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KENTUCKY DERBY REPORT MARCH 26, 2009 by James Scully Last weekend was the lull before the storm. Saturday's Lane's End S. (G2) at Turfway Park attracted a competitive field of 12, but none of the contestants rate as major contenders for the Kentucky Derby (G1). The racing action gets serious this coming Saturday, with the Florida Derby (G1) and UAE Derby (UAE-G2) highlighting the festivities, and will continue to pick up steam over the first two Saturdays in April. The Kentucky Derby is five weeks from this Saturday. Lane's End: Held over the Polytrack at Turfway Park, the Lane's End went to HOLD ME BACK (Giant's Causeway), a confirmed synthetic specialist at this point in his career. Fifth in his lone dirt start, the WinStar Farm homebred improved to three for three over synthetics with the 1 3/4-length score. Off since November 29, Hold Me Back didn't break sharply in the 1 1/8-mile Lane's End and dropped far back entering the clubhouse turn. Jockey Kent Desormeaux asked for run leaving the backstretch and Hold Me Back began to rapidly pass horses on the final bend. He swung wide into the stretch and finished fast, striking the front around the sixteenth pole and driving clear to an impressive score. The Bill Mott-trained colt registered a 101 BRIS Speed figure and 108 Late Pace rating. His BRIS numbers increased significantly in his seasonal debut, and Hold Me Back established himself as a legitimate contender for the Blue Grass S. (G1) on April 11. That race will be held over the Polytrack at Keeneland, where Hold Me Back easily captured an allowance event last fall, but he will likely face tougher company. The unbeaten Charitable Man (Lemon Drop Kid) is scheduled to return in that spot for Kiaran McLaughlin, and Square Eddie (Smart Strike), an impressive 4 3/4-length winner of last year's Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland, could possibly prep there as well. The problem is that the Blue Grass won't give us any indication as to how Hold Me Back will handle dirt on Derby Day. Last year, the top four finishers in the Derby had all won on dirt beforehand. In fact, none had ever raced on a synthetic track. I'm trying to keep an open mind toward the synthetic-based runners this year -- Pioneerof the Nile (Empire Maker), The Pamplemousse (Kafwain) and Chocolate Candy (Candy Ride [Arg]) are all very nice horses -- but it's going to be difficult to have much confidence going forward if they all fail to fire their best on May 2. Last year didn't flatter the synthetic set. Colonel John (Tiznow), who won the Travers (G1) the second time around on dirt, was capable of better than he displayed when sixth at Churchill Downs. Adriano (A.P. Indy), Monba (Maria's Mon), Cowboy Cal (Giant's Causeway) and Bob Black Jack (Stormy Jack) all built their credentials on synthetic tracks but were no factor in the Derby. Hold Me Back must still answer the class question as well. The Lane's End runner-up, maiden winner FLYING PRIVATE (Fusaichi Pegasus), finished fourth in an allowance/optional claiming event two starts back at Oaklawn Park. He was a near 25-1 outsider who didn't appear to have any business running as well as he did on Saturday. Third-placer PROCEED BEE (Bernstein) liked the track, winning the John Battaglia Memorial S. at Turfway in his previous outing, but he was no factor when facing less-than-stellar company earlier this year in the Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn. The top two contenders entering the race, WEST SIDE BERNIE (Bernstein) and BITTEL ROAD (Stormy Atlantic), both came up empty in the stretch of the Lane's End. Upcoming -- DUNKIRK (Unbridled's Song) will get one shot -- the Florida Derby -- to earn his way into the Kentucky Derby field, and it's not just a berth that is at stake. If he runs big on Saturday, the gray colt will go favored in the Run for the Roses. His supporters showed in Pool 2 of the Future Wager two weeks ago, betting Dunkirk down to 7-1 favoritism among individual interests, and that was the perfect indication of the reputation he's developed off only two career starts. Inexperience didn't matter with Big Brown last year, and Dunkirk will generate the same pre-Derby buzz with another convincing victory on Saturday. He will have to get past QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality), who earned a whopping 110 BRIS Speed rating for his 4 1/4-length score in the Fountain of Youth (G2) and will be forwardly placed during the early stages of the Florida Derby. THEREGOESJOJO (Brahms), who offered a stout late run for runner-up honors in the Fountain of Youth, could also provide stiff competition. DESERT PARTY (Street Cry [Ire]) is the one to beat in the UAE Derby from Nad al Sheba. With Midshipman (Unbridled's Song) and Vineyard Haven (Lido Palace [Chi]) both out of the picture, the Grade 2-winning colt is the only serious Derby prospect remaining for Godolphin.
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