ARCADIA, Calif. – Instilled Regard, fourth in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 17, may stay in California for his next start.
Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said Wednesday that Instilled Regard is a candidate for the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 7, but the trainer has not ruled out the $1 million Louisiana Derby on March 24 at Fair Grounds.
“We’re not carved in stone yet,” Hollendorfer said.
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer Keith Desormeaux already has two Kentucky Derby prospects in My Boy Jack and Ayacara. On Saturday, he’ll hit the road to find out if he has a third candidate in Beautiful Shot, who makes his 2018 debut in the Grade 3, $300,000 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.
OLDSMAR, Fla. – WinStar Farm already is a partner in a handful of prospects for the 2018 Kentucky Derby, including Audible, Justify, Noble Indy, National Flag, and New York Central. Yet another WinStar colt could announce his presence on the Derby trail Saturday when Quip makes his 3-year-old debut as one of the longer shots in the Tampa Bay Derby, the annual showcase event at Tampa Bay Downs.
Bolt d’Oro
Medaglia d’Oro–Globe Trot, by A.P. Indy
Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm ($630,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase by Ruis Racing)
Multiple Grade 1 winner Bolt d’Oro helped power a career year for sire Medaglia d’Oro and this spring will look to give his sire another career accomplishment, as the elite stallion is still hunting his first Kentucky Derby win.
Remsen winner Catholic Boy, second in the Sam Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 10 in the first of his two Kentucky Derby preps this year, will use the Florida Derby on March 31 at Gulfstream Park as his final Derby prep, John Panagot, the racing manager for majority owner Robert LaPenta, said Tuesday.
"Timing-wise it's the best, and everybody on the team seems to agree," Panagot said.
Nine new names are in the lineup for Pool 3 of the 2018 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which opens Friday at noon Eastern for the customary three-day run. Pool 3 runs concurrent to the lone annual Kentucky Oaks Future Wager.
Grade 2, $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes; 1 1/16 miles; Gulfstream; March 3, 2018
(50 Derby qualifying points for a win, 20 for second, 10 for third, 5 for fourth)
Winner: Promises Fulfilled, by Shackleford
Trainer: Dale Romans
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Owner: Robert J. Baron
Beyer Speed Figure: 96
:: ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays, and analysis
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – As far as Dale Romans is concerned, when it comes to trying to win the Kentucky Derby, eight is more than enough.
“I’ve been in it eight times. It’s time to get there and win it,” he said in the winner’s circle at Gulfstream Park on Saturday night.
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Starlight Racing announced it has reached an agreement with GF Bloodstock to purchase interests in a pair of Kentucky Derby hopefuls, Holy Bull winner Audible and eye-catching maiden winner Justify.
Audible, trained by Todd Pletcher, is pointing for the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 31.
:: Just reduced! Save on The Road to the Kentucky Derby Player's Package
