Ed Johnson will need to harness speed in Robert Dupret Derby
The colt Ed Johnson has passed all three of his turf tests with flying colors, but there will be plenty of questions facing him Saturday when he takes on nine rivals in the $50,000-added Robert Dupret Derby at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa. The Robert Dupret Derby is for 3-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles on turf.
Ed Johnson has scored three straight front-running victories on turf, including a 2 1/4-length win in the Alcatraz Stakes at Golden Gate Fields in his last start May 15. On Saturday, though, he’ll be running on a course that has not been favorable to speed and will be facing Allaboutaction, who beat older allowance sprinters in his last race and appears to be quicker than Ed Johnson.
Ed Johnson also has to deal with the layoff of almost three months.
Trainer Steve Specht gave Ed Johnson time off following the Alcatraz to allow a quarter crack to heal and because he wanted to keep him in Northern California and on turf. Specht said the quarter crack is “healing up,” but the colt will run with a patch on his hoof.
Ed Johnson has two six-furlong works as well as a one-mile drill in his final three works for Saturday’s race. Specht believes the colt will run well.
There’s not much strategy for new jockey Julien Couton, who has worked the colt three times.
“This guy’s got one way to go,” said Specht, “but he can sit off the pace if someone goes crazy.”
ROBERT DUPRET DERBY (Race 9)
KEY CONTENDERS
Ed Johnson, by Paddy O’Prado
Last 3 Beyers: 85-74-66
◗ Despite his long recent works, conditioning could be a question, and his front-running style could be compromised by the speedy Allaboutaction.
Call Saul, by Comic Strip
Last 3 Beyers: 77-73-72
◗ He has two straight turf wins at this distance and an off-the-pace style that is usually the way to go on this course.
◗ He has a recent six-furlong bullet drill among his works in the seven weeks since his last start.
Sugar Buzz, by Include
Last 3 Beyers: 77-76-71
◗ He hit the board in both of his turf tries, including a second by a half-length to Call Saul in an optional claimer.
◗ He won an allowance race on dirt at Pleasanton in his last start.