Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Ted Noffey's departure from the Triple Crown trail surely is a disappointment, but the weekend's four Kentucky Derby qualifiers continue the promise an entertaining scramble to replace him as king of the hill.
Toss into the hat Plutarch for trainer Bob Baffert and Ireland's Coolmore "lads", no less; Silent Tactic for Mark Casse and John Oxley; Renegade for exuberant owner Mike Repole and buttoned-up trainer Todd Pletcher; and even Talk to Me Jimmy, who sprung the big surprise in a chilly Withers at Aqueduct.
There were some outstanding efforts from the Oaks contenders, too, and 2025 champions Nitrogen and Splendora made successful seasonal debuts.
The Road to the Roses
Four races, four new names at the top of the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" leaderboard.
