Shagaf, Rally Cry can show Derby potential in Friday feature
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Kentucky Derby watchers know that viable prospects can emerge almost any day without notice. But here’s fair warning: One might pop up in the winner’s circle late Friday afternoon at Gulfstream Park.
Shagaf and Rally Cry, both from powerhouse barns, will be seeking to get through a first-level allowance condition in Race 10, the highlight of an 11-race card. Victory figures to come well earned, as both they and some of the opposition have shown exciting potential to this juncture.
Shagaf won his first and only start by six lengths Nov. 22 at Aqueduct, earning an 88 Beyer Speed Figure. Irad Ortiz Jr. will be back aboard when the bay colt breaks from the outside post in a field of seven 3-year-olds entered in the one-mile race.
“We’re really looking forward to getting his 3-year-old campaign under way,” said Chad Brown, who trains Shagaf for owner and breeder Shadwell Stable.
As to whether Brown is permitting himself to think Derby yet: “We’re just taking it one step at a time. His maiden victory was very impressive, and he acts like he will appreciate more distance as the season progresses. Hopefully, he develops into a top 3-year-old dirt colt.”
Rally Cry, trained by Todd Pletcher, has been well regarded from the outset, particularly since he drew off to win a maiden race in a full field of 14 here Dec. 26. Javier Castellano has a return call.
First post Friday is 12:35 p.m. Eastern, with the feature going at 5:05. There are no other allowances.
KEY CONTENDERS
Shagaf, by Bernardini (Beyer: 88)
◗ Since his overpowering debut, he has been sent through a series of half-mile works at the Palm Meadows training center and is “training very well,” said Brown.
◗ Ortiz has ridden primarily in New York this winter, so his winless mark so far in limited attempts at this meet obviously is no true indicator.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 7 Shagaf. Trainer Chad Brown is 35-11-11-1 with a $2.71 ROI over the past five years with 3-year-olds coming off a maiden win in dirt routes. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
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Rally Cry, by Uncle Mo (Beyers: 79-68)
◗ This son of the red-hot sire trained by Pletcher atoned for his first-out disappointment at Aqueduct with an authoritative three-length score on the stretch-out at Gulfstream.
◗ He has worked steadily in the interim at Palm Beach Downs since his Dec. 26 maiden triumph, ending with a bullet half-mile drill Sunday.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 2 Rally Cry. Trainer Todd Pletcher is 15-8-3-1 with a $3.87 ROI over the past five years with 3-year-olds coming off a maiden win in dirt routes at Gulfstream Park and with Javier Castellano aboard. Click for more details. – Mike Hogan
Southside Warrior, by Warrior’s Reward (Last 3 Beyers: 65-76-70)
◗ He’s had two nice efforts on turf and two so-so outings on dirt, but if Mark Casse is going to make him a Derby hopeful, he’s going to have to try him at least once more on the main track.
◗ He reverts to one turn, which could enhance the late kick he has shown on occasion.
Bar None, by Candy Ride (Beyer: 60)
◗ Also trained by Casse, this colt was visually impressive in winning a Jan. 2 sprint in a full field in his lone appearance.
◗ His pedigree and first-out style suggest that the added distance should be to his liking.