Umgiyo makes U.S. debut in Woodford Reserve Turf Classic
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – One race before international invader Mubtaahij runs in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby for trainer Mike de Kock, Derby Day horseplayers will see a de Kock preview when Umgiyo races for him in the Grade 1, $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at 1 1/8 miles on the Churchill Downs turf.
Widely considered one of the world’s elite trainers, de Kock brings Umgiyo over from Dubai, just as he does with Mubtaahij, and if Umgiyo’s form from Meydan Racecourse transfers to America, he looms a dangerous longshot in a race with 11 other turf horses.
His opposition is headed by Finnegans Wake, Jack Milton, Seek Again, and a top grass mare, Stephanie’s Kitten.
Umgiyo (pronounced UM-GEE-YO), a 5-year-old gelded son of Danehill Dancer who began his career in South Africa, hit the board in three races in Dubai this year before running seventh in the Group 1 Dubai Turf on World Cup Night in Dubai.
“He’s short of international Group 1 form,” de Kock said this week. “He’s probably a Group 2 or Group 3 horse.”
But sometimes a Group 2 or Group 3 horse overseas can make the transition to compete at higher levels in the United States. And with the Turf Classic lacking a turf standout of the caliber of Wise Dan, the 2013 and 2014 winner, he could prove a factor.
Florent Geroux, who can make the 118-pound weight assignment on Umgiyo, gets the mount.
KEY CONTENDERS
Finnegans Wake (Last 3 Beyers: 99-101-101)
◗ He developed into one of the top grass horses in California this winter, although the division there did not appear particularly strong.
◗ He has one win from five starts on the Churchill grass course when previously trained by Dale Romans but went unplaced in three turf starts at Churchill in stakes, including an eighth in this race last year.
Jack Milton (Last 3 Beyers: 98-95-81)
◗ A late runner who won over this course last year in an optional claimer, he enters the Turf Classic off his best race, a 2 1/4-length triumph in the Grade 1 Maker’s 46 Mile at Keeneland.
Seek Again (Last 3 Beyers: 97-94-101)
◗ He gave Wise Dan all he wanted when second, beaten a head, in this race last year. He won the Fourstardave over the summer at Saratoga before tailing off over the second half of 2014. Given a break over the winter, he makes his first start of the year.
Stephanie’s Kitten (Last 3 Beyers: 98-100-98)
◗ She should prove popular at the betting windows, with fans always eager to back a female racing against males.
◗ She is perfect in three starts on the Churchill Downs turf and owns speed figures that suggest she is among the fastest in the race.
Umgiyo (No Beyers)
◗ First-time imports often break poorly in the U.S., and he already has a history of slow starts.
◗ Plans call for him to remain in the U.S. for the rest of the year, with a trainer to be determined, de Kock said.