Dixiana Farms homebred Hayes Strike looks to get back into the winner’s circle in the $250,000 St. Louis Derby Aug. 26 at FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing. The 1 1/16-mile race features a field of seven 3-year-olds.
The son of Connect finished seventh last time out in the Indiana Derby (G3). Prior to that, he came in third in the Ohio Derby (G3).
As the 5-2 morning line favorite, the Kenny McPeek-trained colt will have his work cut out for him against a field that includes 7-2 third choice Denington . It’s been nearly six months since Denington won, but a look at the analytics shows the son of Gun Runner to be every bit the equal to Hayes Strike in this scenario.
They have matching best Equibase Speed Figures (100) for the distance, with the Fern Circle Stables and Magdalena Racing homebred having a slight edge (102) for the best figure on dirt.
Both have eight starts at 1 1/16 miles, with both claiming two wins.
Should the race come down to these two, it may be a matter of who gets the better start. Denington is quick early, and if he gets out front, jockey Corey Lanerie will like his chances. Of course, second choice (3-1) Slip Mahoney will likely have a say in the result. Having recently won an allowance race at Saratoga Race Course, the son of Arrogate also began the year with a third in the Gotham Stakes (G3).
