Ohio Derby Lures Tawny Port, White Abarrio

Three familiar faces from the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) reappeared for the first time since that 20-horse pitch in the $500,000 Ohio (G3) Derby July 25 at Thistledown.

The favor in this battle of the defeated Derby contenders falls to Peachtree Stable’s Port of Tawny who had an admirable record in Run for the Roses finished seventh, only 4 3/4 of the way after the victory Rich Strike .

Ahead of the Derby, intern Brad Cox silenced critics’ quips that he was just a Polytrack wonder with a late score in the April 16 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes (G3) match at the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. The son of Pioneer of the Nile a purchase of Keeneland’s September Annual Sale of $430,000, having previously earned his first win at Lawn Park in addition to the second run to Tiz the Bomb in Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on the synthetic course. Sandwiched between is a humdrum fifth-rate effort on dirt in the Resurrection Star Stake presented by Lamarque Ford (G2) at Fair Grounds & Slots.

If my colleague Derby dropped out of school White Abarrio and Classic Road Returning to their previous running style, Tawny Port will have plenty of pace to run on Saturday.

La Milagrosa Stable’s C2 Racing Stable and White Abarrio, widespread that never surpassed his usual striker position early on, dropped to 16th in the Derby. Before the race, Race day colt made two impressive confrontations at Gulfstream Park at Holy Bull (G3) and Curlin Florida Derby presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Ranch in Xalapa (G1).

Returned to coach Saffie Joseph Jr.’s Gulfstream home ground, White Abarrio returned to work on May 29 after a three-week refresh following the Derby.

“We’re ready to bring him back,” Joseph said after the pony ran half a mile in maintenance style on: 50 2/5 last Sunday. “Obviously, Derby is not the race we want, but we will move forward. Hopefully he will return to his best form.”

Derby final contenders, Kentucky West Racing and Clarke Cooper’s Classic Causeway, lost all chances by being a step behind from the gate. Like in the Florida Derby, Giant high riser colt is never an element. A perfected frontrunner, Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner connections are hoping for a shed (Brian Lynch to Kenny McPeek) and a change of rider (Julien Leparoux to Brian Hernandez Jr.) .) will be the key to success after the last two poor performances.

The path of purity will forever be known as the dark horse in last hour’s Derby and provide Rich Strike – number 21 on the AE roster – a coveted spot at the Kentucky Derby starting gate.

Intern D. Wayne Lukas, second in Rebel Stakes (G2) February 26 and fourth in Lexington has opted to join the Sir Barton Stakes sponsored by Brandon and Diannah Perry to Benefit the Aftercare Coalition Mastery on the Preakness card instead, resulting in a 3/4 long 4 3/4 win for the son of Quality Sugar . Owned by Julie Gilbert and Aaron Sones, Sir Barton seems to be just the kind of person who builds the Ethereal Road confidence needed before diving into the classified waters once more.

The improved pony has to be someone else, like Tawny Port, who will take advantage of a quick pace up front if a duel happens between White Abarrio, the Classic Causeway, and the dug New York deliveryman. created by Mike Maker Pineapple man .

Barese a New York-hybrid bet winner also trained by Maker and recently Matt Winn Stakes (G3) fourth Droppin G’s completed the field for the 1/8 mile Ohio Derby.