Steam rose off of Cause to Believe's dark flanks as the good looking colt was bathed after a quick spin around Churchill Downs this morning. His narrow, elegant head posed for every click of the camera, but he was virtually ignored during his bath. The Northern-California invader has really caught my eye.

Sunriver looked excellent coming off the track today and during his bath. I am still concerned over whether or not he will get into the Derby, and part of me thinks it may be best if he doesn't, but he will be a nice horse down the road. Bluegrass Cat looked good as well. I still have not seen Keyed Entry (other than his shoulder or his hindquarters).

As soon as trainer Dan Peitz reached up to catch Steppenwolfer today, the loose horse alarm sounded as a horse took off riderless. Just in time!

Sunriver © Emily Hufford 2006

"The Lawyer" keeps everyone waiting each morning. He arrives on the track shortly before eight and then waits until the track is completely clear before galloping. He is strong, powerful, good looking, and flashy. There isn't much to dislike about Lawyer Ron, and it is fun to see everyone along the rail light up when he appears on the track.

Sweetnorthernsaint galloped around Churchill today, head up, ears pricked, taking it all in. He does appear to take everything in stride, and nothing bothers him. A crowd of media surrounded him during his bath, but the colt ignored them and instead nipped at his shank.

Seaside Retreat turned in his "defining" Derby workout. He galloped out slowly to bring comments that the work must have gone badly, but he stopped the clock in quick time (:59 and change) and is now definite for the big dance.

Then Brother Derek arrived. The Derby favorite brought oohs and ahs as he grazed and then rested in his stall and attacked his hay net. Having seen Brother Derek so many times, I have a feeling that tomorrow when he goes out to the track people will be even more impressed than they were when he got off the van after a long journey.