Kentucky Dreamin

For those with Breeder's Cup withdrawal, there is always the prospect of the Kentucky Derby to keep them going through the winter. And while it is not even Thanksgiving, there are a few indications that all horse racing eyes are beginning to turn (at least figuratively) to the first Saturday in May.

From Gulfstream Park come news that they have moved the Florida Derby to March 20, exactly six week before the Kentucky Derby. This move should bring that race back into contention for one of the leading Derby preps. As we all know, Barbaro made his way to Kentucky via Florida and the Florida Derby was his "coming out" prep race.

In recent years, horses have earned their qualifying dollars in Louisiana, California, New York and last year, New Mexico. The Florida circuit, with its derby, now perfectly positioned as the Derby prep, has always been a traditional route to the roses, but moving the race up a week makes it even more attractive.

Speaking of which, the Wynn future book is out in Vegas and Lentenor is 250-1. Actually not bad odds for a horse who has yet to break his maiden. Racing opens at Gulfstream January 3, 2010. If Lenny breaks his maiden before then (and odds are that he will), look for him to race as a three year old shortly after his official birthday January 1. If you recall, Barbaro won a race in the slop on New Year's Day, 2006.

That should be enough to keep you Kentucky dreaming for a while. . .