Dan Hendricks
Dan Hendricks
Dan L. Hendricksis an American Thoroughbred horse racing trainer...
changes fast field lay pressure strategy teach
The whole scenario, how it's going to lay out, I just don't know. Even with a fast pace, he'll be close. We're not going to try to teach him a whole new way of running. It's a 20-horse field with a lot of pressure up front. The tactical strategy changes because of that.
brother bunch cecil enjoy peacock
This is the Cecil Peacock and Brother Derek party. We've got a bunch of friends going and we're going to enjoy it.
along talented
He's a solid, good-minded, talented 3-year-old. We're just along for the ride.
easy exciting last nice race races settle taxing watch workouts
I'd like a nice easy race out of him. I don't need a taxing one. We wanted to settle him down between races this time. His last two workouts were phenomenal, and it's really exciting to watch him.
chance mile nor short
Going a mile and an eighth, I have tactical speed. With a short field, it shouldn't be a problem, nor should the weather. There's only a 20% chance of rain, so we should be fine.
improve looks seems stronger
He's getting stronger and seems to improve after every race. It looks like he's put on weight.
compared derby field grade kentucky knows pace poker santa scenario short totally track whatever win
The Santa Anita Derby and Kentucky Derby are two totally different-run races, with a speed-biased track and short field compared with going back there with a 20-horse field and who knows what the pace scenario will be? This is a big race, a $750,000 Grade I. To win that would be a big deal. The Kentucky Derby is like a one-hand poker game. It's all in with whatever you've got. Whatever comes up comes up.
faster horses next races
He can run, that's all there is to it. There hasn't been any faster horses in the races so far, and the next one there will be and it's a whole new game.
talented
I think this is a very deep, talented group.
cost injured mild note problem state
The state veterinarian made a note of it and put him on the injured list. It was just a mild little thing and not a problem at all. It won't cost him any time.
alex good ill position
It's a good position to see what everyone is going to do. Ill let Alex make the right decision.
favorite hope race rather stay sustain time
It's fun. Like I've always said, I'd rather have the favorite going into any race than a 20-to-1 shot. There's a first time for everything and this is a lot of fun. I just hope we can sustain it, keep it going and stay healthy.
clean spot wide worry
He's in a clean spot to see what everyone else is doing. The only worry is that he could be a little wide on the first turn, but it's not a big issue.
brought good grow matured ripple until
For some reason, he just matured from then until now. We just started to see him ripple and grow up some more. I don't know what brought it about, but it was good timing.