Featured TwitPic: Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird arrives in Baltimore

"#KYDerby winner Mine That Bird arrives at Pimlico for #Preakness" (posted by @EJXD2 on May 12, 2009.)

Featured TwitPic: Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird arrives in Baltimore

Favorites win big in key Derby preps

With four weeks to go until the Kentucky Derby, 3-year-old colts Pioneerof The Nile and I Want Revenge moved to the head of the class with victories in key prep races.

Per the Blood Horse, the favored Pioneerof The Nile took the Santa Anita Derby in California. The colt stalked the pace, then took over turning for home and held off late bids from Chocolate Candy and Mr. Hot Stuff. Pioneerof The Nile, trained by three-time Derby winner Bob Baffert, was expected to be strongly challenged by dual stakeswinner The Pamplemousse, but the highly-regarded colt was scratched with a tendon problem the morning of the race. His Derby status is in question.

Racing fans reacted shortly after the race.

1. 
   raceday360 The Turk is checking in from Santa Anita: http://is.gd/qLEo. Reports "loud moans" rolled through grandstand at news of Pamplemousse scratch. 04 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   bloodstock They are going to have to get PON to settle. If not. kiss the derby goodbye. Very nice run from Eon's colt 04 Apr 2009 from twhirl
3. 
   raceday360 Nice show of versatility from Pioneerof the Nile. I'm feeling very good about my top three KYD prospects right now. 04 Apr 2009 from web
4. 
   EJXD2 If Pioneerof is 10-1 or better on Derby day I might have to pawn something. 04 Apr 2009 from Splitweet

Also on the Blood Horse, I Want Revenge won the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, just outside of New York City, despite a troubled trip. The colt broke poorly from the starting gate, then was caught in traffic turning for home. He bulled his way between horses with a gritty late run to take command late. I Want Revenge made it back-to-back stakes wins after taking the Gotham last month and is headed to Kentucky as one of the Derby favorites.

His strong performance was discussed on Twitter shortly afterward.

1. 
   raceday360 Oh! I Want Revenge surprised by the start ... trails after :24.50 first quarter ... trapped around the turn ... GETS THE WIN! Wow. 04 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   JimTheTolerable What in the world did we just see?? I am breathless... 04 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   raceday360 @JimTheTolerable We just saw a true Derby horse. 04 Apr 2009 from web in reply to JimTheTolerable
4. 
   AlexBrownRacing @joedrape yes, nice win from I Want Revenge despite a very poor ride. would be surprised if talamo keeps the mount for the Derby. 04 Apr 2009 from web in reply to joedrape

Favorites win big in key Derby preps