Rose Parade
January 1st, 2006by Jude T. Feld
Stevie Wonderboy Winning BC Juvenile
Jeffrey Snyder Photo
New Year’s Day brings a whole new class of sophomore Thoroughbreds and a plethora of Kentucky Derby hopefuls. Future book betting at the racetrack will commence in a couple of weeks and it is time to start watching races in earnest, listen to the trainers and jockeys post-race interviews for clues of distance ability and class and formulate some background knowledge to amaze your friends around the office water cooler when they ask, “Whodayalike in the Derby.”
I have listed ten suggestions below in alphabetical order and we’ll be updating our list along the Derby trail.
Bluegrass Cat – Unbeaten since joining the Todd Pletcher stable, the Kentucky-homebred son of Storm Cat might find the WinStar boys in the winners’ circle on the first Saturday in May. He has a nice forward running style and proved he could go at least a mile and one-eighth in the Remsen (G2), his last start of 2005.
Bob and John – Trainer Bob Baffert would love to grab the Derby trophy and wear it as a helmet. Stonerside Stable’s son of Seeking the Gold has shown ability and class and should carry the Baffert stable a long way on the Derby trail.
First Samurai – A son of Giant’s Causeway, who stepped into international stallion stardom in 2005, this colt is obviously the real deal. Third in the Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), he avoids the overly discussed “jinx.” He has worked well for his comeback and might take over right where he left off.
Henny Hughes – Sheik Mohammed’s best Kentucky Derby hopeful so far, the son of Hennessy always gives his best. The fear here is that with Meadowlake on the bottom side of his pedigree, a mile and a quarter might be stretching his distance capabilities.
Laity – I’ve always been a sucker for Claiborne horses. Who can blame me? His Miller Lite Cradle victory was superb and might have knocked him out a bit. A little on the skinny side as a two-year-old, if he develops physically watch out. Nobody better to train him than laid-back Frankie Brothers.
Private Vow – But for a lousy broken rein, the son of Broken Vow might be the antepost Kentucky Derby favorite. He proved his Belmont Futurity (G1) win was no fluke by kicking some major booty in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) Thanksgiving weekend at Churchill Downs. A top contender, from a top stable, who likes the surface – he is certainly not a reach.
Stevie Wonderboy – All I can say is, “Wow!” Merv Griffin’s got a good one here. The son of Stephen Got Even is steadily improving and is 1to 9 to garner Eclipse Award honors after his overwhelming Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) victory at Belmont Park. If my protégé Doug O’Neill can keep him sound and happy, watch out!
Strong Contender – The $800,000 Keeneland sale purchase won his only start at Arlington Park. Somewhat of a “dark horse” for the Derby at this point, he is working well for trainer John T. Ward, Jr. at Gulfstream Park. Follow him closely this winter as the son of Maria’s Mon could provide owner John Oxley with another Derby trophy to balance the one won by Monarchos on the right side of the mantle.
Tatsuji – Crushed a field of solid maidens in his Santa Anita debut, it seems Derby contenders often come to owners and trainers in bunches. Record magnate Jerry Moss and trainer John Shirreffs smelled the roses with Giacomo in 2005 and might get another whiff in 2006 if this handsome son of Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus develops along the way. He reminded me of Rock Hard Ten – big horse with a nice kick.
Your Tent Or Mine – With Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale calling the shots, you know this son of surprise sire Forest Camp will be patiently handled. Don’t be shocked if Neil charts an unorthodox trail to the Derby with his charge – he likes cherry spots – allowance races and minor stakes to get seasoning into his stakes runners.
