Racing tidbits to munch on for lunch

Martin Pedroza, sidelined since Jan. 11 because of a fractured pelvis, is shooting for a return to action at the Hollywood Park meet on June 1. Pedroza's longtime agent, Richie Silverstein, says Pedroza is going to the gym and exercising every day. "The middle of (the) Hollywood Park meet is a very realistic starting point," Silverstein said.

Zenyatta, this reporter's 2008 Horse of the Year, drilled six furlongs in 1:10.60 at Hollywood Park on Sunday morning. Trainer John Shirreffs says the 5-year-old daughter of Street Cry will more than likely make her 2009 debut at Hollywood Park sometime in May -- perhaps the $150,000 Grade II Milady Handicap on May 23? The $300,000 Grade I Vanity Handicap on June 27 would be a logical next step after that.

Veteran jockey Isaias Enriquez moved his tack to Sunland Park in New Mexico after Saturday's action at Santa Anita. Enriquez, a 35-year-old native of Tijuana who was winless from 65 mounts during the meet, is named on three horses at Sunland Park today. Enriquez cited the economy as a major reason why he had to leave town. "I'm not leaving just because I didn't win here," he said. "It's tough for everybody ... I'm not going to wait here until the boat sinks."

Jockey Garrett Gomez, yet to choose between Pioneerof the Nile and Dunkirk as his Kentucky Derby mount, probably will decide either Friday or sometime this weekend. Look for Gomez to choose Pioneerof the Nile, a much more experienced colt who could give the 37-year-old Arizona native his first Derby victory. I'd be very surprised if he opts for Dunkirk.

Plans call for Square Eddie, runner-up to Midshipman in last fall's Breeders' Cup Juvenile, to race Saturday in the $300,000 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. If he runs well and comes out of the race in good order, he's still on track for the Kentucky Derby. Square Eddie worked six furlongs on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track on Saturday in 1:12.20. "Square Eddie belongs with these horses," said Dennis O'Neill, brother and associate of trainer Doug O'Neill. "It's just a question of fitness, I guess, at this point. The way he worked (Saturday), and hopefully with a race into him Saturday, we'll be close (for the Derby)."

Mel Stute, 81-year-old trainer and father of Gary Stute, had the line of the week when he was asked if he gave his son any advice before Papa Clem won the Arkansas Derby: "No. That's probably why he won."