the starting gate and shakes off that FL Derby race, which I think he can. 

D J C Racing Stables spoke to their talented colt, the well named Alydar, another trying to bounce back from a less than thrilling race, last out.  “…he is showing signs of improvement as of late, I don’t think the distance will be an issue for him as he has shown a tendency to be comfortable in coming from just off the pace to closing in all of his previous races…” and again, that mile and a quarter distance is always the question mark.  “…all things point to a decent run if the traffic issues in such a big field don’t hinder his move when he makes it.”

Moving on we run into Team 7 Illusions, such a talented trainer that is long overdue for their first TC win, and have the cards to do that with Royal Devil.  “…I wouldn’t trade mine for any 2 of the other entries. He always gives 100%…” – maybe this is the year, and a super positive attitude – I like it!!

Louisville Outlook

Finally, we chat with Wood Duck Stables, loaded this year with three entrants.  “Boss Spearman recovered quickly after his last race and will have four full workouts before the Kentucky Derby…” so you know that one will come into to the big race on his toes.  Next, speaking to Red Font “…he is scheduled to have three works before the race and looks in fine form as well with his public work on April 15 he may show a tiny bit more speed at a classic distance, but he will be fully conditioned to handle 10 furlongs…”.  Then, finally the talented Brooklyn Bash “…he also had an exciting work on April 15 1:23.2 for 7 furlongs and his speed could be a factor early on in this race…” and that could be an overlooked factor… speed can certainly play a HUGE factor in this race.

That’s the current update and we will continue to probe the trainers up until race time.  Best of luck to everyone involved and feel free to site mail me with any comments on your TC hopefuls!! 

Categories: EDITORIAL, FEATURED STORIES, Racing Information, TC 2025, THE TRIPLE CROWN