More Features and Columns Ten Most Wanted flourishes in California Weather has wreaked havoc on the training schedules of many of the East Coast-based horses pointing for the June 7 Belmont Stakes, but out in California, it has been a smooth ride for Ten Most Wanted. Frankel changes his mind, 'Empire' works in NY Bobby Frankel's decision to work Empire Maker on a yielding Belmont turf course Sunday looked like the right call come Monday. Go Rockin' Robin upsets Peter Pan The New York State breeding program, already in its glory with Funny Cide, gained further stature thanks to Go Rockin' Robin. For Belmont, horse racing's in a NY state of mind The McMahons are battling colds, but nothing can dim the elation they've felt since the colt they foaled and raised knocked the world on its Funny Cide. For Spite the Devil, Belmont a no-go Trainer Allen Jerkins' Spite the Devil will run in Saturday's Peter Pan, Belmont Stakes likely out. Funny Cide and his crew in high demand Funny Cide's Triple Crown bid in the Belmont could be the most scrutinized in recent history because of the horse's multiple New York connections. Finley: One last question to answer Funny Cide is going to have to prove he deserves to wear the crown in the Belmont, a race so packed with quality that no questions will be left unanswered. Santos returns to hero's welcome in New York Less than 24 hours after he won the Preakness aboard Funny Cide, jockey Jose Santos returned home to the strains of ``New York, New York.'' What a year it would be for a Triple Crown Trple Crown contenders have come in all sizes and colors, with vastly different personalities, and every conceivable advantage. Triple threat: Funny Cide feat no laughing matter Right now, there's only one question in the world of horse racing: Can Funny Cide do it? Cronley: Funny Cide's humble roots Even the smallest out-of-the-way track can have a link to greatness. Just ask Jay. High school buddies on brink of horse racing history Six high school buddies are heading home to New York, ready to put a happy ending on one of the most amazing stories in horse racing history. Finley: Santos a deserving winner in Preakness Jose Santo has had to endure a lot since he won the Derby. On Saturday, he got his reward in Maryland. Funny Cide owners already pumped for Belmont Six high school buddies are heading home to New York, ready to put a happy ending on one of the most amazing stories in horse racing history. Funny Cide dominates Preakness, to try for Crown Jose Santos gave the victory sign and showed the world his right palm. There was nothing in it but two-thirds of a Triple Crown after he and Funny Cide grabbed the 128th Preakness Stakes by the throat and shook it. Preakness Day notebook Pat Valenzuela guided his horse to an easy victory Saturday, although it wasn't the race he wanted to win. NYRA rooting for Funny Cide in Preakness A horse going for the Triple Crown obviously puts more fans in the seats on Belmont Day. But if Funny Cide wins the Preakness, who knows how many New Yorkers will show up? It's no laughing matter to Funny Cide's trainer After shooing reporters and photographers away from his barn at Belmont Park all week, trainer Barclay Tagg quietly shipped Funny Cide from New York to Pimlico Friday afternoon. Santos hopes to make daughter proud in Preakness Now that he's cleared his name with the person who counts the most, Funny Cide jockey Jose Santos can get back to the business of winning the Triple Crown. Derby winner should like a muddy Preakness The track at Pimlico could be a mess for Saturday's Preakness Stakes, but that shouldn't concern Derby winner Funny Cide. Funny Cide slips into Pimlico Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide arrived in Baltimore for the Preakness just before 2 p.m. on Friday as trainer Barclay Tagg decided to ship him earlier than planned. Rain or shine, Funny Cide ready for Preakness The Kentucky Derby winner likes a sloppy track. So, Funny Cide should be in great shape when he tries to take the next step toward becoming the first Triple Crown winner in a quarter-century. Handicapping the Preakness Day stakes There are five stakes races leading up to the 128th Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Here's a preview. Bet on this: Baffert, Lukas a winning combination Trainers D. Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert are rivals in every sense of the word. Yet this Saturday at the Preakness, they'll be "mates." Funny Cide the perfect foil for a trainer without one Derby winning trainer Barclay Tagg is a trainer who's always done everything by the book, and he isn't about to change now. Cronley: Sports fans, welcome to our world Jay believes that during the Triple Crown, horse racing attracts many new fans. If you're one of them, here's his guide to get you up to speed. Finley: Preakness picks Finley gives you his picks for this Saturday's Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. Funny Cide favored in 10-horse Preakness The ever-fluctuating field for the Preakness Stakes settled at 10 horses on Wednesday, but ESPN.com's Bill Finley wonders how some trainers pick their posts. 128th Preakness post positions Post positions for the 10 starters in Saturday's 128th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. 'Peace' presents challenge for Funny Cide Peace Rules has beaten Funny Cide before, and jockey Edgar Prado says there's no reason why his colt can't do it again in the Preakness. Champali out of Preakness field Champali was declared out of the Preakness field on Wednesday morning because of an episode of colic, according to trainer Greg Foley. Preakness: Horse by Horse Eddie Mac breaks down the field for this weekend's running of the Preakness Stakes. Funny Cide to face nine in Preakness entucky Derby winner Funny Cide will face nine horses in the Preakness on Saturday, and his pursuit of the Triple Crown could be hindered by an undesirable post position. Work day for many horses For the first time in almost a week, the biggest news regarding the Triple Crown was made on the racetrack, where more than half the field for Saturday's Preakness Stakes - including Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide - put in final workouts. Finley: Tagg ready to move on The pieces keep falling smoothly into place ... it's looking good for Funny Cide. Preakness field at 11 after Alysweep withdrawal Alysweep was removed from the Preakness field Tuesday after tests showed an irregular blood count following a workout in New York. Suddenly everybody wants to run After the Triple Crown's 48-hour detour through Miami, there was a flurry of developments on Monday regarding Saturday's Preakness, whose field has now swelled to as many as a dozen. Finley: The lingering effects of a fiasco The Churchill Downs stewards have confirmed what everyone with a brain knew all along: Jose Santos did not carry a battery aboard Funny Cide in the Preakness. The 25 best 3-year-olds since Affirmed Fans tend to forget the fleeting superstars who tried the Triple Crown test and came up short. Lukas adds his 'Ten Cents' Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who already entered Scrimshaw in the $1 million race, informed the Pimlico racing office Monday that he will also bring Ten Cents a Shine to the Preakness. Preakness notes News and notes on this Saturday's second leg of the the Triple Crown. Santos cleared of cheating Jockey Jose Santos was cleared Monday of any wrongdoing in riding Funny Cide to victory in the Kentucky Derby. Hands down: Derby jockey cleared of any wrongdoing Churchill Downs stewards pored over scores of photos and videotape of jockey Jose Santos this weekend, but were unable to find any evidence he cheated in winning the Kentucky Derby aboard Funny Cide. Funny Cide inquiry on tap Monday is Funny Cide's big day -- in two places, really. Indian Express out of Preakness Indian Express, trained by Bob Baffert, will miss Saturday's Preakness because of a minor foot injury. Three jockeys come to defense of Funny Cide rider Three jockeys who rode in the Kentucky Derby with Jose Santos defended their embattled colleague Sunday, saying they never saw anything suspicious in his hands during his victorious ride aboard Funny Cide. Finley: Santos photo fiasco is pure nonsense After the hysteria passes, Bill is confident that jockey Jose Santos will be cleared of any wrongdoing, as he should be. Rice: Another black eye for racing? Will racing's latest piece of bad news tarnish one of the best things to come along in a while? McNamara: Nothing 'Funny' about it Even after your greatest victory, sometimes you can't win. Moss: No sleight of hand in Santos photo They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but ESPN racing analyst Randy Moss thinks only one word is needed to describe the infamous Santos post-Derby shot: "misleading." Derby Trial runner-up Champali to run in Preakness Champali, the runner-up two weeks ago to Midas Eyes at the Derby Trial, will run in the Preakness Stakes, trainer Greg Foley announced Saturday. The photo finish? 'Cide' jockey might've had heavy hand A photo of Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Jose Santos prompted Churchill Downs to question what was in the rider's hand as he crossed the finish line aboard Funny Cide. McNamara: The people's horse Not having to take on Empire Maker for the third time in five weeks isn't breaking the hearts of Funny Cide's connections. Peace Rules' sire dead Jules, the sire of Kentucky Derby third place finisher Peace Rules, died Wednesday morning at Haras Santa Maria de Araras in Brazil after suffering from laminitis and colic Senor Swinger in mix Senor Swinger is a definite starter for the Preakness and will be ridden by Pat Day, a five-time winner of the race, trainer Bob Baffert said. Empire Maker to skip Preakness, run Belmont Empire Maker, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, will not run in the Preakness but will compete in the Belmont Stakes, trainer Bobby Frankel told Bloodhorse.com Thursday morning. Frankel: Empire Maker 50/50 for Preakness Empire Maker is a possible starter for the Preakness, but a final decision will not be made until this weekend, trainer Bobby Frankel said Tuesday. Finley: Tagg grabs the roses The ordinary guy with the ordinary horse has accomplished something extraordinary. He won the Kentucky Derby. Funny Cide leaves for Belmont Funny Cide will face Peace Rules and several other Derby runners in the Preakness, but Empire Maker, the runner-up in the Derby, will likely not be among them. Cronley: A day away from Louisville Not everyone can actually make it to Churchill Downs for the Run for the Rose. Jay chronicles his Derby day. Quotes from the 129th Kentucky Derby One very happy camp, and fifteen other excuses. Finley: A Derby wish Bill's starting to wonder if the Kentucky Derby will ever make any sense. Still missing the one win to validate the others Kentucky Derby 129 was supposed to belong to Empire Maker and his Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel. Still missing the one win to validate the others Racing's Holy Grail, the Kentucky Debry, eludes trainer Bobby Frankel yet again. Baffert, Lukas surrender hold on Derby victory The Odd Couple of the Kentucky Derby wasn't front and center this year. Eddie Mac's Derby Day diary What's it like to spend a day at the Derby? Eddie Mac details all the events that led up to this year's Run for the Roses. Kentucky Derby prices The Win, Place and Show payoffs of the 129th Kentucky Derby. Gallant gelding: NY-bred Funny Cide wins Derby Funny Cide was close to staying home for the Kentucky Derby. It's a good thing his trainer had a change of heart. Frankel has fast start on Derby undercard Trainer Bobby Frankel got off to a fast start on Kentucky Derby Day, winning the first three graded stakes on the undercard and finishing second in a fourth. Finley: Picking up the pace Over the last two years, the key to solving the Kentucky Derby puzzle was to handicap jockeys not horses. So what will they do this year? Analyzing the Derby undercard Besides the Derby, Churchill Downs traditionally offers up one of the best racing cards of the year. All eyes on Empire Maker's latest jog Empire Maker acted up during a light gallop Friday, although trainer Bobby Frankel played down the early Kentucky Derby favorite's behavior. Longshot Sir Cherokee out of Kentucky Derby Arkansas Derby winner Sir Cherokee was scratched from the Kentucky Derby on Friday due to a fracture in his right rear leg. Day's heavy lifting jeopardizes his Derby ride Doing his own chores has Pat Day in jeopardy of missing his 21st consecutive ride in the Kentucky Derby. McNamara: How the Derby will be won Eddie Mac is back with his picks for who will win this Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Finley: Kentucky Derby picks Bill Finley gives you his picks for Saturday's 129th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchll Downs. Frankel's other Derby horse 'Rules' He's the richest horse in the Kentucky Derby and he's trained by Bobby Frankel. No, it's not morning-line favorite Empire Maker. Cronley: Something for everyone Jay wonders what it is about the Kentucky Derby that makes it so appealing to such a wide range of people. Baffert: Kafwain out 4-6 months Kafwain, the runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last October, has been diagnosed with a tendon injury that will keep him out of training until late in the year, trainer Bob Baffert said on Wednesday. Empire Maker jogs on bruised foot Kentucky Derby favorite Empire Maker jogged once around the Churchill Downs track Thursday, a sign that the colt's bruised foot hasn't hampered his preparations for the race. Kentucky Derby 129 post positions The full post positions for the 129th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, where Empire Maker will start as the morning line favorite at 6-5. Finley: Tony who? When racing fans run down the lists of jockeys riding in the Kentucky Derby they'll see what amounts to an all-star roster ... and Tony Farina. Lights, camera, action! Jockey Gary Stevens gets a new ride as an actor in this summer's upcoming feature film "Seabiscuit". Field set for 129th Kentucky Derby Empire Maker topped the lineup of 17 horses officially entered in the Kentucky Derby on Wednesday. Lone Star Sky, Eye of the Tiger are in The defection of Kafwain, a bruised foot suffered by Kentucky Derby favorite Empire Maker, and solid workouts prompted two that were on the fence to commit. Injured Pincay rides off into racing's sunset Laffit Pincay Jr., whose 9,530 career victories are the most by any thoroughbred jockey, retired Tuesday, nearly two months after breaking his neck in a spill at Santa Anita. Colt takes unusual route to Kentucky Derby Outta Here's lone Derby prep this season was the $2 million United Arab Emirates Derby in Dubai, where he finished fourth. Mint julep: Official drink of the Kentucky Derby Can't make it to Churchill Downs on Saturday? Use Eddie Mac's recipe for mint juleps and feel like you're there! Kentucky Derby notebook Eddie Mac at the Track runs through the goings on at Churchill Down leading up to Saturday's 129th Kentucky Derby. Empire bruises foot; Baffert's Kafwain out of Derby Empire Maker has a bruised foot but still was expected to run in Saturday's Kentucky Derby. No such luck for Bob Baffert's Kafwain. Win $5 Million Picking Exact Order of Kentucky Derby Churchill Downs Incorporated has launched an innovative online contest that challenges players to pick the exact order of finish for the 129th Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2003, in exchange for a $5 million prize. Finley: The Lukas Factor Trainer D. Wayne Lukas likes to say that he's made a living off of entering horses where they supposedly don't belong. Could that thinking get him Derby number five? Kafwain out of Derby field Kafwain , the third place finisher in the Santa Anita Derby, was declared from the Kentucky Derby on Tuesday after he pulled up with an apparent injury following a five-furlong workout with stablemate Indian Express. Empire Maker bruises foot Empire Maker, the favorite for Saturday's 129th Kentucky Derby, has a bruised foot that needed attention from both a veterinarian and a farrier on Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs. Baffert hoping for happy ending of Derby week As much as he tries, Bob Baffert is having a tough time generating his usual enthusiasm for the Kentucky Derby. McNamara: Frankel no media darling This year's favorite trainer to win the roses, Bobby Frankel, will have have to weather a media storm the likes of which he's never seen. Derby notes: Monday News and notes on Monday's activity at Churchill Downs. Finley: Is Frankel invincible? According to Bill it's Bobby Frankel's world, we just live in it. Rice: Thanks to a Buddy, Mullins in spotlight For the second straight year, trainer Jeff Mullins is at the Derby, only it's a little different this time around. McNamara: The Derby, horse by horse Eddie Mac gives you his impressions on each of the colts running in this Saturday's 129th Kentucky Derby. Frankel pair top Sunday works Empire Maker and Peace Rules, along with Atswhatimtalknbout and Ten Most Wanted, turned in their final works on Sunday morning at Churchill Downs for Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Brancusi thriving in seclusion Brancusi has been out of sight. Next Saturday, his trainer is hoping the colt runs out of his mind. Peace Rules kicks up his heels Despite having won five times in eight starts Peace Rules is becoming the forgotten horse of next Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Domestic Dispute sold, to run in Derby omestic Dispute, winless in his last three starts, has been acquired by David Bienstock and Chuck Winner and will start in the Kentucky Derby. Finley: Longshot paying off Regular guys Foard Wilgis and Dave Picarello finally found what they were looking for in Tesio winner Cherokee's Boy. Chess ready to get lucky one more time Phil Chess introduced rock and roll to the world. So will his Indian Express shake things up in the Derby? McNamara: Juddmonte zeroing in on the Derby Only one big target remains for Juddmonte Farms, and most observers expect its Empire Maker to hit the bullseye May 3 beneath the Twin Spires. Johnson: Empire Maker will win The Triple Crown Never mind the Kentucky Derby, Dave Johnson thinks Empire Maker will capture racing's ultimate prize. Baffert: A team approach to the Derby Although Indian Express turned in the slowest time of a trio of Derby workers on Wednesday, he was the most impressive of all. Evolving Tactics missing the Derby Moyglare Stud Farm's Evolving Tactics will not run in the Kentucky Derby. Fund of Funds out of Derby with injury Fund of Funds, runner-up to Ten Most Wanted in the Illinois Derby, was withdrawn from consideration for the Kentucky Derby with a tear in the tendon of his left foreleg. Better late than never for Lukas Seemingly down to his last chance to have a horse in this year's Derby, trainer D. Wayne Lukas came through with Scrimshaw. Lukas gets last-minute Derby entry with Scrimshaw Scrimshaw took the lead in the final furlong and beat Eye of the Tiger by three lengths in the Lexington at Keeneland. Cherokee's Boy best in Tesio Jockey Ryan Fogelsonger sent Cherokee's Boy to the lead in the $150,000 Federico Tesio at Pimlico, and the outcome was never in doubt thereafter Focus on equipment Blinkers once were the exclusive property of horses who were considered unruly or below top class, not anymore. A familiar stop on way to Derby With just a little more than two weeks until the 129th Derby, Lukas once again has targeted the Lexington as a potential last-ditch springboard to the Derby. Ocean Terrace after vindication Bob Hess Jr. has decided to give the Saint Ballado colt a chance to redeem himself in Saturday's $325,000 Coolmore Lexing Domestic Dispute gets second chance in Lexington After watching Domestic Dispute throw in back-to-back clunkers, Baffert is giving the once-highly regarded colt a final chance. Broken bone to keep 'Eugene' out of Derby Eugene's Third Son will miss the Kentucky Derby following surgery for a broken bone in his right front leg. Just two locals press on to Derby Barring any last-minute changes of heart, there will only be two horses with New York-based connections running in next month's Kentucky Derby. A change of plans for Midas Eyes Midas Eyes will bypass the Coolmore Lexington Stakes to run instead in the April 26 Derby Trial at Churchill Downs. Destination Churchill Downs Empire Maker arrived at Churchill Downs on Sunday, and Peace Rules arrived there Monday, as trainer Bobby Frankel's Kentucky Derby runners settled in to begin final preparations. Derby notes: Thursday The latest news and notes on the Road to the Roses. Buddy Gil can improve his sire's stature Buddy Gil is by a well-bred stallion who had been exiled from the Bluegrass; the same scenario applied to 2002 Derby winner War Emblem's sire, Our Emblem. Finley: The perfect fit Pedigree, class, the right trainer and jockey, and most of all, luck. Bill feels that Empire Maker's got it all. 'Technique' upsets CA Derby Mr. Technique ($20) benefited from a change in equipment and made a strong move down the stretch to win the $100,000 California Derby at Bay Meadows. Peace Rules easily wins Blue Grass Peace Rules may be the No. 2 horse in his barn, but he was clearly the best in the $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes. Badge of Silver out of Blue Grass Badge of Silver suffered a hairline fracture of his right front cannon bone Friday at Keeneland and will be scratched from Saturday's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. Tabor banks on trio to make Derby At this relatively late juncture, owner Michael Tabor has three legitimate Derby prospects: Aristocat, Lion Tamer and Brancusi. Man Among Men has met heavies Man Among Men brings an intriguing record into the $500,000 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Saturday -- he has defeated both Empire Maker and Peace Rules. 'Homewrecker' wins stakes debut in Bay Shore Halo Homewrecker continued his development into one of the better 3-year-old sprinters by wearing down Don Six in the $150,000 Bay Shore. 'Cherokee' outclasses field for Arkansas Derby Lonshot Sir Cherokee charged from last at the half-mile mark to surprise a stacked field and win the $500,000 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. Second-stringer Peace Rules seeks star status It's time to give Peace Rules his due. All we are saying is, give Peace a chance. 'Empire' makes good in Wood Empire Maker solidified his status as the Kentucky Derby favorite, holding off Funny Cide by half a length to with the $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. Frankel has a case of Derby fever Trainer Bobby Frankel may be looking for his first Derby win, but he enters the final weekend of major preps with two of the best prospects. Region of Merit trainer in no rush for Kentucky After four straight wins, Region of Merit has a chance to give Calumet Farms its first Kentucky Derby runner since 1992. Empire Maker faces 7 in Wood Empire Maker drew the far outside post in a field of eight and has been installed as the prohibitive 3-5 morning-line favorite for Saturday's 79th running of the Grade 1, $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. Field of 10 for Blue Grass Peace Rules heads a field of 10 horses that have been entered for Saturday's Grade 1, $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Field of 10 for Blue Grass Peace Rules heads a field of 10 horses that have been entered for Saturday's Grade 1, $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Fickle finger of fame Badge of Silver looking to recapture his best form in the Blue Grass. Ocean Terrace to get new rider Ocean Terrace will get another chance to prove his Kentucky Derby mettle in the April 19 $325,000 Coolmore Lexington. Drawing outside may be good omen Three of the top contenders in the $500,000 Arkansas Derby all drew outside posts for the 1 1/8-mile race, which will go with a field of 12. Top two in Ill. Derby headed for Kentucky The top two finishers in the Illinois Derby, Ten Most Wanted and Fund of Funds, could meet again May 3 in the Kentucky Derby. Rare claim may turn into rare opportunity Kissin Saint, claimed for $50,000, will take an enormous step on Saturday when he makes his stakes debut in the $750,000 Wood Memorial. Funny Cide back home to regroup Funny Cide will have a chance to recapture some of the brilliance he displayed last fall in Saturday's $750,000 Wood Memorial. Final tuneup time for top Derby contenders Empire Maker, ridden by Jerry Bailey, will face his toughest challenge yet, with Derby prospects Funny Cide, Indy Dancer, New York Hero and Senor Swinger also set to run in the 1 1/8-mile Wood. Kentucky Derby Contenders and Pretenders A list of the country's top 3-year-olds and their plans on the road to this year's Kentucky Derby. Road to the Roses: Who's Hot, Who's Not? Bill Finley keeps you up to date on who's hot and who's not on the Road to the Roses. Empire Maker has Wood journey delayed It was not Mother Nature but a plane's mechanical failure that was to delay by one day the arrival of Empire Maker for Saturday's $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct McNamara: Making It Look Easy The Derby is less than a month away, and nobody will be surprised if jockey Jerry Bailey wins it for the third time on Empire Maker. Dynever takes Aventura Dynever put away Supah Blitz to win the Aventura Stakes for 3-year-olds at Gulfstream Park. Ten Most Wanted takes Illinois Derby Ten Most Wanted came from behind over the final stretch to beat Fund of Funds by six lengths in the $500,000 Illinois Derby at Hawthorne Race Course. Buddy Gil sidelined Buddy Gil will run in next month's Kentucky Derby, but the 3-year-old gelding will be sidelined for two weeks after bleeding in the Santa Anita Derby. Buddy Gil wins Santa Anita Derby by a head Buddy Gil survived another close race and earned himself a trip to the Kentucky Derby.

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