Romans high on four possibles for Kentucky Derby

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Nothing makes trainer Dale Romans happier than having live prospects for the Kentucky Derby. With less than seven months until the 144th Derby in May, the lifelong Louisville resident has no fewer than four colts who have shown Derby potential.

“It’s what we’re in this business for,” Romans said. “Nothing energizes me and my family like the Derby.”

Not only did Romans send out Free Drop Billy to a four-length romp in the Breeders’ Futurity for the Albaugh Family Stables, but he won a two-turn maiden-special race earlier Saturday with Tiz Mischief for his longtime client and friend Frank Jones Jr. Free Drop Billy got a 79 Beyer Speed Figure and Tiz Mischief got a 78.

Romans also has two other Derby hopefuls for the Albaughs: Hollywood Star, second in the Iroquois last month at Churchill Downs, will join Free Drop Billy in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, while Dak Attack is getting over a minor shin problem in advance of a winter campaign in Florida. Romans said “I don’t know” in regard to possibly trying to get Tiz Mischief into the Juvenile.