The AR Derby – Grade I [KYD]
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $1,000.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st Lord High Admiral, trained by John Henry
With just five lengths between first and last this was once again an impossible race to weigh up. About the only thing that made sense was that this horse proved too good and now heads to the Derby as a big fancy. Showing the big difference the draw makes he easily Jolly Be Native who he dead heated with in The Rebel and never really looked under any pressure in winning the race by a length. I think its a pretty obvious thing to say but if he draws in the inside half in the KYD he must be a very good chance.

2nd Winged Feeney, trained by Four Winds Racing
Ran on really well for second but has now run three KYD qualifiers in a row where he has arrived too late for the win. There was no beating the winner today but this was a pleasing effort and whichever of the TC races he competes in he will be competitive.

3rd Out On A Limb, trained by Smokey Stover
Compare the LA Derby run to this one and you have the difference between a wide draw and an inside one here at HRP. Its never been demonstrated so clearly and whilst it makes the form lines look a bit ‘gamey’ it was very good to see this horse back to his best. Third may not be enough for the KYD but i would be watching out for this one should he get a chance in any of the TC races.

4th The Force Awakens, trained by Diablo Diablo
The winner of last years Front Runner was closer to the pace today and ran well if a little one paced to be fourth. He looks the type that is tough to get right on race day but i am sure there will be another good race in this ones future.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES