If we count the filly Devil May Care as a Derby candidate then there were "7" workers this morning for this years 136th Run For The Roses. We will call the filly a Derby starter because she breezed as well as anyone today but I guess the connections might let the post position draws sway them as to whether to run in the Oaks or the Derby. As for the rest of the Pletchers, I think Mission Implazible might have been the strongest as he toyed with Rule all the way in this 5f drill timed in 100.1. Discreetly Mine went fine as the rider didn't put him into to gear which is usually a positive. Super Saver definitely breezed but I didn't really like the behavior around the turn as he seemed distracted by something--maybe the sloppy going?? California hopeful Sydney's Candy stopped the clock in 111.3 and trounced his mate Via Verde under Joe Talamo which is all nice but he might have been a bit too keen in the opening half of the drill which is a behavior he cant afford to have on May 1st. Lets hope it was just the real muddy conditions that the colt hasn't ever seen before---benefit of the doubt?? The other worker was up the road at the training center where Mike Maker will keep Stately Appeal until Thursday. From what I could see the colt went "steady" while in company but I didn't get the right look for me to put the hammer down on a further comment. We will see if Pletcher works the big horse tomorrow depending on the track condition----until then---time to hit the video replay machine and go to bed. Toby Turrell

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