Convincing Wins in Both Jerome / San Vicente Stakes
Welcome to your early January update on the 2024 Kentucky Derby trail! The journey to the Derby is gaining momentum, and now is an opportune moment to catch up. Over on the east coast at Aqueduct, Drum Roll Please claimed victory in the Jerome Stakes. Out west at Santa Anita, Muth showcased an impressive performance in the Grade 2 San Vicente.
For an in-depth recap of these thrilling races, head over to my YouTube channel and catch all the highlights. The Derby trail is unfolding, and these early events are shaping the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating journey to Churchill Downs.
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Saturday at Aqueduct, the Jerome Stakes, a one-mile dirt race featuring a field of just 5 entries. The race started cleanly, with Drum Roll experiencing a bump from Khanate, and El Grande O had a slight stumble. The field quickly recovered, with El Grande O seizing the lead and Drum Roll gracefully settling into a stalking position.
The pace held steady throughout the opening half, clocking in at 49, favoring the frontrunner. As the race unfolded, Khanate applied outside pressure on the turn into the stretch. El Grande O repelled, fending off the challenger. In a late surge, Drum Roll Please sprung into action, pulling ahead by nearly 4 lengths and claiming victory in the Jerome Stakes.
Can He Win Without Baffert at the Helm?
Shifting our focus to the west, the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes took center stage at Santa Anita, featuring a 7-furlong dash on the challenging dirt track. Slider faced an awkward break but quickly surged to the early lead. Pilot Commander and Muth trailed closely behind, while Formidable Man and Boltage aggressively set the early pace, leaving the Tim ‘Yukteen’ horse in their wake. Slider maintained a blistering pace, prompting jockey Juan Hernandez to make a strategic move on Muth. Flavian Prat responded by urging Pilot Commander forward.
As they navigated the turn and entered the stretch, Muth edged ahead, and it seemed like Hernandez exchanged a glance with Prat, conveying a sense of confidence, perhaps echoing instructions from their shared trainer, Bob. Muth powered past his stablemate, securing a smooth victory, but Pilot Commander wasn’t finished. Joel Rosario and Slider mounted a late challenge, narrowly missing the Place.
The performance showcased Muth’s strength, and Pilot Commander demonstrated resilience in securing the place. Slider took to the Santa Anita dirt just fine so we’ll keep an eye on his future prospects. Looking ahead to the March 2nd San Felipe at Santa Anita, it remains uncertain which horses will make an appearance.
Upcoming Track Phantom vs Nash Rematch?
The upcoming G3 Lecomte at Fairgrounds, covering a distance of a mile and a 16th, promises an exciting potential rematch from the Gun Runner Stakes. Both contenders from the previous race, Track Phantom and Nash, are gearing up for another showdown scheduled for January 20th.
Adding to the anticipation is The Brendan Walsh trained Snead, who could also enter. As of this article I have no information on that, but it would seem logical. Mark Casse has set his sights on entering the talented Can Group, a hard-closing 4th place finisher in the BC Juvenile Turf. Casse wants to give the young colt a shot at a two-turn dirt route.
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Where are the Top Contenders Heading to Next?
Following in the footsteps of Pletcher’s previous 2-year-old champion Forte, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Fierceness has set up camp in Florida. Subsequently, Repole Stables has decided to enter Fierceness in the upcoming Holy Bull Stakes on February 3rd at Gulfstream Park.
Looking ahead, the plan is to target the Florida Derby, allowing the promising colt an 8-week break before his final prep and a comfortable 5 weeks off before KY Derby 150. Fierceness’ stablemate, Locked, is gearing up for his 2024 debut at Gulfstream, though the specific race is yet to be confirmed.
The Road to Derby 150 Goes Through the Sunshine State
Florida’s Derby Trail is shaping up with an impressive lineup of contenders from various stables. Notably, Danny Gargan’s budding star, Dornoch, showcased his potential with a remarkable victory in the recent Remsen. Additionally, Jose D’Angelo brings Bentornato to the scene, a horse that boasted a 4/5 record as a 2-year-old and secured two out of three wins in the Florida Sire Stakes series.
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Meanwhile, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott adds depth to the competition with a trio of promising colts: Billal, who clinched third place in the Nashua Stakes; Parchment Party, unbeaten in two starts; and Knightsbridge, an impressive 10 1/2-length debut winner on November 4th.
In the mix of notable entries expected in Florida, Stretch Ride, who secured third place in the Kentucky Jockey Club, and Dancing Groom, trained by Antonio Sano, achieved a commendable third place in the Champagne and sixth in the Kentucky Jockey Club.
