KENTUCKY DERBY ROUNDUP \ News and notes

Rain stays away for Brother Derek: The weather cooperated Monday at Churchill Downs, allowing Brother Derek to get in his final major workout. The colt ran a half-mile in 49.20 seconds under regular rider Alex Solis, who was fresh off an overnight flight from Los Angeles. "He's happy. He's pumped," Solis said about the colt who will be the morning-line favorite for Saturday's race. The forecast had called for rain Monday morning, but a mix of sun and clouds and a cool breeze prevailed instead. The track was still muddy from Sunday's on-and-off showers. Trainer Dan Hendricks debated whether to go ahead with the workout or wait another day because Brother Derek had never trained or raced on a wet track. "All things considered, it wasn't too bad and I was glad to get the work in and just let him go to strong, long gallops from here," he said. "He's plenty fit and this was basically just something for him to stretch his legs." Brother Derek's time was fifth-fastest of 24 horses who went the same distance. Also tuning up was Private Vow, who went five furlongs in a minute flat -- fastest among the 11 horses at that distance -- for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Making his case: Lawyer Ron, winner of six in a row and one of the early favorites, jogged and galloped Monday. "Tomorrow, he will probably go two miles because he was pretty full of himself this morning," trainer Bob Holthus said. Lawyer Ron has come into his own after winning once in his first eight starts. That win came on a sloppy track at Keeneland last October. Rain is in the forecast for later this week.
On the bubble: Twenty horses is the limit for starting spots in the Kentucky Derby. Graded stakes earnings determine which horses get in when entries are taken Wednesday, and that's got Sunriver on the bubble. The colt moved up one spot to No. 21, with $100,000, after it was confirmed Monday that 20th-ranked Mister Triester won't start. "Darn right I'd like to run him," said trainer Todd Pletcher, who has two other entries. "I'd like to see him get his chance." Mister Triester's defection helped out Flashy Bull, who moved into the 20th spot with $109,000. Flashy Bull is a gray son of Holy Bull, who sired last year's upset winner Giacomo, and will be ridden by Mike Smith, who won his first Derby last year. The colt has one win in his nine-race career.
On their way: Three California-based horses are expected to arrive today at Churchill Downs. A.P. Warrior stretched his legs with a mile-long jog Monday at Hollywood Park. Across town at Santa Anita, Bob and John and Point Determined -- two of trainer Bob Baffert's three entries -- walked circles inside their barn after final drills a day earlier. Baffert will return to Kentucky today after going home to check on his two horses. His third contender, Sinister Minister, galloped Monday in Louisville.
Associated Press
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