Kroy may return to turf for Hollywood Derby
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
Trainer Armando De la cerda suddenly and somewhat unexpectly had some doors open for Kroy after the red-hot 3-year-old made a dazzling main-track debut at Gulfstream in Sunday’s Bear’s Den Stakes, a race originally carded at 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf but moved to the dirt due to rain.
Kroy led throughout under jockey Emisael Jaramillo to register a 1 1/2-length victory over Zipping, completing seven panels over a track upgraded from sloppy to good in an eye-catching 1:21.69, earning a 90 Beyer Speed Figure in the process.
Kroy, a son of The Factor owned by Midwest Thoroughbreds, had made all seven previous starts on turf and is now perfect in three tries since first being equipped with blinkers Aug. 19.
“I knew the horse was going to run great because he’s better than ever and he does have siblings who raced exclusively on dirt,” De la cerda said. “But I didn’t expect him to win like that.”
De la cerda said despite the big main-track bow, he might put Kroy back on turf for his next start in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby on Nov. 25 at Del Mar.
“He’s showed me he’s improved a lot, so I’ve got to find better and tougher races to see what I have,” De la cerda said. “I think it’s time to give him that opportunity.”
Kroy was the first of two winners Sunday for Jaramillo, marking the sixth straight card the Venezuelan native has posted multiple victories. Jaramillo, who has won 13 races during the streak, is now within three victories of Tyler Gaffalione in the suddenly tight battle for leading rider honors for the summer session.
Victor Barboza Jr. also had a big week and has opened a three-win lead on both Ralph Nicks and Antonio Sano entering Wednesday’s card in quest of his first local training title. There are five days left in the meet, which has been extended until Sunday.
