Kentucky Derby Watch

WHO’S HOT

There has been little to no change to the perspective field with no major defections. Renegade, the presumptive Derby favorite, was expected to return to the work tab on Thursday at Palm Beach Downs. It would be his first breeze since his victory in the Arkansas Derby on March 28.

Chief Wallabee, who is virtually assured a spot in the Derby field though he currently sits at 21st on the list, worked in blinkers last weekend and will likely wear them in the Derby, trainer Bill Mott said. Chief Wallabee was one of several arrivals in the past week at Churchill.

Potente, the Santa Anita Derby runner-up, returned to the work tab on Tuesday at Santa Anita going a half-mile in 48.60 seconds.

WHO’S NOT

Class President late last week was officially declared off the Triple Crown trail with bone bruising. The Grade 2 Rebel winner had been scratched from the Blue Grass on April 4 because trainer Todd Pletcher didn’t like the way he was moving.

The connections of Talkin, third in the Blue Grass, have announced their intention to target the Preakness. Bravaro fourth in the Wood Memorial and, like Talkin, on the outside looking in as far as the Derby picture is concerned, is likely going to point to a New York-bred stakes next.

ON THE BUBBLE

Key weekend workouts are expected for Blue Grass runner-up Ottinho and Wood Memorial seventh-place finisher Iron Honor. Chad Brown, who trains both, said he wants to get an idea how those horses have come out of their recent races before officially confirming plans for them.

Should neither run, that would open up spots in the Derby for Chip Honcho and Intrepido. Grittiness has not officially been declared from the Derby, but he has yet to work since his runner-up finish in the Virginia Derby a month ago.

Ocelli, still a maiden following a third-place finish in the Wood Memorial, is being prepared to run in a race at Churchill Downs on May 2. A maiden or the Derby are both being considered.