Classic Road who had a dominant performance in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) match on February 12 at Tampa Bay Downsis likely to return to Oldsmar, Fla., oval for the Lambholm Bay South Tampa Derby (G2) March 12, coach Brian Lynch said Sunday morning.
“We’re looking forward to coming back,” Lynch reports from his Palm Meadows Training Center facility, where the Classic Causeway “looks happy and jolly” after his 3/4-length win over the old man. second place. Ship and 10 other 3-year-olds. “We think it’s going to be the right move. He’s been running really well on the track, and it’s been such a great race day that we want to enjoy it again.”
Shipsational coach Eddie Barker said his pony is also being headed to the Tampa Bay Derby. The train is still at Tampa Bay Downs, where he has been training since December.
Classic Causeway, a Kentucky cross for Kentucky West Racing and Patrick O’Keefe’s Clarke Cooper, took 10 Road to Kentucky Derby qualifying points for his Sam F. Davis win, putting him at the top of the table. ranked with 16 points. Shipsational is 25th with four points won on Saturday.
The Tampa Bay Derby split points among the first four finishers on a 50-20-10-5 scale. A 50th overall winner’s section was enough to secure a starting spot for the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downsruns on May 7th this year.
Lynch said he was most impressed by the Classic Causeway’s comfortable running, comfortably running to the back of Sam F. Davis’ 1/16-mile race despite being pressured from outside by a long shot. Little Vic . After an opening quarter mile: 22.66, track runner Irad Ortiz Jr got the Classic Causeway to relax somewhat in the second half at: 24.01, allowing him to retreat from the field for the home leg. .
Classic Causeway final time is 1:42.80,:0.36 of the bet by Flameaway in 2018.
Classic Causeway, a 1st and 2nd grader as a minor, raced professionally throughout, seemingly invigorated by the initial challenge from Little Vic.
“He’s a very competitive horse and loves what he does,” Lynch said. “We’re happy to have him on our team and not have to play against him.”
Iris Smith Stable’s Shipsational, a two-time bet against fellow New Yorkers last year, proved his worth at the hands of jockey Javier Castellano by edging out in second place. final three. Volcano in deep tension.
“I love the finished (Shipsational) road,” Barker said on Sunday morning. “He’s come out of the race absolutely brilliant, he’s darting into his feed tank and he’s bouncing around. I think he’s a horse that will continue to grow and hopefully when the Tampa Bay Derby comes along. Come here, we’ll be ready to go.”
