Here comes Peter Ponytail, racing down the Derby trail...

Let the 2010 Kentucky Derby trail begin! Saturday's Count Fleet showed a horse who may not end up being a factor for the Derby, but maybe after the Triple Crown season is over. Laus Deo won the Count Fleet gate to wire, by setting slow fractions. Worth the Buck was second with Turbo Speed third, the favorite Ibeeboye could only muster fourth place. He could only muster a 78 Beyer, but it's something to work off. To put in perspective, Brake Lights who won a maiden race at the same distance earlier on the card and has the same running style as Laus Deo won a second faster and got a 87 Beyer. However, it should be noted that the track was playing slow thanks to snow and ice. For this reason, it was still drying out.

Laus Deo is heading to Florida, most likely Tampa to not clash with his stablemate, the highley regarded Winslow Homer. With that being said, I perfer Laus over Winslow and hopefully whatever his connections decide to do the rest of the year, I'll be full supportive. Brake Lights according to DRF.com will be next seen in the Whirlaway.

Speaking the Derby trail, Oaklawn opens up next Friday. Who will follow in the footsteps of Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Lawyer Ron, Curlin, Eight Belles, Summer Bird and of course Rachel Alexandra as the next star to run at the Arkansas track during the winter.

As for the three other races that I previewed on Friday? Well Life is Sweet tied up and was scratched, hopefully she is okay and will fight another day. Cherobyl's Hero ran a respectival third in his race, my guess is another allowance race is next for him. Quality Road meanwhile returned to the Winner's Circle for the first time since his Amsterdam win. He should be the heavy favorite for the Donn, but I gotta give some love to You and I Forever. The son of You, showed his mother's heart by holding on to second.

Later this week I will be having my early Oaks picks and a few announcements on what is coming up this year on Thoroughbred Chat.