Check out my video analysis of the 2018 Stephen Foster Handicap for Today's Racing Digest.
Showing posts with label Irish War Cry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Irish War Cry. Show all posts
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Friday, February 23, 2018
Friday, September 22, 2017
Friday, June 9, 2017
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Monday, May 1, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: It's Derby Week!
The long and winding road to Kentucky Derby 2017 came to end on April 15 and many of the hopefuls have arrived at Churchill Downs for the big event on the first Saturday in May.
I have been covering the Derby hopefuls since last September and I am pleased to announce that I am including Today’s Racing Digest stats for the first time today.
In my comments below, I will be mentioning FIRE Number + CPR. The FIRE Number is based on speed throughout a race and the CPR (Comprehensive Performance Rating) is based on pace, final time, and closing fraction.
You can view my latest Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders video featuring Gormley and Irap at the bottom of this blog post. I will be back with a final Derby contenders video later this week.
Also, if you are interested in an excellent FREE Kentucky Derby report, please visit Today’s Racing Digest.
I will be back later this week after the post position draw with final pre-race thoughts.
My annual Kentucky Derby Day 2017 full card will be available later this week after post positions are drawn and fields are set.
Also, as an added bonus, if you purchase my 2017 Kentucky Derby Day full card from CD for $15 through The Runaway Horse, you will also receive my SA quick picks with wagering strategies (includes Ky Oaks Day stakes picks from CD on May 5) throughout Derby week (May 4-7). I will send all bonus picks via email as soon as they are complete.
Please visit The Runaway Horse Sales Page for more information.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders
(1) ALWAYS DREAMING (Bodemeister - Above Perfection, by In Excess)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Brooklyn Boyz Stables)
Latest Workout: 5f bullet in :59.60 (1/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: Uncorked a big 102 FIRE Number and 148 CPR in the Florida Derby and looked great working at Churchill April 28. However, before and after his big work, he has refused to settle in morning gallops and that is not a good sign for a horse trying to navigate ten furlongs for the first time. Pletcher has five days to get him to settle. On May 1, he came to the track with a new set of draw reins under new exercise rider Nick Bush. He fought restraint early before settling much better during his mile and a quarter gallop.
Derby Points (100)
(2) GUNNEVERA (Dialed In - Unbridled Rage, by Unbridled)
Trainer (Antonio Sano) - Owner (Peacock Racing Stables, LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:03.60 (35/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: He needs pace help in the Derby and can get the job done if he runs back to his 100 FIRE + 156 CPR in the Fountain of Youth.
Derby Points (84)
(3) MCCRAKEN (Ghostzapper - Ivory Empress, by Seeking the Gold)
Trainer (Ian Wilkes) - Owner (Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.80 (10/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.
Comments: He looked fantastic in his final two Derby works and appears to be ready to produce a top effort on May 6. He earned a 92 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass, his first career loss, but is 3-for-3 at Churchill and gives every indication that he will bounce back on Derby Day.
Derby Points (40)
(4) IRISH WAR CRY (Curlin - Irish Soverign, by Polish Numbers)
Trainer (Graham Motion) - Owner (Isabelle de Tomaso)
Latest Workout: 6f in 1:13.20 (1/2) at Fair Hill Training Center on April 30.
Comments: Derby winning trainer Motion was pleased with his final Derby work and earned strong Digest numbers in his two Derby prep wins in the Holy Bull (100 FIRE + 145 CPR) and Wood Memorial (104 FIRE + 141 CPR).
Derby Points (110)
(5) GORMLEY (Malibu Moon - Race to Urga, by Bernstein)
Trainer (John Shirreffs) - Owner (Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss)
Latest Workout: 7f in 1:28 (1/2) at Santa Anita Park on April 29.
Comments: The SA Derby has been a productive Derby prep race recently but Gormley’s winning 98 FIRE Number puts him behind some of the top contenders this year.
Derby Points (125)
(6) PRACTICAL JOKE (Into Mischief - Halo Humor, by Distorted Humor)
Trainer (Chad Brown) - Owner (Klaravich Stables)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:01.60 (19/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: He is training well enough for the Derby and matched Gormey’s 98 FIRE Number with a 2nd in the Blue Grass. He is 3-for-3 sprinting and 0-for-3 routing.
Derby Points (74)
(7) CLASSIC EMPIRE (Pioneerof The Nile - Sambuca Classica, by Cat Thief)
Trainer (Mark Casse) - Owner (John C. Oxley)
Latest Workout: 4f in :49.20 (47/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: His multiple setbacks this year are hard to overlook and he has not come close to the 100 FIRE Number he earned in the BC Juvenile last fall. He should be fitter than he has been in months but will it be enough?
Derby Points (132)
(8) GIRVIN (Tale of Ekati - Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon)
Trainer (Joe Sharp) - Owner (Brad Grady)
Latest Workout: 5f in :59.60 (2/16) at Keeneland on April 29.
Comments: He earned back-to-back 100 FIRE Numbers in the Risen Star and LA Derby but came up with a foot issue at the worst possible time. It is almost impossible to have a setback and win a race like the Kentucky Derby and even though he looked good working April 29, seasoning is a big issue with a missed work and only four career starts.
Derby Points (150)
(9) IRAP (Tiznow - Silken Cat, by Storm Cat)
Trainer (Doug O’Neill) - Owner (Reddam Racing)
Latest Workout: 8f in 1:44.20 (1/2) at Keeneland on April 28.
Comments: Earned a 100 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass but must prove that was not a fluke because his other seven numbers were much lower.
Derby Points (113)
(10) PATCH (Union Rags - Windyindy, by A. P. Indy)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Calumet Fam)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: I love his pedigree and rising numbers pattern but if Girvin lacks seasoning, this one does as well with only three career starts and one win.
Derby Points (40)
(11) THUNDER SNOW (Helmet - Eastern Joy, by Dubai Destination)
Trainer (Saeed bin Suroor) - Owner (Godolphin)
Comments: The mystery horse from Dubai arrived at Churchill Downs April 30. This is the type of year to consider a new face but Dubai shippers have yet to make a dent in the Derby.
THE NEXT NINE:
(12) Hence - 4f in :48.80 (8/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. He looked good galloping out and might be the best of the Asmussen Derby runners.
(13) Battle of Midway - 6f in 1:13.40 (5/13) at Santa Anita Park on April 28.
(14) J Boys Echo - 5f in 1:01 (5/21) at Churchill Downs on April 29.
(15) Tapwrit - 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
(16) Lookin at Lee - 4f in :50.20 (15/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
(17) Fast and Accurate - 5f in 1:01.20 (17/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.
(18) State of Honor - 4f in :48.80 (34/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
(19) Untrapped - 4f in :50.40 (17/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
(20) Sonneteer - 4f bullet in :47 (1/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. Maiden looked sharp working for first time since Arkansas Derby.
On the Outside Looking in:
(21) Royal Mo - 6f in 1:13 (5/14) at Santa Anita on April 29.
(22) Local Hero - 4f in :50.60 (18/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
I have been covering the Derby hopefuls since last September and I am pleased to announce that I am including Today’s Racing Digest stats for the first time today.
In my comments below, I will be mentioning FIRE Number + CPR. The FIRE Number is based on speed throughout a race and the CPR (Comprehensive Performance Rating) is based on pace, final time, and closing fraction.
You can view my latest Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders video featuring Gormley and Irap at the bottom of this blog post. I will be back with a final Derby contenders video later this week.
Also, if you are interested in an excellent FREE Kentucky Derby report, please visit Today’s Racing Digest.
I will be back later this week after the post position draw with final pre-race thoughts.
My annual Kentucky Derby Day 2017 full card will be available later this week after post positions are drawn and fields are set.
Also, as an added bonus, if you purchase my 2017 Kentucky Derby Day full card from CD for $15 through The Runaway Horse, you will also receive my SA quick picks with wagering strategies (includes Ky Oaks Day stakes picks from CD on May 5) throughout Derby week (May 4-7). I will send all bonus picks via email as soon as they are complete.
Please visit The Runaway Horse Sales Page for more information.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders
(1) ALWAYS DREAMING (Bodemeister - Above Perfection, by In Excess)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Brooklyn Boyz Stables)
Latest Workout: 5f bullet in :59.60 (1/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: Uncorked a big 102 FIRE Number and 148 CPR in the Florida Derby and looked great working at Churchill April 28. However, before and after his big work, he has refused to settle in morning gallops and that is not a good sign for a horse trying to navigate ten furlongs for the first time. Pletcher has five days to get him to settle. On May 1, he came to the track with a new set of draw reins under new exercise rider Nick Bush. He fought restraint early before settling much better during his mile and a quarter gallop.
Derby Points (100)
(2) GUNNEVERA (Dialed In - Unbridled Rage, by Unbridled)
Trainer (Antonio Sano) - Owner (Peacock Racing Stables, LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:03.60 (35/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: He needs pace help in the Derby and can get the job done if he runs back to his 100 FIRE + 156 CPR in the Fountain of Youth.
Derby Points (84)
(3) MCCRAKEN (Ghostzapper - Ivory Empress, by Seeking the Gold)
Trainer (Ian Wilkes) - Owner (Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.80 (10/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.
Comments: He looked fantastic in his final two Derby works and appears to be ready to produce a top effort on May 6. He earned a 92 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass, his first career loss, but is 3-for-3 at Churchill and gives every indication that he will bounce back on Derby Day.
Derby Points (40)
(4) IRISH WAR CRY (Curlin - Irish Soverign, by Polish Numbers)
Trainer (Graham Motion) - Owner (Isabelle de Tomaso)
Latest Workout: 6f in 1:13.20 (1/2) at Fair Hill Training Center on April 30.
Comments: Derby winning trainer Motion was pleased with his final Derby work and earned strong Digest numbers in his two Derby prep wins in the Holy Bull (100 FIRE + 145 CPR) and Wood Memorial (104 FIRE + 141 CPR).
Derby Points (110)
(5) GORMLEY (Malibu Moon - Race to Urga, by Bernstein)
Trainer (John Shirreffs) - Owner (Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss)
Latest Workout: 7f in 1:28 (1/2) at Santa Anita Park on April 29.
Comments: The SA Derby has been a productive Derby prep race recently but Gormley’s winning 98 FIRE Number puts him behind some of the top contenders this year.
Derby Points (125)
(6) PRACTICAL JOKE (Into Mischief - Halo Humor, by Distorted Humor)
Trainer (Chad Brown) - Owner (Klaravich Stables)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:01.60 (19/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: He is training well enough for the Derby and matched Gormey’s 98 FIRE Number with a 2nd in the Blue Grass. He is 3-for-3 sprinting and 0-for-3 routing.
Derby Points (74)
(7) CLASSIC EMPIRE (Pioneerof The Nile - Sambuca Classica, by Cat Thief)
Trainer (Mark Casse) - Owner (John C. Oxley)
Latest Workout: 4f in :49.20 (47/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: His multiple setbacks this year are hard to overlook and he has not come close to the 100 FIRE Number he earned in the BC Juvenile last fall. He should be fitter than he has been in months but will it be enough?
Derby Points (132)
(8) GIRVIN (Tale of Ekati - Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon)
Trainer (Joe Sharp) - Owner (Brad Grady)
Latest Workout: 5f in :59.60 (2/16) at Keeneland on April 29.
Comments: He earned back-to-back 100 FIRE Numbers in the Risen Star and LA Derby but came up with a foot issue at the worst possible time. It is almost impossible to have a setback and win a race like the Kentucky Derby and even though he looked good working April 29, seasoning is a big issue with a missed work and only four career starts.
Derby Points (150)
(9) IRAP (Tiznow - Silken Cat, by Storm Cat)
Trainer (Doug O’Neill) - Owner (Reddam Racing)
Latest Workout: 8f in 1:44.20 (1/2) at Keeneland on April 28.
Comments: Earned a 100 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass but must prove that was not a fluke because his other seven numbers were much lower.
Derby Points (113)
(10) PATCH (Union Rags - Windyindy, by A. P. Indy)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Calumet Fam)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: I love his pedigree and rising numbers pattern but if Girvin lacks seasoning, this one does as well with only three career starts and one win.
Derby Points (40)
(11) THUNDER SNOW (Helmet - Eastern Joy, by Dubai Destination)
Trainer (Saeed bin Suroor) - Owner (Godolphin)
Comments: The mystery horse from Dubai arrived at Churchill Downs April 30. This is the type of year to consider a new face but Dubai shippers have yet to make a dent in the Derby.
THE NEXT NINE:
(12) Hence - 4f in :48.80 (8/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. He looked good galloping out and might be the best of the Asmussen Derby runners.
(13) Battle of Midway - 6f in 1:13.40 (5/13) at Santa Anita Park on April 28.
(14) J Boys Echo - 5f in 1:01 (5/21) at Churchill Downs on April 29.
(15) Tapwrit - 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
(16) Lookin at Lee - 4f in :50.20 (15/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
(17) Fast and Accurate - 5f in 1:01.20 (17/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.
(18) State of Honor - 4f in :48.80 (34/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
(19) Untrapped - 4f in :50.40 (17/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
(20) Sonneteer - 4f bullet in :47 (1/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. Maiden looked sharp working for first time since Arkansas Derby.
On the Outside Looking in:
(21) Royal Mo - 6f in 1:13 (5/14) at Santa Anita on April 29.
(22) Local Hero - 4f in :50.60 (18/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
Friday, April 21, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders: Irish War Cry, Gunnevera, and Classic Empire
Kentucky Derby 2017 is just two weeks away and in this video I take a look back at the productive Holy Bull Stakes featuring Irish War Cry, Gunnevera, and Classic Empire.
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
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.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Risen Star Recap + Fountain of Youth and Gotham Preview
Girvin picked up 50 Kentucky Derby 2017
qualifying points and basically guaranteed himself a starting spot on
the first Saturday in May with a sharp score in the Grade 2 Risen Star
Stakes at Fair Grounds on Saturday, Feb 25.
Recent maiden winner Local Hero was all alone on the lead but could not keep it going and Girvin stalked inside, moved out in the lane, and won by a comfortable 2-lengths.
Untrapped was always in contention and easily went by Local Hero for the place. The latter just held the show over Guest Suite with 3-2 favorite another 5+ lengths back in 4th. The winning BSF was a respectable 93 but the feeling here is that the New Orleans Derby contenders are a notch or two below the best.
El Areeb rolled home in the Jerome and Withers and figures to be a very short price in the Gotham. He has looked great all winter for trainer Cal Lynch but he keeps beating the same horses on the inner dirt at Aqueduct so his true Derby standing is unknown at this point.
In the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park, Irish War Cry tries to remain unbeaten. He defeated Gunnevera in the Holy Bull and that rival is back again, along with new shooters Three Rules and Practical Joke.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 3-4-17)
#1 - MASTERY
#2 - El Areeb
#3 - Gormley
#4 - Irish War Cry
#5 - Three Rules
#7 - McCraken
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Royal Mo
#9 - Battalion Runner
#10 - Classic Empire
#11 - Theroy
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Recent maiden winner Local Hero was all alone on the lead but could not keep it going and Girvin stalked inside, moved out in the lane, and won by a comfortable 2-lengths.
Untrapped was always in contention and easily went by Local Hero for the place. The latter just held the show over Guest Suite with 3-2 favorite another 5+ lengths back in 4th. The winning BSF was a respectable 93 but the feeling here is that the New Orleans Derby contenders are a notch or two below the best.
El Areeb rolled home in the Jerome and Withers and figures to be a very short price in the Gotham. He has looked great all winter for trainer Cal Lynch but he keeps beating the same horses on the inner dirt at Aqueduct so his true Derby standing is unknown at this point.
In the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park, Irish War Cry tries to remain unbeaten. He defeated Gunnevera in the Holy Bull and that rival is back again, along with new shooters Three Rules and Practical Joke.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 3-4-17)
#1 - MASTERY
#2 - El Areeb
#3 - Gormley
#4 - Irish War Cry
#5 - Three Rules
#7 - McCraken
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Royal Mo
#9 - Battalion Runner
#10 - Classic Empire
#11 - Theroy
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Friday, March 3, 2017
Handicapping video of the week: Fountain of Youth Stakes featuring Irish War Cry
Irish War Cry won the Holy Bull Stakes earlier this year at Gulfstream Park and tries to keep his perfect record intact in the Fountain of Youth on Saturday, March 4.
Gunnevera chased Irish War Cry in the Holy Bull and hopes to get more pace help this time.
Three Rules stretches back out and loves the Gulfstream Park oval, and Practical Joke was one of the top juveniles in the land last year and makes his much anticipated sophomore debut for Chad Brown.
Gunnevera chased Irish War Cry in the Holy Bull and hopes to get more pace help this time.
Three Rules stretches back out and loves the Gulfstream Park oval, and Practical Joke was one of the top juveniles in the land last year and makes his much anticipated sophomore debut for Chad Brown.
Kentucky Derby 2017 prep race video: Gotham Stakes + Fountain of Youth preview
Two Kentucky Derby 2017 prep races are on the docket this week beginning with the Gotham Stakes from Aqueduct.
El Areeb easily won the first two Derby preps at Aqueduct (Jerome + Withers) and looks tough to deny in the Gotham as well.
The Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream features a rematch between the Top 2 Holy Bull finishers, Irish War Cry and Gunnevera.
El Areeb easily won the first two Derby preps at Aqueduct (Jerome + Withers) and looks tough to deny in the Gotham as well.
The Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream features a rematch between the Top 2 Holy Bull finishers, Irish War Cry and Gunnevera.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Holy Bull, Withers, Robert Lewis recap + Sam F Davis preview
The road to Kentucky Derby 2017 had three stops last week and Irish War Cry burst onto the scene with a sharp wire-to-wire win in the G2 Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park.
Irish War Cry traveled well throughout, easily defeating G3 Delta Jackpot hero Gunnevera and 2-year-old champion Classic Empire. The Motion trainee is now 3-for-3 but did have everything his own way at the Gulf and figures to face a stiffer pace challenge next time.
Gunnevera rallied nicely for the place and Classic Empire came up empty in his sophomore debut. The latter was short on conditioning with only four works and came out of the Holy Bull with a foot abscess.
The G3 Withers was a replay of the Jerome with track condition the only real difference. Once again, El Areeb made short work of his competition in a solid stalk/pounce victory. He is expected to skip the Gotham and have his final Derby prep in the Wood Memorial. We will learn more about El Areeb vs. tougher competition at nine furlongs.
It was nice to see Royal Mo go all the way in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. He has been on my Derby list for quite some time and the strapping son of Uncle Mo is developing nicely for John Shirreffs. He is still a bit behind some of the top tier Derby contenders but possesses raw talent and unlimited potential.
This week’s Derby points race is the G3 Sam F. Davis from Tampa Bay Downs and G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes hero McCraken is the morning line favorite.
Stakes placed colts No Dozing and Wild Shot are both solid threats, and trainer Todd Pletcher goes after his seventh Sam F. Davis victory with Fact Finding and Tapwrit.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 2-11-17)
#1 - MASTERY
#2 - McCraken
#3 - El Areeb
#4 - Gormley
#5 - Three Rules
#6 - Classic Empire
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Royal Mo
#9 - Theory
#10 - Battalion Runner
#11 - Irish War Cry
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Irish War Cry traveled well throughout, easily defeating G3 Delta Jackpot hero Gunnevera and 2-year-old champion Classic Empire. The Motion trainee is now 3-for-3 but did have everything his own way at the Gulf and figures to face a stiffer pace challenge next time.
Gunnevera rallied nicely for the place and Classic Empire came up empty in his sophomore debut. The latter was short on conditioning with only four works and came out of the Holy Bull with a foot abscess.
The G3 Withers was a replay of the Jerome with track condition the only real difference. Once again, El Areeb made short work of his competition in a solid stalk/pounce victory. He is expected to skip the Gotham and have his final Derby prep in the Wood Memorial. We will learn more about El Areeb vs. tougher competition at nine furlongs.
It was nice to see Royal Mo go all the way in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. He has been on my Derby list for quite some time and the strapping son of Uncle Mo is developing nicely for John Shirreffs. He is still a bit behind some of the top tier Derby contenders but possesses raw talent and unlimited potential.
This week’s Derby points race is the G3 Sam F. Davis from Tampa Bay Downs and G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes hero McCraken is the morning line favorite.
Stakes placed colts No Dozing and Wild Shot are both solid threats, and trainer Todd Pletcher goes after his seventh Sam F. Davis victory with Fact Finding and Tapwrit.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 2-11-17)
#1 - MASTERY
#2 - McCraken
#3 - El Areeb
#4 - Gormley
#5 - Three Rules
#6 - Classic Empire
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Royal Mo
#9 - Theory
#10 - Battalion Runner
#11 - Irish War Cry
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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