2009 Kentucky Derby trail news and notes (March 2nd)
March 2, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under California Racing, Horses, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers, Triple Crown
Fountain of Youth
Early/pressing type Quality Road (Elusive Quality) was easily best over clear runner-up Theregoesjojo (Brahms) in the one-turn mile (113 BSF). The aforementioned duo are expected to go next in the Florida Derby, which will be their initial foray around two turns. Without route foundation, they could be in deep water on the 1st Saturday in May, but they are serious players over the Gulfstream speedway, especially the winner. Don’t be shocked in either or both ship out of town (Wood Memorial?) for the next engagements.
Graded route hero Beethoven (Sky Mesa) ran on well to land the show and should appreciate a return to distance racing. Florida Derby should be next for the John Ward runner.
Also-rans Capt. Candyman Can (4th), This Ones for Phil (5th), Notonthesamepage (7th), Taqarub (9th), and Break Water Edison (10th) all have distance limitations.
On the FOY undercard, Affirmatif (Unbridled’s Song) rolled to an effortless turf route tally in his career bow, and he ran faster than his older stablemate and Canadian Turf (G3) winner Twilight Meteor. It will be interesting to see where the Todd Pletcher runner shows up next. Note that Mr. Pletcher already has Dunkirk for the Florida Derby.
Sham Stakes
The Pamplemousse (Kafwain) owns dangerous early speed, and he ran his foes into the ground in the 9f Sham (replay below), which netted him a BSF of 103. The SA Derby is up next for the Julio Canani trainee, and he could prove vulnerable if pressured early.
Florida shipper Take The Points (Even The Score) finished a fine 2nd for Todd Pletcher, and he will either return to SoCal or show up in the Blue Grass at Keeneland.
Recent maiden winner Mr. Hot Stuff, Colonel John’s baby brother, rallied for the show and galloped out strongly in his 1st start versus winners. The Eoin Harty charge should continue to progress.
In other Derby developments, 2yo champ Midshipman is out of the Triple Crown series with a soft tissue injury to his left front leg.
2yo filly champ Stardom Bound is expected in the SA Oaks on March 7th, and a strong effort could land her a date with the gents in the SA Derby.
The Gotham Stakes at the Big A will also be run on March 7th and is expected to include talented West Virginia shipper Russell Road, Haynesfield, SoCal invader I Want Revenge, and Shug McGaughey’s very promising colt Imperial Council.
Photo Credit: newscom.com
