Triple Threats

MEDAL COUNT DERBY BOUND 
Spendthrift Farm’s Medal Count (Dynaformer), second in last Saturday’s GI Toyota Blue Grass S., will make his next start in the GI Kentucky Derby. “Medal Count came out of the Blue Grass in great shape, and we’re looking forward to running him a 1 1/4 miles in the Derby,” trainer Dale Romans said. “He’s trained at Churchill Downs most of his life and seems to really love the track. Ever since he’s come into the barn, I’ve been very high on him. I think he’s as good as any of the 3-year-olds we’ve had.” Robby Albarado has the mount. 

BEJARANO TO RIDE WILDCAT RED 
Rafael Bejarano will ride Wildcat Red (D’wildcat) in the May 3 GI Kentucky Derby. Most recently runner-up in the Mar. 29 GI Besilu Stables Florida Derby, Wildcat Red has had four different riders in four starts this term. Luis Saez rode him to victory in the Feb. 22 GII Fountain of Youth S. and John Velazquez was aboard in the Florida Derby. Saez is committed to ride Cairo Prince (Pioneerof the Nile) in Kentucky. “The very next day after the Florida Derby, Bejarano called me and told me he wanted to ride the horse,” said trainer Jose Garoffalo. “I put him on standby until this week. When we found the other riders were busy, I called him and set the deal. He’s a great rider.” Wildcat Red is scheduled to breeze at Gulfstream Friday and is expected to ship to Churchill Downs Apr. 22. 

SOCIAL INCLUSION TUNES UP 
Social Inclusion (Pioneerof the Nile), who suffered his first loss when third in the GI Twinspires.com Wood Memorial S., breezed three furlongs at Gulfstream Wednesday in :35.04. “He went easy, but he worked very well,” said Ron Sanchez of Rontos Racing Stable. “He galloped out in :47 3/5 and came back really well. He’s doing great. He’s improving every day.” Social Inclusion is being pointed towards the May 17 GI Preakness S., but connections are still hopeful he could make the GI Kentucky Derby. He currently stands 26th on the Derby points list. “We’re going to breeze him again Saturday and by that time, we might know if we’re in the Derby or not,” Sanchez added. “But we’re trying to find a prep for the Preakness.”