A Tale of Three Running Styles

By Jude T. Feld

Trainer John Sadler has been pointing to this race for quite awhile. To access our facebook page, click here.

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The final fork in the Derby trail is here and now.

The Cliff’s Edge Derby Trial (G3), named for Robert LaPenta’s stallion, who was named for my good friend Cliff Guilliams, is the very last chance for a three-year-old to pick up the golden graded earnings need to get into the Kentucky Derby (G1). To read more about the late Cliff Guilliams click here.

This year, the only Derby Trial (G3) entrant who has a real chance is PLEASANT PRINCE, who would have to win in order to punch his ticket into the field. Any other winner would be at the mercy of defections in order to participate in the run for the roses.

Any handicapper familiar with the works of author William Quirin is familiar with his “speed points” and the three types of running style the he espoused – Early, Presser and Sustained – in other words, a front-runner, a stalker and a closer.

The Derby Trial (G3) is tale of these three running styles.

EIGHTYFIVEINAFIFTY is the “E.” A son of ultra-speed sire Forest Camp, the Gary Contessa trainee is bullet fast. Drawn in the cozy outside post position, jockey Ramon Dominguez should have an easy time making the lead. There are other early speed types entered, who may soften him up for the long stretch run, but he will takes this field a long way.

HURRICANE IKE is the “P.” his best races have come from a stalking position. Trainer John Sadler shipped him to Churchill Downs with race in mind, not the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the son of Graeme Hall has posted two nice workouts under the twin spires. Jockey Calvin Borel got to know him in the Bay Shore (G3), when he chased EIGHTYFIVEINAFIFTY around the track. Look for a more patient approach Saturday, with an extra furlong to work with and more speed to soften up the speed.

PLEASANT PRINCE is the “S.” The Wesley Ward trainee makes one big run when he is most effective and might be best going a mile. His lone victory came at Churchill Downs at today’s distance although he was able to negotiate a mile and an eighth when beaten a nose by Ice Box in the Florida Derby (G1). There is probably no rider better to time his closing charge than Julien Leparoux, so a top effort can be expected.

So who is the pick?

“I like Ike.”

A mile might be stretching EIGHTYFIVEINAFIFTY’s distance capabilities and PLEASANT PRINCE has a bit of a “hanging” problem in the shadow of the wire. HURRICANE IKE will get first run in the stretch and can finish well. This is a race he has been pointed for too – not just a moon shot at running in the Derby.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 23rd, 2010 at 6:21 am and is filed under Featured Articles. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.