DMR Derby – Grade II
DMR Race #11 1 1/8m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $250.000 For Three Year Olds.

There are no real stand out winners of this race over the years and whilst it is always competitive it is seen as more of a consolation prize for the SAR Derby than anything else. We have a smallish field of seven for this years race and whilst it may look short on numbers there is plenty of talent and what looks like a very competitive race.
Here is how they line up:

1      Jakarta          Fractious        Beschizza A

Good form for this with a great third in the BEL Derby before a competitive run in the SAR Derby. My biggest fear is that he has only won one from nine despite those good efforts and he needs to just find something at the sharp end of the race to win. The stable is in the form of their life and he recently worked 1.09 and 1 on the track for the 6 furlongs so that may actually be the biggest tick against his name. A wining chance.

2        Sensei         Saratoga Stud      Bravo J

This one was bought as a TC prospect but failed to get anywhere near expectations. He was switched to turf in the War Chant and ran a much better race to be second convincing his trainer that his future may be on the sod. He took advantage of an inside gate to win the La Jolla Handicap last time and gets the perfect gate today to keep on that sort of form. His turf works are strong and he looks a major winning chance.

3     Angelino       Nakamura Stables        Court J K

Looked pretty promising in the Risen Star when just a head behind Evergreen and Howl To The Hound but whereas those two went on to be among the best of their generations this one disappeared into oblivion. There was just a glimmer of a return last time in the KD Preview DG Derby but that was a fairly average field and he could only manage second. The ability is there but the willingness hasn’t been for some time.

4        Devil Made Me Doit       Maxmillion Farm      Gonzalez Ru

Used the perfect draw to win the BEL Derby by a nose after winning the American Turf before that and looked like a superstar. Then of course the great leveler of the draw struck and when he got drawn 11 in the SAR Derby he could only manage fifth. The draw is better again today and as the draw seems to be the biggest difference between good and great form then we can assume he will run much more like his BEL Derby form. Looks the one to beat.

5         Ptyrannical         Arindel        Garcia Mar

Failed to get into the TC so like so many he was switched to turf where he has not looked hugely improved but he is certainly no worse on this surface. He ran better than his placing suggests in the Mister D last time but you would have to say he needs to find a length to win this.

6        King Of Swords          Mb Stables         Hernandez C J

He was moving through the gears nicely before he struck a wide draw when taking on the SAR Derby last time and ran an awful race to finish last. A better draw today and he should get closer but he is another that needs to find a length on the main hopes.

7        Day Of The Dragon        John Henry         Bahen S R

The car park is reserved for this one who is an interesting entry, not so much for his form but more for a recent improved mile work. He ran a better race in the National Museum of Racing last time and i have a sneaking suspicion he may be rising through his improvement curve quicker than some.

SUMMARY

Devilmademedoit looks a better proposition from today’s draw and i take him to fight out the finish with Jakarta. Sensai should go close and i would be having a dollar each way on Day Of The Dragon.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES