Three Graded Stakes: Three on the Board Finishes!

The goal of Donegal Racing is to run in Graded Stakes and do well in them.  Nothing wrong with allowance and claiming races, but it is not what we are about. Oh yeah, and we do have one "favorite" graded stakes race ;).

This weekend we sent three warriors into graded company and all three hit the Board. Finnegan's Wake started the party with a tremendous win in the Grade II Turf Classic at Del Mar. Ridden perfectly by Victor Espinoza, Finnegan posted his fastest time ever and now owns the track record at Del Mar for a mile and a half on the turf. I can't say enough for the job Peter Miller has done with Finnegan to get him to run to his potential. Most importantly, Finnegan has created a major league financial asset in his half sister PUCA.

Next up was the Grade II Remsen at Aqueduct. Keen Ice looked the part in the paddock pre-race. He is a big, strong horse who showed again the longer, the better. Doing his best running late, Keen Ice closed from the clouds to run third. The track had a horrible speed bias on Saturday and Keen Ice was literally the only horse to close against the bias. If you haven't watched his gallop out, go online and you will be Derby Dreaming big time at the thought of another eighth of a mile!  Keen Ice got a solid ride from apprentice jockey Israel Rodriguez. We began race day with no jockey, and so I watched film of four people I didn't know and selected Rodriguez, who at age 19, gave us all he had. Ice was blocked down much of the backstretch but when there was room, he took off. Keen Ice got two very valuable Derby Points for his effort. I say valuable, because the 100 point races provide 20 points for a third place finish, and the line is usually around 20 so those extra 2 can be a difference maker. Next up for Ice will be a Derby points race next year.

Sunday was Rock Shandy's turn in the Grade III Cecil B. DeMille. I did not want or approve Gary Stevens as the rider. I also suggested taking Shandy to the lead which would have avoided him being four wide at the first turn and three wide the entire rest of the way. When you only get beat two lengths, these things matter. I promise you that won't happen again. Next up for Shandy will be his first start on dirt in a Derby points race next year.

Of note: Danny Boy, Keen Ice and Rock Shandy now ALL have graded stakes earnings. This is huge because that is how it is determined who does and does not get in the Derby qualifying races.

Shandy will stay in SoCal where his front running style will work well on the speed biased surface at Santa Anita.

Danny Boy and Keen Ice will train in Florida but likely not race there because of a similar speed bias that does not fit their styles at the Gulfstream track, meaning they will have to ship to run.

And last, if you think those are our three and only three combatants, you'd best keep your eye peeled for The Big Wind and Dunbrody, who could surprise. They have shorter time available to them and will need to break their maiden early on to get in the hunt.

And while we are talking about the first Saturday in May, let us not forget the first Friday in May. PUCA. Our Donegal sweetheart. 

Oaks Derby Double anyone?

Jerry