Robert Dupret Derby a big ask for Over Achiever
SANTA ROSA, Calif. – Over Achiever may have to live up to his name Saturday in the $50,000-added Robert Dupret Derby at the Sonoma County Fair. The Robert Dupret Derby is for 3-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles on the Santa Rosa turf.
Over Achiever has run only once, winning his debut June 28 at Pleasanton in a six-furlong dirt sprint. He was the even-money favorite in the field of 10 while breaking from the outside post.
While Over Achiever makes his turf debut Saturday, three of his five rivals have won on turf, including Mister Wonka, who showed little on the main track at Santa Anita in his first two starts before running a smasher while graduating in front-running style on turf. Over Achiever’s other two rivals have hit the board on turf.
KEY CONTENDERS
OVER ACHIEVER (Beyer: 65)
◗ An Einstein colt, he sat in midpack early in his only start, circled the field, and finished strong for a 1 3/4-length victory, even though jockey Russell Baze dropped his whip at the quarter pole.
◗ The style of that win suggests he is content to settle, and that could prove a perfect tactic over this course.
◗ His sire was a multiple Grade 1 turf stakes winner.
◗ Barn does well with runners debuting on turf and also when stretching runners out.
RENO REBEL (Last 3 Beyers: 72-78-76)
◗ There’s plenty of speed in this race with Mister Wonka, Sea Preacher, and perhaps Over Achiever, and he has speed, too.
◗ Dueled through fast splits while earning a 92 Beyer Speed Figure in his maiden win.
◗ He sat back early when he beat Terrys Tom Cat and Crushed It in his turf debut at Golden Gate Fields two back. That type of trip will serve him well today.
MISTER WONKA (Last 3 Beyers: 85-65-73)
◗ Ran a smasher in his turf debut, graduating at 28-1 in a solid field that has seen the second- and third-place runners come back to win their next start.
◗ Son of Candy Ride should have no problems with distance and is a half-brother of millionaire Papa Clem.
◗ He’s worked well since his victory.