Dak Attack kicks off Derby trail for Romans in Mucho Macho Man

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Dale Romans said he plans to unveil the first of his talented 3-year-olds of 2018 when he sends out the unbeaten Dak Attack in the one-mile Mucho Macho Man here Jan. 6. Dak Attack has not started since closing his 2-year-old campaign with an easy victory in the Ellis Park Juvenile on Aug. 20.

“We’ll run Dak Attack in the first one and then figure out what to do with the others,” Romans said.

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Romans’s other Kentucky Derby hopefuls includes Tiz Mischief and Promises Fulfilled, who finished second and third in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs, and Hollywood Star and Free Drop Billy, sixth and ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Romans suffered a heartbreaking defeat Tuesday when J Boys Echo was beaten a nose by Jay’s Way as the even-money favorite in an optional-claiming race. J Boys Echo has now run second in both starts since finishing far back in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.