$3.1 Million Nashville Derby Draws Crowds

With Kentucky Downs With a goal of giving away $3.1 million, the Nashville Derby (G3T) on August 31 attracted 14 3-year-old horses with connections who wanted to enter to claim a share of the grand prize.

The prize money for the 1 1/2-mile turf race includes $1.2 million from Kentucky Thoroughbred Development, and only the track’s Kentucky stallions are eligible for that extra money. But the remaining $1.9 million is still enough to attract three European-bred colts in Sea The Thunder (GB), Stromberg and favorite morning channel 7-2 Bellum Justum .

Bellum Justum, trained by Andrew Balding, won the Blue Riband Trial Stakes on April 23 at Epsom Racecourse and finished seventh in the Epsom Derby (G1), beaten 13 1/4 lengths Troy City on ground rated good to soft. Sea of ​​Stars The King Power Racing-owned colt returned to form with a third place in the Hampton Court Stakes (G3) at Ascot and a second in the Gordon Stakes (G3) at Goodwood. Both recent runs were on good to fast ground and the distance here should suit him. Frankie Dettori replaces regular rider Oisin Murphy.

“If you get on the board, it’s a win in most places,” DeVaux said. “It’s a good race, because all the races are shaping up for this little meet. But a lot of it depends on whether the horse can handle the track. I think the European horses that have run on tracks that are configured like this probably have a little bit of an advantage.”

West Point Thoroughbreds has interests in two major contenders. West Point co-owns Audubon Stakes winner Cugino with Jimmy Kahig and Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes (G1) winner Carson’s Run with Steven Bouchey. Cugino, who drew the No. 12 outside, won the Audubon Stakes on June 1 at Churchill Downs by 4 1/4 lengths in his last start. Trainer Shug McGaughey added blinders to Candy spinner colt equipment in the back.

Carson’s Run, a foal by Greed are on a two-game winning streak for coach Christophe Clement.

Resilient horse trainer Chad Brown has joined Jim Bakke and Gerald Isbister White Palomino . Son of Kitten’s Joy He finished second, just a head behind, in both the Pennine Ridge Stakes (G2) and the Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes (G1). He looked like one of the main pacers and was assigned to ride by Jose Ortiz.

There is also a chance of improvement. Guest performance winner of the Kentucky Downs Preview Nashville Derby on August 3 at Ellis Park. Brendan Walsh training Oscar Performance Qatar Racing’s foals, Marc Detampel and Fergus Galvin.