Clovisconnection stretches out, gets back on turf in Dupret Derby
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Since last fall, Clovisconnection has thrived in sprints, winning three stakes at Golden Gate Fields and Emerald Downs.
A gelding, Clovisconnection is not considered a one-dimensional 3-year-old, a point trainer Blaine Wright hopes to prove in Saturday’s $75,000 Robert Dupret Derby at 1 1/16 miles on turf at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif.
“We think he’ll be a heckuva of a 4-year-old,” Wright said. “We think his future is on the turf.”
Clovisconnection, who races for owners and breeders William and Judy Hedrick, was second in the Silky Sullivan Stakes for California-breds at a mile on turf April 30 at Golden Gate Fields in his only career start on the surface. Clovisconnection was near the front throughout, led briefly in the stretch, and lost by a half-length.
Since then, Clovisconnection has won two minor stakes for 3-year-old sprinters at Emerald Downs outside of Seattle.
“The reason we’re coming back down there is his first race on turf,” Wright said of the trip to Santa Rosa. “We thought he settled nicely that day.”
Clovisconnection, who drew the outside post, is the only stakes winner in a field of nine in the Dupret Derby.
Cousin Richie was third in the Silky Sullivan and second in the Alcatraz Stakes on turf May 28 at Golden Gate Fields. Phosphorescence was second in the California Derby on the synthetic track April 29 at Golden Gate Fields, but has not finished closer than fourth in his last three starts.
Clovisconnection is quick enough to lead, but has been equally as effective as a stalker. In the Irish Day Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on July 16 at Emerald Downs, Clovisconnection was a length behind a quick pace after a quarter-mile, took the lead on the turn, and won by a neck.
For the Dupret Derby, William Antongeorgi, who was aboard for the Silky Sullivan, retains the mount. He is likely to have Clovisconnection close to the front.
“I’m not worried about the post position and he’s got an early turn of foot,” Wright said. “Billy can gauge what goes” on to his inside.
Aside from the stakes-placed runners, Happy Does should be a factor off the pace. Fourth in the Silky Sullivan, Happy Does has since finished second and won allowance races on the synthetic track at Golden Gate Fields and the dirt track at Pleasanton.
Bob’s Blue Moon is another improving gelding. Eighth in the Silky Sullivan Stakes as a maiden, Bob’s Blue Moon has won his last two starts at six furlongs in a maiden race at Golden Gate Fields and an allowance race at Pleasanton. In both races, Bob’s Blue Moon raced near the front.
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