More Ky. Derby preps are scheduled for this weekend

Associated Press

Noble’s Promise won’t be Lookin At Lucky when he runs in the Arkansas Derby.

After losing his last three races to the California-based colt, Noble’s Promise has escaped his nemesis at least until they meet in the May 1 Kentucky Derby.

After some consideration, trainer Bob Baffert skipped Saturday’s $1 million Arkansas Derby in favor of last weekend’s Santa Anita Derby, where Lookin At Lucky finished a troubled third.

Not that Noble’s Promise won’t have competition in the richest Kentucky Derby prep in the country. In a mild surprise, Todd Pletcher-trained Super Saver was made the early 9-5 favorite over Noble’s Promise at 2-1.

Super Saver and Calvin Borel, known for his two rail-skimming upsets in the Kentucky Derby, drew the rail for the 11‚Ñ8-mile race. Dublin, third in the Rebel behind Lookin At Lucky and Noble’s Promise, will break from the No. 2 post.

Noble’s Promise drew outside of those two speed horses in the No. 3 post.

Noble’s Promise and Dublin are already assured spots in the Kentucky Derby field. Noble’s Promise is No. 2 on the graded stakes earnings list while Dublin is 14th.

Blue Grass

Florida Derby runner-up Pleasant Prince is the early 3-1 favorite for Saturday’s $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.

Pleasant Prince will start from post six and be ridden by Julien Leparoux for the 11‚Ñ8-mile race over the Polytrack.

Tampa Bay Derby winner Odysseus will start from the rail and is the second choice in the nine-horse field at 7-2.

Stablemates Aikenite and Interactif, both trained by Todd Pletcher, are co-third choices at 4-1 and will start alongside each other on the outside.