Correll’s Top Ten: Life Is Good off Derby Trail

Ron Correll
Senior columnist
Tracksideview —-

Jockey Mike Smith guides Life Is Good to the winner’s circle after their victory in the Grade III, $100,000 Sham Stakes, Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA.
© BENOIT PHOTO

The biggest development on this year’s Kentucky Derby trail is Life Is Good is no longer under consideration for the 147th renewal of the race after sustaining a hind-end injury following a six-furlong work on March 20 at Santa Anita Park in Southern California.

Bob Baffert said the son of Into Mischief appeared a little off in the rear while cooling out Saturday morning. He is being sent to WinStar farm in Kentucky for further evaluation. The California-based trainer said the injury is neither life-threatening nor career-ending. He hopes to have the colt back later in the year, but the Triple Crown is out of the picture.

Baffert still has a wealth of talent as noted in last week’s column.

Concert Tour will top the list after winning the Rebel at Oaklawn and probably face the colt I have in second in the Arkansas Derby on April 10 in Hot Springs.

Essential Quality headed to the Arkansas Derby. Could be the best prep race this year.

Greatest Honour is being pointed to the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park in South Florida.

Hot Rod Charlie invaded Fair Grounds from California and walked off with Louisiana Derby crown.

Midnight Bourbon ran a very game second in the Louisiana Derby.

Medina Spirit may stay in Southern California now that Life Is Good is sidelined.

Helium won the Tampa Bay Derby and I can add him to the list now that his owners will pay the late fee to get into the Derby. Same goes for Weyburn who won the Gotham in New York.

Beso and Proxy ran third and fourth in the Louisiana Derby and Beso was closing like a freight train. People get hung up on these late closers, but do they really want more ground?

Triple Tap needs points and I’m sure Baffert will figure it out now that Life Is Good is out of the picture.