As we get closer this week, don’t be surprised at anything you will hear. There will be some defections, and there will be some that will catch your eye. But all in all, the Triple Crown bug is buzzing, and this is the best time of year.

At the time of this writing, I wanted to update you on who is getting ready for the second jewel:

Super Saver – Borel / Pletcher – 1st Kentucky Derby

Aikenite – Castellano / Pletcher – 2nd Derby Trial

Dublin – Thompson / Lukas – 7th Kentucky Derby

Northern Giant – Jacinto / Lukas – 9th Arkansas Derby

Hurricane Ike – Albarado / Sadler – 1st Derby Trial

Caracortado – Atkinson / Machowsky- 4th Santa Anita Derby

Pleasant Prince – Leparoux / Ward – 3rd Derby Trial

Schoolyard Dreams – Coa / Ryan – 4th Wood Memorial

Paddy O’ Prado – Desormeaux / Romans – 3rd Kentucky Derby

Lookin At Lucky – Garcia / Baffert – 6th Kentucky Derby

Jackson Bend – Smith / Zito – 12th Kentucky Derby

A Little Warm – Velasquez / T. Dutrow – 2nd Louisiana Derby

First Dude – Dominguez / Romans – 3rd Bluegrass Stakes

Yawanna Twist – Prado / Dutrow – 2nd Illinois Derby

A maximum of 14 horses can start, and that is a far cry from the 20 in Louisville.

Super Saver is coming along nicely, and Lookin At Lucky is looking like a new rider is in his future. Aikenite is making his third off a layoff, and Hurricane Ike is blowing in from a victory in the Derby Trial. Many have done this route, but it has been a long time since a winner.

In the back of my exotics, I will probably use Pleasant Prince as he is coming second time off of poly track. This is a favorite angle of mine. First Dude intrigues me… He just worked a bullet, and is coming off of the poly at Keeneland. He has not seen this type of company, and there must be a reason he is heading this direction.

Be sure to follow these publications to keep up on the latest:  The Paulick Report, Equidaily.com, The Bloodhorse, DRF.com, Preakness.com. I would also make plans to download WinningPonies, and get your directions to the winner’s circle.