Kenny Smells a Speed Duel . . .

Tactics are everything and regular readers of Birdbirdblog know that Kenny McPeek has been considering all the options for Birdbird's next start. As of only a few days ago Birdbird's connections were leaning toward the Illinois Derby but at the last moment Kenny has decided that the Florida Derby sets up well for the colt. Birdbird does his best running when there is an honest pace up front. The presence of both Stormello and Adore the Gold in Saturday's Florida Derby should guarantee that honest pace. The field will also include Scat Daddy and Michael Matz' promising newcomer Chelokee among others and with Robby Albarado commited to ride Notional, Manny Cruz, who currently ranks eighth in the jockey standing at Gulfstream, gets the mount on Birdbird.