KY Derby Hopefuls Looking to Emerge from Grade 2 Holy Bull

Upstart is the 2/1 morning line favorite for trainer Richard Violette after posting two victories in four starts as a juvenile, running second and third in the Grade 1 Champagne and Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile respectively.  The colt has already banked $463,800 and has earned two speed figures faster than any figure posted by another runner in the field.  Although Upstart appears to be working forwardly at Palm Meadows after remaining idle since the November 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Violette connects at just 5% with runners returning from layoffs of 61-180 days. 

Frosted has the look of a major player

Frosted (5/2) finished second in the Grade 2 Remson Stakes in his last start November 29.  The grey or roan son of Tapit has won just a maiden race in four starts as a juvenile, but recorded consistently fast numbers while facing top competition. Frosted ran second in his other three races while earning $150,600 as a two year-old.  The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee appears ready to take a major step forward, posting a string of brilliant works from Palm Meadows.McLaughlin wins with 20% of his starters returning from layoffs of 31-60 days. 

Bluegrass Singer live if he goes 

Bluegrass Singer (4/1) is cross-entered in the Hutcheson earlier on the January 24 card, but could present problems for this field if trainer Marcus Vitali chooses the more lucrative spot.