Derby dreams crushed?

Perhaps two of the southlands most promising Derby prospects, Tapizar and Comma to the Top had their Derby dreams crushed with poor showings this past weekend. The most notable was the first horse on our list, Tapizar who under Garret Gomez was rank and unmanageable as he faded after setting some ridiculous fractions in the Grade II $250,000 Robert B. Lewis on Saturday. The son of Tapit looked nothing like the pro back in January when he won the Grade III Sham in visually impressive fashion and took a major step backwards for the Steve Asmussen stable who now needs to try and figure out if they can get this guy to rate and relax on the lead. ... When he returns to the races. Earlier today it was announced he's off the Derby trail as it was discovered he has bone chips in a knee and will be sent to the farm to recover. Perhaps its just as well.

Up north, Comma to the top faded trying to rate in the Grade III El Camino Real Derby and judging by that effort, he should be crossed off every list that exists for Derby hopefuls. Sent off at 1/2 under Corey Nakatani, the Peter Miller trainee offered very little when the real racing began.

Perhaps a new addition albeit a longshot is the promising Albergatti who just broke his maiden on Saturday. The son of Unbrideled's Song needs to be brought along quickly if he intends to make the Derby list, and he most likely won't. However, we were encouraged to see his gutty win and this guy should be followed up the ladder when he returns to the races.

Just how impressive was Always a Princess in winning the Grade II $150,000 La Canada on Sunday? Pretty much controlling the pace, the daughter of Leroidesanimaux paid a nice $4.40 and won with plenty left in the tank for trainer Bob Baffert under Martin Garcia. Look for this filly to return shortly at the current meeting. Favored one dimensional Blind Luck found herself again at the mercy of a race with little pace and once again had to settle for second.

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