Horse Racing News

The only missing piece from the Santa Anita Derby on April 3 is the role of favorite. A field of nine or 10, led by pacesetter Sidney's Candy, is expected for the Derby.

Noble's Promise, who could go favored in the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby, breezed five furlongs for the race Friday morning at Oaklawn.

Gio Ponti was the overlooked American champion of 2009.

Rachel Alexandra worked a half-mile in 50.40 seconds Monday morning at Fair Grounds, her first workout since her 2010 debut, a second-place finish to Zardana in the New Orleans Ladies on March 13.

Dale Romans has been looking forward to returning to his Kentucky roots. The 43-year-old trainer spent most of this past winter in south Florida.

Dale Romans has been looking forward to returning to his Kentucky roots. The 43-year-old trainer spent most of this past winter in south Florida.

The Oracle of Delphi did not need to be called. Nor was tea-leaf reading or an analysis of the signs of the zodiac necessary.

Last year's Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird, has just resumed training at his home base of Double Eagle Ranch in Roswell, N.M., and later this spring is expected to set up shop at Churchill Downs, trainer Chip Woolley said.

Although he is notorious for changing his mind each day, trainer Bob Baffert said he is leaning toward having Lookin At Lucky make his final prep for the May 1 Kentucky Derby in the Grade 1, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 3.

The top three finishers from Saturday's $750,000 Florida Derby came out of their races in good order and will now set their sights on the May 1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, their connections said Sunday.