Yes its Derby weekend, yes there will be hats galore at trackside, but toss in a ton of umbrellas and some rain slickers just for good measure as well, because its going to be a wet, sloppy, sod tossing good time. At least the drinks will have umbrellas !!!!
- Grade II American Turf Stakes- Purse $400.000
- Churchill Downs – Mile and a sixteenth Turf Course
- For Three Year olds
- May 4th, 2019
While the track variant for Saturdays card of racing is definitely going to be high, so will the hopes of the trainers and owners who will be sending out these twelve thoroughbreds in this years American Turf. All hopefully ready to show off their talents and slide to victory ( literally ) over the wire.
Here is this years field;
1. Devil Tower ( Smokey Stover ) Rider Colon L H – This is last years BC Juvenile Turf Champion, and that in itself rates respect. In his most recent Gr. III Transylvania Stakes race, was on top at the three quarter mark of the race, but slid back to sixth, three lengths shy. That was over a good Keeneland turf, so maybe a soft go could prove undoing. Rail post wont help either.
2. Laffin Jamie ( High Voltage ) Rider Gaffalione T – Is coming off an impressive win in the Gr. III Palm Beach Stakes in sub 1:40 time. Did face a good surface in the $100 Awad last season to claim victory at Belmont. Gaffalione stays in the irons off his last win, and it seems this pairing has struck up a connection. Strong possibilities.
3. Dead Madness ( John Henry ) Rider Velazquez J R – After six career starts and being with three different stables, this sophomore has three winners and three runner-up finishes to his credit. While his biggest level came last time through in the $75 Columbia where he placed second in a dead heat, the betting public recognized his talent making him the post time favorite. While he is untested on an off track, he is in big here.
4. The Silver Scot ( Our Athletes ) Rider Gallardo A A – Since making the switch to the grass at the end of last season, he has been able to break his maiden, and find a victory in the lighter field $115 Sophomore Turf at Tampa. While he didn’t perform well on off tracks in the dirt early on in his career, if you go way back in his pedigree, you will find HRP-Ribot, a Heavy turf specialist and classic distance runner with a sixteen of sixteen record. Have the bloodlines flowed his way?
5.Dreamscape ( Joshua Stables ) Rider Castellano J J – Won the Grade II Holy Bull three starts ago earning valuable Derby points, but failed miserably in the TAM Derby and the Wood Memorial, so is now entered here. On a positive note, he did break his maiden over a yielding turf course at PEN in first asking by some six lengths. A work at Belmont was a nice breeze figure, so may like the switch back. Trainer is hopeful.
6.Chaos Itself ( Gdp Inc ) Rider Garcia Alan – Has attempted the turf twice since making the switch to this barn, and managed to walk away with a victory against Alw47 company, non winners of one. Did face a soft surface up at Woodbine last year in the Cup and Saucer Stakes, and as the three to two favorite, could never really get the footing under him. Will be a longshot for sure.
7. Feathers Not Dots ( Team 7 Illusions ) Rider Carmouche K – First of two entries for this trainer. Attempted making a big swing two starts ago taking on the GR. II San Felipe Stakes, and while he was quick to get out of the gate and lead that event, he settled with an eleventh place finish. Won his most recent Alw64 restricted race over a good turf surface by two lengths. Has performed well on off tracks, and trainer has kept him motivated with works.
8.Twin Towers ( Fractious ) Rider Gutierrez Mario – A Major purchase in early February for new trainer, hopes were high on his producing a Derby effort. After failed attempts in both the TAM Derby and Gr. I SA Derby, he was resold at a depreciated value. New trainer has been quick to get him back to work and focused on his future. Recent bullet work on the turf may have swung his interest to this event. First off the shelve have produced many surprises. Is this one of them?
9.Arkenstone ( Mb Stables ) Rider Pennington F – Made a nice closing effort in last years Cup and Saucer up at WO closing to within two over a soft track. His most recent good surface effort in the Gr. III Transylvania saw a major charge late to win by a half a length at the line. Has won his last three events, and went post time fave in his two recent events. Four of six on the turf, so has the talent. In the Hunt for sure.
10.Cherra Grans ( Team 7 Illusions ) Rider Bejarano R – Second entry for this trainer, and he went runner-up in the Transylvania with his closing effort to todays inside runner. That event was his first step away from restricted company events down in Louisiana, and only his second start on the turf. He did work here on the first of May over a good turf, and his time of 1:10 and three is worth noting. Upsetter possibilities.
11.Sunlander ( Estero Farms ) Rider Lanerie C J – Was sold at the end of last season, and his new interests took him straight to the grass and at mile distances. In three attempts, he managed a victory against restricted Alw51 company at SA. He was sent to new interest in early April of this year, and this will be his first start for the barn. Works have been decent over a Parx, so he looks ready to challenge.
12.Devilish Details ( Mb Stables ) Rider Hernandez B J Jr – After failing to capture the Gr. III Dania Beach, he would find his ground capturing the $125 Cutler Bay at Gulfstream Park in his most recent. Like other trainers who have entries today, works over at Parx seems to be the concentration, and his have been quite interesting. Should be sitting just off the pace here, and hopefully he will have some in the tank to mount a charge.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
