I dont think the track configuration really has anything to do with the Derby Preps. Most trainers are just trying to get a race for their Derby horse. I dont want to say that they dont care about winning these Preps, but they do understand the bigger picture. As far as layoffs go, some horses thrive off a longer layoff (Barbaro) and some like less time off (Alex). I really think it all depends on this horse. It is the trainers job to make sure he/she knows what is best for their horse so that the horse is 100% and sitting on top of a great race come the first Saturday in May.