Check out this free Kentucky Derby 2017 report from Today's Racing Digest - https://todaysracingdigest.lpages.co/kentucky-derby-contenders-preview/
Showing posts with label Battalion Runner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Battalion Runner. Show all posts
Friday, April 28, 2017
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Arkansas Derby Recap
The road to Kentucky Derby 2017 came to a dramatic end on April 15 and 2-year-old champ Classic Empire threw his hat back into the ring with a victory in the Grade I Arkansas Derby.
Classic Empire was the Derby winterbook favorite but lost some of his luster in a flat show finish in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He came out of that race with a foot abscess and was forced to miss his next scheduled start in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.
Things went from bad to worse when he refused to work twice during the month of March and reportedly had a problem with his back. Trainer Mark Casse said no mas and sent him to Winding Oaks Farm to recharge his batteries. He finally came out of his funk and worked four times without incident.
Fast forward to the Arkansas Derby and Classic Empire settled in midpack from post 2 and rumbled down the middle of the track to beat Sunland Derby runner-up Conquest Mo Money by a 1/2 length, followed closely by Lookin At Lee, Sonneteer, and Malagacy. The top five finishers were separated by a couple of lengths in an ugly stretch run and the BSF came back a mediocre 94.
Classic Empire had every right to lose the Arkansas Derby but the champ stood up and refused to bend. He should be fitter now but can he come back in three weeks and run the race of his life in the Derby after everything that has happened to him this year? He has a very tough task ahead of him.
In other Derby news, Cloud Computing, currently ranked 20th on the Kentucky Derby points list, worked at Belmont Park on April 22 and trainer Chad Brown said that he will skip the Derby and point to the Preakness Stakes. According to Brown, he lacked the seasoning (only 3 starts) to run in the Derby. Untrapped moves up one spot to #20 and is now in the Derby for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Todd Pletcher is still undecided about the Derby status of Malagacy. He is concerned about the ten furlong distance.
Battle of Midway was acquired privately by Don Alberto Stable and WinStar Farm earlier this week. Jerry Hollendorfer will remain his trainer and Flavien Prat will ride him in the Derby. He worked 5f in 1:00.60 at Santa Anita Park on April 22.
Classic Empire was the Derby winterbook favorite but lost some of his luster in a flat show finish in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He came out of that race with a foot abscess and was forced to miss his next scheduled start in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.
Things went from bad to worse when he refused to work twice during the month of March and reportedly had a problem with his back. Trainer Mark Casse said no mas and sent him to Winding Oaks Farm to recharge his batteries. He finally came out of his funk and worked four times without incident.
Fast forward to the Arkansas Derby and Classic Empire settled in midpack from post 2 and rumbled down the middle of the track to beat Sunland Derby runner-up Conquest Mo Money by a 1/2 length, followed closely by Lookin At Lee, Sonneteer, and Malagacy. The top five finishers were separated by a couple of lengths in an ugly stretch run and the BSF came back a mediocre 94.
Classic Empire had every right to lose the Arkansas Derby but the champ stood up and refused to bend. He should be fitter now but can he come back in three weeks and run the race of his life in the Derby after everything that has happened to him this year? He has a very tough task ahead of him.
In other Derby news, Cloud Computing, currently ranked 20th on the Kentucky Derby points list, worked at Belmont Park on April 22 and trainer Chad Brown said that he will skip the Derby and point to the Preakness Stakes. According to Brown, he lacked the seasoning (only 3 starts) to run in the Derby. Untrapped moves up one spot to #20 and is now in the Derby for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Todd Pletcher is still undecided about the Derby status of Malagacy. He is concerned about the ten furlong distance.
Battle of Midway was acquired privately by Don Alberto Stable and WinStar Farm earlier this week. Jerry Hollendorfer will remain his trainer and Flavien Prat will ride him in the Derby. He worked 5f in 1:00.60 at Santa Anita Park on April 22.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-22-17)
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Irish War Cry
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Girvin
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Irap
#11 - Patch
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Irish War Cry
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Girvin
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Irap
#11 - Patch
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Wood Memorial, Blue Grass, SA Derby Recap
The road to Kentucky Derby 2017 featured three big prep races on April 8 and Irish War Cry bounced back with a sharp victory in the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct.
Irish War Cry was content to track post time favorite Battalion Runner and was always moving sweetly under Rajiv Maragh. He pulled clear in the stretch and earned a 101 BSF.
It was a two-horse race throughout and Battalion Runner was clearly second best over Cloud Computing.
In a stunning Blue Grass Stakes outcome, longshot Irap earned his maiden win over Practical Joke and McCraken. The winning BSF was 93 and the top three finishes will all move on to the Kentucky Derby.
Gotham winner J Boys Echo and Tampa Bay Derby hero Tapwrit turned in disappointing efforts in the Blue Grass but both have enough Derby qualifying points in their connections opt to run on the first Saturday in May.
The SA Derby (88 BSF with slow final 3/8ths) was a mad 5-horse scramble in the stretch and Gormley got up late over Battle of Midway, Royal Mo, Reach the World, and Iliad. The latter pair do not have the necessary Derby points and Royal Mo is on the bubble.
The final Derby prep is the Arkansas Derby on April 15 and it figures to have major implications on the final points standings. I will be back next week with a video preview of Oaklawn Park’s showcase event.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-9-17)
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Irish War Cry
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Girvin
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - One Liner
#11 - Irap
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Irish War Cry was content to track post time favorite Battalion Runner and was always moving sweetly under Rajiv Maragh. He pulled clear in the stretch and earned a 101 BSF.
It was a two-horse race throughout and Battalion Runner was clearly second best over Cloud Computing.
In a stunning Blue Grass Stakes outcome, longshot Irap earned his maiden win over Practical Joke and McCraken. The winning BSF was 93 and the top three finishes will all move on to the Kentucky Derby.
Gotham winner J Boys Echo and Tampa Bay Derby hero Tapwrit turned in disappointing efforts in the Blue Grass but both have enough Derby qualifying points in their connections opt to run on the first Saturday in May.
The SA Derby (88 BSF with slow final 3/8ths) was a mad 5-horse scramble in the stretch and Gormley got up late over Battle of Midway, Royal Mo, Reach the World, and Iliad. The latter pair do not have the necessary Derby points and Royal Mo is on the bubble.
The final Derby prep is the Arkansas Derby on April 15 and it figures to have major implications on the final points standings. I will be back next week with a video preview of Oaklawn Park’s showcase event.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-9-17)
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Irish War Cry
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Girvin
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - One Liner
#11 - Irap
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Blue Grass, SA Derby, Wood Memorial Preview
The road to Kentucky Derby 2017 is barreling down to the wire with three
big prep races this week beginning with the Wood Memorial from
Aqueduct.
It would not be a Derby prep without a Todd Pletcher contender and he has morning line favorite Battalion Runner for the Wood Memorial. The lightly raced $700k purchase owns early pressing versatility and will try to hold off Irish War Cry, Cloud Computing, and Mo Town.
The Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland features the undefeated McCraken in a race without much pace. If the favorite stubs his toe, look for Tapwrit (Pletcher), J Boys Echo, and Practical Joke to pounce, and look out if Wild Shot sneaks away early!
Finally, the SA Derby is a wide open 13-horse cavalry charge with Iliad the tepid morning line favorite. The chalk might not want to go nine furlongs and if that is the case look for a real scramble in the stretch.
You can find my SA Derby Video Play on my Free Picks page at The Runaway Horse.
Last week, Always Dreaming upended Gunnevera and company in the Florida Derby to become the latest in a long line of Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders for trainer Todd Pletcher. He looked good winning and has captured his last three route races by a combined 20 lengths!
State of Honor held on for 2nd in the Florida Derby and flattered the Tampa Bay Downs stakes form of McCraken and Tapwrit.
Gunnevera drew poorly and did not get the right setup but I was hoping he would finish a little better. He ended up an okay 3rd and should get more pace help on the first Saturday in May.
Florida Derby front runner Three Rules slowly faded and lost a 3-horse battle for 3rd (ended up 5th). His stamina was always in question and now we have the definitive answer. He does not have enough qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby and will probably show up in shorter stakes races late this year.
Girvin beat Pletcher trainee Patch in the LA Derby but the winning BSF was only 91. The aforementioned duo are both lightly raced and have plenty of upside but are not fast enough to win a race like the Kentucky Derby.
Local Hero stalked, pounced, and weakened to finish 3rd in the LA Derby. He has 30 Derby qualifying points but does not have the stamina to go a mile and a quarter.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-8-17)
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Practical Joke
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Tapwrit
#7 - Irish War Cry
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Iliad
#11 - Girvin
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
It would not be a Derby prep without a Todd Pletcher contender and he has morning line favorite Battalion Runner for the Wood Memorial. The lightly raced $700k purchase owns early pressing versatility and will try to hold off Irish War Cry, Cloud Computing, and Mo Town.
The Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland features the undefeated McCraken in a race without much pace. If the favorite stubs his toe, look for Tapwrit (Pletcher), J Boys Echo, and Practical Joke to pounce, and look out if Wild Shot sneaks away early!
Finally, the SA Derby is a wide open 13-horse cavalry charge with Iliad the tepid morning line favorite. The chalk might not want to go nine furlongs and if that is the case look for a real scramble in the stretch.
You can find my SA Derby Video Play on my Free Picks page at The Runaway Horse.
Last week, Always Dreaming upended Gunnevera and company in the Florida Derby to become the latest in a long line of Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders for trainer Todd Pletcher. He looked good winning and has captured his last three route races by a combined 20 lengths!
State of Honor held on for 2nd in the Florida Derby and flattered the Tampa Bay Downs stakes form of McCraken and Tapwrit.
Gunnevera drew poorly and did not get the right setup but I was hoping he would finish a little better. He ended up an okay 3rd and should get more pace help on the first Saturday in May.
Florida Derby front runner Three Rules slowly faded and lost a 3-horse battle for 3rd (ended up 5th). His stamina was always in question and now we have the definitive answer. He does not have enough qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby and will probably show up in shorter stakes races late this year.
Girvin beat Pletcher trainee Patch in the LA Derby but the winning BSF was only 91. The aforementioned duo are both lightly raced and have plenty of upside but are not fast enough to win a race like the Kentucky Derby.
Local Hero stalked, pounced, and weakened to finish 3rd in the LA Derby. He has 30 Derby qualifying points but does not have the stamina to go a mile and a quarter.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-8-17)
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Practical Joke
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Tapwrit
#7 - Irish War Cry
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Iliad
#11 - Girvin
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Friday, April 7, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Prep Race Video: Wood Memorial with Battalion Runner
Can trainer Todd Pletcher win another Kentucky Derby 2017 prep race? Well, he has Wood Memorial morning line favorite Battalion Runner ready to roll at Aqueduct on April 8.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
KENTUCKY DERBY 2017 UPDATE: Guest Suite Wins Lecomte
Guest Suite picked up ten Kentucky Derby 2017 points in an off the pace tally on a muddy (sealed) main track in
the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds on Jan 21.
The speed figure for the Lecomte was below par and it looks as though it was a weak race. Winner Guest Suite is slowly improving for Neil Howard and should continue to progress.
If you are keeping score at home, all four Derby points races this year (Jerome, Sham, Smarty Jones, Lecomte) were contested on a wet track. The top performers in the first three listed races were on or near the lead throughout and each race produced a lopsided win and/or strung-out fields. Guest Suite rallied from 6th and earned a subpar 82 BSF in the Lecomte. The jury is still out on Uncontested (Smarty Jones), El Areeb (Jerome), and 1-2 Sham finishers Gormley and American Anthem.
There was not a Derby points race this week. Next week (Feb 4), the Withers from Aqueduct, the Holy Bull from Gulfstream, and the Robert Lewis from Santa Anita are each worth a total of 17 Derby points to the Top 4 finishers (10-4-2-1).
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 1-29-17)
#1 - MASTERY
#2 - Classic Empire
#3 - Three Rules
#4 - Gormley
#5 - McCraken
#6 - El Areeb
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Theory
#9 - Royal Mo
#10 - Battalion Runner
#11 - Faja
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
The speed figure for the Lecomte was below par and it looks as though it was a weak race. Winner Guest Suite is slowly improving for Neil Howard and should continue to progress.
If you are keeping score at home, all four Derby points races this year (Jerome, Sham, Smarty Jones, Lecomte) were contested on a wet track. The top performers in the first three listed races were on or near the lead throughout and each race produced a lopsided win and/or strung-out fields. Guest Suite rallied from 6th and earned a subpar 82 BSF in the Lecomte. The jury is still out on Uncontested (Smarty Jones), El Areeb (Jerome), and 1-2 Sham finishers Gormley and American Anthem.
There was not a Derby points race this week. Next week (Feb 4), the Withers from Aqueduct, the Holy Bull from Gulfstream, and the Robert Lewis from Santa Anita are each worth a total of 17 Derby points to the Top 4 finishers (10-4-2-1).
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 1-29-17)
#1 - MASTERY
#2 - Classic Empire
#3 - Three Rules
#4 - Gormley
#5 - McCraken
#6 - El Areeb
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Theory
#9 - Royal Mo
#10 - Battalion Runner
#11 - Faja
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
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