Kentucky Derby: It's on to Sunland Derby for Henry Q after easy win in Mine That Bird Derby
Henry Q established himself as the early favorite for the Grade 3, $600,000 Sunland Park Derby when he obliterated his rivals in Tuesday’s local stepping-stone, the $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby.
Henry Q led at every point of call for a 14 3/4-length victory – and the margin was not the only impressive part of his performance. Henry Q covered 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in a quick 1:41.52, earning a solid 93 Beyer Speed Figure.
Henry Q was making both his two-turn and stakes debut in the Mine That Bird, and also his first start outside of Southern California. Trainer Doug O’Neill sent Henry Q to Todd Fincher in New Mexico, who is now conditioning the horse for The Del Mar Group.
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“The intent is to run him here through the Sunland Derby,” Fincher said shortly after the Mine That Bird Derby.
Edwin Maldonado was in from Southern California to ride Henry Q. The horse arrived last week for the Mine That Bird Derby, which was originally scheduled for Sunday but because of high winds was moved to Tuesday.
“Doug prepared him,” Fincher said. “I had him a week. I just didn’t mess up his form.”
Henry Q was coming off a maiden win over seven furlongs on Feb. 4 at Santa Anita. The son of Blame rallied from just off the pace and earned a Beyer of 78. Frankie Dettori was aboard for the maiden race.
Henry Q is now 2 for 4 for earnings of $91,740.
The Sunland Derby awards Kentucky Derby points to the first five finishers on a scale of 50-20-15-10-5.
Fincher also trains Mine That Bird Derby runner-up Giroovin.
Henry Q was one of four stakes winners he had on the Tuesday card at Sunland.
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