The FL Derby – Grade I [KYD]
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $1,000.000 Open 3 Year Olds.
1st Phooeys Queen Blue Estero Farms Talamo J
Well who was it who said that horses can’t win from a wide gate? This one out of a sire that has shown little in the shed traveled wide throughout and still had enough to win in a good time considering his trip. The winning of the race came after 2 furlongs when his jockey decided after taking him back to second last that instead of going to the rail a dozen length off the lead he would push on right round the outside in what looked like a suicidal early race move. 4 wide round the home bend he was still there and traveling and surprisingly he kept finding all the way down the stretch to win by a game half length. With a similar run from the inside he would have had two or three lengths to spare at the line so this was clearly a very good performance. With only the five starts he is clearly improving and despite the fact that this didnt look an overly strong FL Derby he must now emerge as a danger to the likes of Beach Dandy in the KYD.
2nd Zero Annuity Nakamura Stables Beschizza A
Had the best run of the lot getting to the rail and traveling easily for much of the race. Moving off the rail at the bend he had plenty of time to go and win his race but despite an easier trip could not out finish the winner. Like Phooeys Queen Blue he was only having his fifth start and he too looks to be improving with each race and with a similar trip in the Derby could turn out to be a contender.
3rd Cardinal Direction D J C Racing Stables Bridgmohan S X
Used the wide gate to get himself on the speed in a leaders dominated race. I kept expecting him to fall back but he kept on really gamely for third just a length off the winner. Considering his gate he ran a very nice race but he may have to do it again to get into the KYD.
4th Chai Bay Serenity Stables Ortiz I Jr
This late finisher wasnt suited by the on speed bias today and made up more ground than most bt could only manage fourth. This was a decent enough effort and he finds himself just outside the KYD favorites and may have to go again to get into the field.
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
