Donk wins with two of his 3-year-olds, goes for hat trick Friday
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer David Donk sent out a pair of 3-year-old maiden winners last week and hopes to have a few more in the coming weeks.
On Saturday, Donk won a one-mile maiden race with third-time starter Register, a ridgling by Super Saver, who beat the second-time starter Asmodeus by a nose. It was 10 1/4 lengths back to third. Register and Asmodeus both earned a 93 Beyer Speed Figure.
“He ran very well, I thought he’d stretch out a bit, pretty gutty performance, big race for both horses,” Donk said.
Register is a half-brother to High Oak, winner of the 2020 Saratoga Special, who is on the comeback trail for Bill Mott. Donk, lacking options, said he may try Register at 1 1/16 miles around two turns in the $100,000 Private Terms Stakes at Laurel Park on March 18.
“I’m not sure if he wants that, but I don’t have any real options,” said Donk, who noted the Gotham on March 4 is back too soon and he doesn’t want to wait until April 8 and the Bay Shore Stakes. “Listen, I’m not going to run him every two or three months and breeze him six times in between. That is not going to be my [modus operandi].”
On Monday, Donk won a New York-bred maiden special by a neck with the debuting New York-bred filly Harlan’s Bond. Donk believes she would prefer longer distances.
On Friday, Donk sends out Ormstown, a first-time starter by Bernardini in a maiden special weight for 3-year-old New York-breds. Ormstown is a half-brother to Water’s Edge, a Donk trainee who got beat a neck by Americanrevolution in his first start but ultimately went on to become a stakes winner.
“He’s trained well. I think he’s got a future. It’s fun to run those kind,” Donk said of Ormstown.
Donk added that Water’s Edge, who he was attempting to bring back to the races, suffered a setback and may be retired.
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