Last chance for Derby graded earnings in Coolmore Lexington
The last major Kentucky Derby prep takes place on Saturday, April 19th in Keeneland’s Grade 2 Coolmore Lexington, and eleven three-year-olds are taking one final shot at glory.
Todd Pletcher finally qualified for the Derby with a Monba/Cowboy Cal 1-2 Blue Grass finish last Saturday, and he has two more entered in the Lexington, including race favorite Atoned.
The consistent Dogwood Stable colt raced seven times as a juvenile, and he was part of the exacta on six occasions. He came back better than ever in a close-up place finish in the Tampa Bay Derby, then got no pace help in a better than appears fourth in the Illinois Derby. His local Polytrack work was strong, and he will get the proper race shape today. Huge shot if he handles the synthetic footing.
Pletcher’s other entrant Behindatthebar has won his last two synthetic starts at Santa Anita, and David Flores is in from California to ride. He also shows a nice local drill and is listed at 12-1 on the line.
Racecar Rhapsody is one to fear in the stretch at 9-2. Well-bred colt looked good in a pair of Keeneland sprints to kick off his career, and he followed that up with a nice show finish in his graded bow at Churchill. An even fourth in another graded route followed, and yet another even fourth ensued in his first three-year-old start in Turfway’s Lane’s End. He surely needed his last and can move forward at a hint of a price.
Salute The Sarge is an early/pressing contender from post two. He is a very dangerous sprinter and probably does not want to run a step farther than this (8.5 furlongs). He sits 21st on the graded earnings list and needs an exacta finish and more furlongs under his belt.
Tomcito brought an impressive South American record to this country, and he was hardly disgraced in a distant third place effort in the Florida Derby. He can run all day and should continue to develop as he acclimates to his new surroundings.
Samba Rooster and St. Joe will keep the pace honest. Felon exits a sharp maiden tally. Big Glen won the Rushaway in his latest, and Riley Tucker exits a fine second in a local course/distance stakes affair. Recent maiden winner Red Sandy (D Wayne Lucas) rounds out the field.
Tags: Coolmore Lexington, Keeneland, Kentucky Derby, Todd Pletcher, Triple CrownRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Handicapping, Kentucky Derby, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Triple Crown
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