Hall of Fame Coach Mark Casse Says DJ Stable’s Glider will begin next on March 5 at the $300,000 Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct race track. Gotham is a sophomore mile that offers 50-20-10-5 Road to Kentucky Derby scores to the top four finishers.
Glider, son of Quality Sugar graduating in second place required in a mile and 70 yards special maiden weight off the field. January 6 at Gulfstream Park and followed by the runner-up attempt was Todd Pletcher-the highly regarded trainee Emmanuel in one mile and 40 yards allows the claimant the option. January 30 at Tampa Bay Downs.
“I think his last race was pretty good on dirt. I think the mileage would suit him,” Casse said. “I’m still trying to figure out exactly what he wants. His last race was pretty good. There wasn’t a lot of pace in the race and I think Todd thinks a lot about his horse. We are. thought Gotham would be a good location.”
Glider was stable at Palm Meadows Training Center, including a 5th light wind at 1:00.30 on Feb. 19.
“He was better trained coming out of the race than he was going into the race,” Casse said.
Antonio Gallardo will keep the mount on Glider.
The Crossbreed of the Rustlewood Farm Pappacap is doing well following his outsized effort in last Saturday’s Easter Star Stake presented by Lamarque Ford (G2) at Fair Grounds & Slots.
Casse said Gunman colt, currently in 4th place (14 points) in the Kentucky Derby points standings presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), will now aim for the April 2 (G1) Florida Curlin Derby at Gulfstream Park.
“I’m still confused by his poor performance. He’s never done that before. He’s going to go to the Ocala training center and see how things go. consider the possibility of returning in the Florida Derby,” Casse said. “If he had run and was beaten two or three lengths, you’d say maybe he wasn’t good enough but he didn’t show up at all. Tyler (Gaffalione) put him in a great position and when he asked him to go, he never went.”
Casse sent a trio of Derby hopes at Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) on February 12 in Tampa, including Volcano (the third day), Golden roller coaster (Thursday), and God of love (Friday).
Casse says Breeze Easy’s Volcanic will only arrive at Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) on April 9 at Keeneland or the $750,000 Wood Memorial presented by Resorts World Casino (G2) the same day at Big A. Both races offered 100-40-20-10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points for the four finishers in line. head.
“Volcanic ran a great race. He had a wide ride on both turns in the first two turns,” Casse said. “Right now, I’m looking for Blue Grass for him or maybe the Wood Memorial. We’re looking at both points.
“I’m going back to (Lambholm South) Tampa Bay Derby (G2, March 12) with the Golden Glider — he’s been running well and has been a little bit late by Volcanic,” Casse added. “God of Love will run in Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3, April 2) at Lawn Park. “
