He leaves tomorrow morning, will jog Tuesday and gallop up to the race. Solis, who will be in Kentucky from Thursday through Sunday anyway, has the call. Since the impressive Arizona victory, however, Startac has disappointed twice on the main track, finishing a distant second in the Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields and fourth in the California Derby at Bay Meadows. Scotty McClellan, agent for Solis, remained hopeful for the Derby. Maybe it's just a matter of surfaces, but if he likes Churchill Downs, there is a lot of speed and if he stays back there galloping and runs like he did in Arizona, he's got a chance.
Every pound is important.
I learned that from Charlie Whittingham and Angel Penna. Gourmet Girl won the 1999 Milady. Probable starters include Cookin Vickie and Brianda. They chose Skimming. Chris McCarron has taken the call on Futural, winner of his last two starts, for trainer Craig Dollase.