So Now We Know....

Talk about "from the horse's mouth." Saturday's New York Times carries the following quote from Michael Matz, referring to Lentenor: "I do think he is good enough [for the Kentucky Derby]. I don't want to do too much with him now because I don't want to be out of horse if we do get to one of the classic races. We'll see with his next race. He'll tell us from race to race where's he going to go."

Wow. Lenny is officially on the Derby Trail and we heard it from none other that his trainer. Matz also let it be known that Lenny's next race would be Feb. 17--an allowance race at Gulfstream and from there, perhaps the Florida Derby.

As for the turf/dirt thing. Well he is going to stick with the turf for the next race and if all goes well, then move him to dirt for the Florida Derby. If it sounds familiar it is because that is exactly what Matz did with Barbaro. Switch slowly, when the time seemed right.

I truly do not believe the turf/dirt question is one to lose sleep over. Lentenor has been training nicely on dirt and seems to move fairly effortlessly between the two surfaces. If anything, the early races on turf are kinder and gentler to his still growing legs.

Some other good news. Lentenor, according to Matz, "came out of [his last] race terrific," which shows that he is hale, hearty and sound. And he also expects big things from Nicanor some this Spring.

Sounds like a lot to look forward to beginning with February 17 when all eyes will be on Gulfstream.