Carson's Run displays big turn of foot again in Jockey Club Derby

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Carson’s Run won the third graded stakes of his career Saturday at Aqueduct with a turn of foot that carried him from last to first as he beat his stablemate Deterministic by three-quarters of a length in the Grade 3, $500,000 Jockey Club Derby for 3-year-olds on turf.

A bit keen early on, even while running last under Dylan Davis, Carson’s Run didn’t level off until six-furlongs into the 1 3/8-miles race. After relaxing from the mid-point of the backside to the top of the stretch, Carson’s Run unleashed that strong kick that carried from sixth to first.

Deterministic, who, under Joel Rosario, cut the corner turning for home, finished second by a head over El Rezeen. Dashman, Desvio, and a head-strong pacesetter Yo Daddy completed the order of finish. Legend of Time scratched.

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Carson’s Run added the Jockey Club Derby to earlier victories this year in the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational and the listed Tale of the Cat Stakes. At 2, Carson’s Run won the Grade 1 Natalma.

As good as he’s been, Davis believes Carson’s Run could even be better at 4 if he learns how to relax a little bit in the early stages of a race.

As he watched the replay of the horses coming through the stretch the first time, Davis noted that Carson’s Run wanted to use himself. “Not too aggressive, but he’s wanting to [go]. I’m losing position because I’m fighting him.”

Davis said Carson’s Run didn’t switch off until early on down the backside, which at that point he was six lengths off the pace set by Yo Daddy.

“When we hit the backside I knew I was in great shape even given all the lengths I have to make up,” Davis said. “I made that nice sweeping outside move, kept him in the bridle. He’s a great horse, I’ve been with him since the beginning so I know how to handle him. Every race he gets a little better and better.”

Carson’s Run, a son of Cupid owned by West Point Thoroughbreds and Steven Bouchey, covered the 1 3/8 miles over firm turf in 2:14.22, returned $5 as the favorite, and notched a 90 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He’s got a treat turn of foot,” Clement said. “It’s nice when they go that long to have that kind of turn of foot because he came from last.”

Clement was also pleased with the race Deterministic ran as he wasn’t sure about how he would the distance.

Clement said he is excited to be able to run both horses next year as 4-year-olds. He said if either do run again this year it would be in the Grade 1, $300,000 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar on Nov. 30.

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