Jude Feld’s Kentucky Oaks (G1), Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) Preps Analysis
April 19th, 2013
Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens has the mount on Sunbean in the Coolmore Lexington (G3)
Gennia Cui Photo
Keeneland 9th Race – The Coolmore Lexington (G3)
SUNBEAN had a troubled trip in the Louisiana Derby (G2). He was puzzlingly transferred to the barn of Mike Maker, after being developed so well by trainer Al Stall, Jr. The Louisiana-bred son of Brahms blew out in :46 3/5 for this race and Palace Malice, who also had a tough trip in the same race at Fair Grounds, came back to run well in the Toyota Blue Grass (G1) last weekend at Keeneland. The jockey change from C.J. Hernandez to Gary Stevens is more than noteworthy. PURE FUN is a very talented filly who takes on the boys here as she gets ready for the Kentucky Oaks (G1). She is already a Grade 1 winner, a feat most in this field will never accomplish. The daughter of Pure Prize prepped in the Bourbonette Oaks (G3) at Turfway Park last month and ran third despite reportedly not handling the surface that day. Her trainer, Kenny McPeek, is en fuego right now and having Rosie Napravnik in the saddle will only enhance her chances. RIVER ROCKS has dangerous early speed. He just missed winning his initial two-turn try at Gulfstream Park on St. Patricks Day and should move forward off that race for trainer Wayne Catalano.
Hawthorne 8th Race – The Illinois Derby (G3)
DEPARTING has been brought along slowly by trainer Al Stall, Jr. He won his first three starts and then finished third in Louisiana Derby (G2). The son of War Front is reportedly heading to the Preakness (G1) if everything goes well here. He has been training well for this event and will be racing with Lasix for the first time. If jockey Brian Hernandez can overcome the unfortunate draw of #13, this talented gelding should be posing for pictures. GROUND TRANSPORT is highly regarded by his trainer Mike Stidham. He finished fifth in the Louisiana Derby (G2) after racing wide on both turns. The son of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Big Brown always trains like a good horse and posted a bullet half-mile at Keeneland on April 14, prepping for this race. SHOW SOME MAGIC has been knocking on the door all year. He is certainly the most seasoned horse in the field. SIETE DE OROS hasn’t been able to get by Vyjack and Revolutionary, but nobody else in this field has either. It would not be a shocker to see him in the winners’ circle.
