2022 Kentucky Derby: Classic Causeway back in field off last-place finish in Florida Derby
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Classic Causeway is back in the Kentucky Derby, trainer Brian Lynch said early Monday afternoon.
Classic Causeway earned more than enough qualifying points for the May 7 Derby in winning the Sam F. Davis and Tampa Bay Derby but had been removed consideration after finishing 11th and last in his latest race, the Florida Derby on April 2.
However, Lynch said recent discussions with the colt’s owners, Clarke M. Cooper and Patrick O’Keefe, resulted in the decision to go forth with a Derby run.
“I’ve been through every excuse not to run him, and I can’t find one,” said Lynch. “The two owners have a combined age of 160 years of living amongst everyone who’s ever run in the Derby,” he added, referring to Cooper and O’Keefe.
“The colt has just given me no excuses. He’s sound and he worked great Saturday,” when breezing five furlongs in 1:00.80 at Churchill Downs. “I’ve just got to put a line through the Florida Derby and trek on.”
Julien Leparoux will have the Derby mount. The Giant’s Causeway colt had been ridden in his last three races by Irad Ortiz Jr., who rides Mo Donegal in the Derby.
Lynch had intended to run Classic Causeway in the Pat Day Mile on the Derby undercard before the decision was made to go for the Derby.
The Classic Causeway decision results in a domino effect as to who’s in and who’s out in the Derby. Entries will be drawn Monday, May 2. As many as four horses can be listed on the Derby program as also-eligibles in case of scratches before the morning of Friday, May 6.
As of Monday afternoon, Pioneer of Medina is the first alternate (No. 21), followed by In Due Time, Ethereal Road, and Rich Strike.