Pyro will attempt to justify favouritism in the Blue Grass at Keeneland on Saturday. The Pulpit colt is the even-money favourite. Steve Asmussen, trainer of Curlin, the number one horse in the world, saddles Pyro. As important as the Blue Grass Stakes is, in terms of tradition, there will be a great deal of focus on the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.

The Arkansas Derby is becoming one of the more significant races on the road to the Run for the Roses. Curlin won in 2007. The 2006 running went to Lawyer Ron. Afleet Alex won in 2005 and went on to score in the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. Smarty Jones used the Arkansas Derby as a springboard in 2004 for wins in the Derby and the Preakness. In the Belmont Stakes, after opening up a lead in the stretch, Smarty Jones got leg weary to finish second. That was a racing day I will not forget. There were tears shed. There was silence for a moment or two. That was the first time I heard the winning connections say they regretted winning the race.

On Saturday, a National Pick Four is being offered in America. The Blue Grass, the Arkansas Derby, the Grade II Commonwealth Stakes at Keeneland and the $75,000 Instant Racing (name of a race) at Oaklawn are the four parts of the wager.

The Arkansas Derby will be run over 1,800 metres on the dirt track and carries a purse of $1,000,000. Fourteen sophomores will answer the starter’s call. Gayego is listed at 5-2 in the morning line.

Gayego, trained by Paulo Lobo, makes his dirt debut and is yet to win over two turns. His strongest claim to top billing is based on his runner-up effort to Georgie Boy in Santa Anita’s Grade II San Felipe. Gayego has given every indication he’s ready for the Arkansas Derby and a big purse check would help him get a berth in the Kentucky Derby.

Z Fortune represents Steve Asmussen. Winner of three races in a row, Z Fortune was the odds-on favourite in the Rebel Stakes in mid-March. In a disheartening race, Z Fortune finished fifth. He needs to raise his game and prove that he deserves a spot in the Derby.

Blackberry Road is yet to realize his potential and is another whose Derby chances will be determined by his effort. My Pal Charlie, Liberty Bull, Golden Yank, King’s Silver Son and Ablaze With Spirit are horses who will not be friendless.

At Keeneland on Friday, the feature is the Grade I $300,000 Maker’s Mile Mark. Kip Deville, the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Mile champion, makes his 2008 reappearance. Cornelio Velasquez rides Kip Deville who has the fence. Trainer Richard Dutrow expressed optimism. “The layoff will not stop him. He has worked well. He’s going to run really good and I’m sure he will run huge assuming he is looking to run off the bench.”

Einstein, a multiple Grade I winner, is the key danger. Bobby Frankel sends out Thousand Words and Out Of Control.

“The First Saturday in May”, a documentary, is being released on April 18. Produced by John and Brad Hennegan, the documentary features Barbaro and narrates the journey of a cast of characters trying to win the Kentucky Derby. John Hennegan, a lifelong racing fan, was enthused. “Our goal was to make horse racing cool again by telling the stories of hard-working and resilient workers dedicated to horse racing.”

Tony Dobbin, sixth in the all-time list of winning ‘jumps’ jockeys, retired in a blaze of glory at Carlisle, a track in England. He made it all with Ballyvoge in a race named to honour him. “I was emotional. The reception was overwhelming. I will turn to training now,” Dobbin said.