Derby Trial Stakes entries: Titletown Five gets one last shot at making Derby

Although the 2013 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) is little more than a week away, the field may not be completely finalized. One prep race -- that being the $175,000 Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) at Churchill Downs -- remains on the schedule, and the twenty points offered to the winner may very well be sufficient to secure a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.

A field of nine has been entered in the one-mile race, led by the promising colt Titletown Five. Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, the colt broke his maiden at Churchill last year in a spectacular performance, but a minor injury has forced him to play catch-up this year. Titletown Five returned in March to finish second in the Gazebo Stakes at Oaklawn Park, then ran ninth in the Louisiana Derby (gr. II) after getting involved in a speed duel. Returning to the sight of his biggest victory, and making his third start off the layoff, Titletown Five may just have what it takes to win the Derby Trial and secure his spot in the Kentucky Derby. Gary Stevens has the mount from post nine.

Other prominent entrants include Zee Bros, an impressive maiden winner from the barn of Bob Baffert; Forty Tales, runner-up in the Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II) two starts back for trainer Todd Pletcher; Capo Bastone, who ran third in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I); and Officer Alex, winner of the Bachelor Stakes at Oaklawn Park last time out.

Post Positions:
1 Officer Alex
2 Ruler of Love
3 Zee Bros
4 Forty Tales
5 Ruble
6 Capo Bastone
7 Tour Guide
8 G. T. Tabu
9 Titletown Five

Ruble breaks maiden sharply at Gulfstream Park

Ruble kicked away from his rivals at the top of the Gulfstream Park homestretch to win a six-furlong maiden special weight by 3 1/2 lengths, stopping the clock in a quick 1:09.89 seconds to stamp himself as a highly promising three-year-old to watch.

Ridden to victory by Alan Garcia, Ruble got off to a spectacular start from gate four and quickly took command of the lead while being pressured by No Its Not and Lead Singer through fractions of :22.42 and :45.36. Turning for home, Garcia asked Ruble for more run, and the son of Exchange Rate responded with a burst of speed that carried him to a decisive victory.

Slan Abhaile closed moderately to finish second, 4 1/4 lengths in front of No Its Not. Lead Singer rounded out the superfecta.

Ruble is trained by Ian Wilkes and owned by Janis Whitham, who also race 2012 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Fort Larned.

-Keelerman