Barbaro © Amelia Baldree 2006

Flashy Bull © Amelia Baldree 2006

Private Vow © Amelia Baldree 2006

Steppenwolfer © Amelia Baldree 2006

The biggest story of the day was Brother Derek's delayed workout. When Alex Solis finally rode by me on the Derby favorite, he was grinning a little and looking proud and confident as a tidal wave of press, fans, and onlookers swept over to the track. He wasn't smiling when he came back, however, but I will leave that one to the fans and real media to decipher.

Many new faces have taken to Churchill Downs, including Sacred Light (who is looking amazing), Bushfire (who took a spin over the track today), and Balance. The Kentucky Oaks favorite is called a lock by many - if she can hold herself together. When she stepped onto the track this morning her whole body began to visibly shake. She is a very nervous filly, and her exercise rider and assistant trainer Grant Hoffmans kept her quiet, patting her and soothing her. They will be doing a lot of schooling in this upcoming week.

I have seen Deputy Glitters gallop twice, but just from afar and I need to see him up close before making any real comments about him.

Red Cherries Spin was out under her pink saddle towel for the first time this morning and for the proverbial "Pretty Pony People" she sure is a nice horse to look at, but may not make the field.

One horse that I would really like to toss in the race is Seaside Retreat, but he seems to be really loving Churchill Downs and has been going very well over the surface. He is tough and muscular although not particularly big and he was rather aggressive this morning when he went out.

The horse I admire most is Jazil. This gritty little colt came out after stablemate Flashy Bull this morning, and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin is almost giddy with excitement over the duo. Jazil looks eerily like Closing Argument galloping along, and the pace will set up to his liking.

Hopefully more to come in the next few days!