Kentucky Derby: Foley barn optimistic after Major Fed's sharp work
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Major Fed doesn’t figure to garner much wagering action when he goes postward Saturday in the 146th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, but that’s to be expected. The colt has won just once in six career starts, whereas the favorites, Tiz the Law and Art Collector, both are 4 for 4 on the year.
Still, pessimism is a very scarce commodity in the Greg Foley barn, from where Major Fed has been training forwardly in recent weeks. The dark bay son of Ghostzapper was sent through his final pre-race prep, going five furlongs in 59 seconds well before dawn Friday with James Graham up.
“It was really good,” said Travis Foley, the trainer’s son and assistant. “He’s sharp now. I don’t know about beating the favorites, but there are some other horses in there I know we can beat. I really do think we’ll hit the board if we can just get a good trip.”
Major Fed is owned by Lloyd Madison Farms IV, a partnership comprised mostly of Wisconsin-based clients. After the colt finished second to Shared Sense in the July 8 Indiana Derby, an interim start in the Aug. 9 Runhappy Ellis Park Derby came under serious consideration before Greg Foley decided to train the colt up to the Kentucky Derby.
“Dad knows the horse very well and felt like this was the best way to go,” said Travis Foley. “Hopefully it was the right decision. We’re all awfully excited, I know that.”
This is the first Derby starter for Greg Foley, who has won more than 1,400 races since he began training in 1981 after learning the ropes from his late father, Dravo. Greg’s sister Vickie also is a longtime trainer on the Kentucky circuit.
This is the second Derby starter for Graham, who was eighth aboard Lone Sailor two years ago.