Sharp invader Voodoo Song must handle tiring course in Hawthorne Derby

STICKNEY, Ill. – It was a warm, dry autumn in Chicago – right up until the time Hawthorne began its fall-winter meeting on Oct. 6. Since then the story has been lots of rain, little warmth, and the turf course over which the $100,000 Hawthorne Derby will be contested Saturday figures to be deep and tiring.

“It’s not going to be a good turf course,” said locally based trainer Michele Boyce, who entered Blue Sky Kowboy and Imposing Will. “It’s certainly not going to dry out. It’s a question of whoever takes to it.”

Eleven 3-year-olds were entered in the Hawthorne Derby, race 6 with a scheduled post time of 5:30 Central.

The sure favorite is Voodoo Song, who was shipping from New York to Chicago by van on Thursday for trainer Linda Rice. Rice won with her only previous Hawthorne starter, Spruce Run, who captured the 2005 Robert F. Carey.

KEY CONTENDERS

Voodoo Song, by English Channel
Last 3 Beyers: 95-95-91

◗ He was the toast of Saratoga, winning four races this summer during a six-week span, the last in the Grade 3 Saranac, where he beat a talented group.

◗ Dedicated front-runner was caught at the wire Sept. 30 in the Commonwealth Derby at Laurel. “It was a good effort, but he went a 22-and-change first quarter, which probably cost him,” said Rice.

◗ Rice changed bits after Voodoo Song basically ran off while still managing to win a New York-bred allowance race on July 26, but the colt still wants to lead. “The hope is with some age and maturity he’ll learn to rate. For now, he probably needs to do what has worked for him,” said Rice.

◗ Ran over a good course at Saratoga, but the Hawthorne turf will be much softer than that. “It wouldn’t be my first choice, but it is what it is,” said Rice. “He’s not a big, heavy, massive horse, so I’m hoping he can transition.”

◗ Voodoo Song might make the lead under Edgar Perez, but there are other front-runners to challenge him.

Bronson, by Medaglia d’Oro
Last 3 Beyers: 82-82-81

◗ He has nothing as flashy as Voodoo Song’s form, but has posted solid third- and fourth-place finishes in Kentucky turf stakes since joining Mike Maker’s barn.

◗ His last two starts came at 1 1/8 and 1 5/16 miles, and he appears to have the right profile for what should be a slog of a race. “I think as he gets more mature he’s going to appreciate longer distances,” Maker said.

Adonis Creed, by Brilliant Speed
Last 3 Beyers: 85-61-82

◗ He finished second behind stablemate Mr. Misunderstood in the $100,000 Jefferson Cup while making his first start for trainer Brad Cox. “He’s a good-going horse with some speed, and we’re really happy with where he’s at right now,” Cox said.

Blue Sky Kowboy, by Kodiak Kowboy
Last 3 Beyers: 79-73-70

◗ This horse takes a big step up in class, but has been putting in good runs at shorter distances. “He’s smallish and light on his feet, so that should help with this course,” Boyce said. “I don’t see the mile and an eighth as a problem.”

My Bariley, by Mizzen Mast
Last 3 Beyers: 79-81-81

◗ Often his own worst enemy, his best race this summer came over a yielding course in the Mystic Lake Derby at Canterbury.