From Derby Dreams to Oaks Reality!

Dear Partners and Friends,

With credit to Donegal "Day One" partner Gary Kirke for today's title, we are proud to let you know that PUCA IS IN!

Photo courtesy of Dr. Amesur

Donegal's first ever filly has secured her spot in the starting gate at the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 1, with her very strong second place finish in the Grade II Gazelle at Aqueduct Saturday. PUCA was second to Condo Commando who, going into the day, had been ranked as the top three year old filly in the country.

PUCA overcame tight quarters with no where to go turning for home to gut out her second place finish. In doing so she has made herself a valuable broodmare for Donegal investors, along with the potential for her value to continue to grow.

Yesterday's results in the Santa Anita Oaks and the Ashland in Kentucky were very strong in this division and made us happy to be running in New York. This year's Oaks is going to be a wide open affair with Forum's Florida standout, Birdatthewire, also a serious contender.

But the bottom line is we are IN. This $90,000 Donegal purchase is now worth many times the purchase price and the half sister to Finnegan's Wake can be counted on to provide us much excitement in the coming year with major Graded Stakes races scattered all over the calendar.

As for the certainty of PUCA being in, there is only one point race left and it is a ten point to the winner, four points to second race. It is therefore mathematically impossible for two horses to get past her in the point standings.

Now, speaking of point standings:

I have had literally dozens of calls, emails and texts about how it is too bad KEEN ICE didn't get into the Derby. Not so fast doubting Thomas's. 

Your trusty scribe believes KEEN ICE WILL INDEED run in the Kentucky Derby.  Keep an eye on Maftool, Ami's Flatter, Bolo and Conquest Typhoon (all ranked ahead of us), as I don't think they will enter the Derby. In next week's Arkansas Derby I expect Far Right and American Pharoah to hit the board and they are already ahead of us. It would take a perfect storm of success in Arkansas by Madefromlucky, Bold Conquest, The Truth Or Else and Bridget's Big Luvy to cause us trouble. Add to this mix the inevitable injuries and physical ailments (here's hoping we aren't one of those!) and we have a rock solid chance of being in the gate on May 2. In fact, your's truly will buy a drink for all on Derby Day if we aren't in the Derby! (Of course we have an open bar Derby Day).

Running ICE again before the Derby would severely compromise his chances IN the Derby. And not be fair to him physically.   

As for Rock Shandy, he had some tenderness Saturday which prompted us to cancel his breeze. He could have gone but I asked Peter Miller not to push him and Peter was pleased and relieved with that guidance.

If Shandy is rocking and rolling as the week progresses we will keep our eye on the 10 point Lexington for him. Were Shandy to win that race, I believe there is a better chance of him getting into the Derby than Keen Ice being excluded. How's that for confidence?!

Here's hoping you all enjoyed a Blessed Easter/Passover.

Jerry