Dugaboy Brown, after his best, looks for better in Colorado Derby

Dugaboy Brown tried two turns for the first time last out and liked it, running the best race of his career. He will be out to build on that performance Sunday, when he leads a cast of eight in the $35,000 Colorado Derby at Arapahoe Park.

The Colorado Derby will be run over 1 1/16 miles. Others making up the field include R Dub, a two-time stakes winner at sprint distances; Noble Artist, who gets the services of invading rider Scott Stevens; and Waste It Wisely, the most experienced route horse in the Colorado Derby.

Colorado Derby (Race 8)

KEY CONTENDERS

Dugaboy Brown, by Big Brown
Last 3 Beyers: 65-56-58

◗ He moved to two turns for the $40,000 Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders Association Derby in his seventh career start last out and shuttled to a 4 3/4-length win June 25 at Arapahoe. It was the first stakes victory for Dugaboy Brown, and for his effort at 1 1/16 miles, he earned a career-best 65 Beyer Speed Figure.

◗ Dugaboy Brown gets pedigree support for route racing from his sire, Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown. Dugaboy Brown’s dam, Leniently, did her best work around one turn but has produced an additional route winner in City By Sea.

◗ Dugaboy Brown will break from the rail under Mike Ziegler and could get a tracking trip behind sprint-to-route prospect Cattle Company.

◗ Kenneth Gleason trains Dugaboy Brown for Annette Bishop.

Noble Artist, by Grand Minstrel
Last 3 Beyers: 57-58-60

◗ He was the favorite in the CTBA Derby won by Dugaboy Brown. Noble Artist rallied for second, one start after winning a one-mile allowance June 4 at Arapahoe.

◗ Noble Artist will break from post 4 with Stevens aboard for Sandra Kutz and trainer Kim Oliver.