Bob Baffert Down to 2 in the 2011 Kentucky Derby

Sunday afternoon it was announced,  after a consultation with famed trainer Bob Baffert, and Zayat Stable head, Ahmed Zayat, that Jaycito has been withdrawn from the 2011 Kentucky Derby. It seems Jaycito has a bruised foot, and neither trainer or owner wants to risk further injury here, and will now point toward the Belmont stakes. This still leaves Baffert with 2 starters, if everything goes according to plan, and Zayat Stables with 1 starter, in the upcoming Kentucky Derby on May 7th, 2011. Baffert will hopefully, send out The Factor, and will definitely, send out Midnight Interlude in the upcoming race.  Zayat Stables will start Nehro, in this years "Run for the Roses." All 3 of these horses have a chance in my book. Nehro was a fast closing second in the Arkansas Derby, and The Factor may have another run in him, while needing to recover from the disappointing run in the same Derby prep race, in which he suffered a displaced palate. Midnight Interlude, winner of the 2011 Santa Anita Derby, a big strapping colt by War Chant, who has the Danzig, Northern Dancer bloodlines, could be "the now" horse. It will be interesting to see if Victor Espinoza, who won the Kentucky Derby for Baffert nine years ago aboard War Emblem, (no relation to either War Chant or War Front,) will get the mount. The Factor and Soldat, were both sired by War Chant's half brother, War Front. With the Northern Dancer, and then Danzig, bloodlines in all three of these colts, I wouldn't be surprised if any, or all of the 3 have a shot turning for home. I really like them if the track comes up sloppy, as I can still see Danzig Connection, romping away in the slop and winning the 1986 Belmont Stakes at a mile and a half,with jockey legend Chris McCarron aboard for Hall of Fame trainer, Woody Stephens at 7-1. This remarkably gave Mr. Stephens his 5th consecutive Belmont Stakes victory. If I were the connections of  The Factor, Soldat, or Midnight Interlude, I would be begging for sloppy track conditions, a great post, and a clean, stalking style trip, in the upcoming 2011 Kentucky Derby. If most of these things happen, one of these three horses could be draped in roses on May 7th, 2011.