By J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”) Twitter: @J_Keelerman
Since purses for the Ohio Derby (G3) at Thistledown increased to the current $500,000 in 2015, the 1 1/8-mile race has been regularly won by Triple Crown alumni.
Last year, it was Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Two Phil’s who dominated the Ohio Derby at 5 3/4. In 2022, Derby also leads Tawny Port, White Abarrio and Classic Causeway 1-2-3 in the Ohio Derby. In 2019, third-place finisher Owendale of the Preakness (G1) performed best. In 2017, Derby also ran Irap, Girvin and Untrapped which completed another Ohio Derby trio sweep. In 2016, eighth-place Derby finisher Mo Tom bounced back to win the Ohio Derby by three lengths, and in 2015, Derby and Preakness veteran Mr. Z defeated Tencendur and Derby’s third-place finisher Tencendur and Preakness Divining Rod.
All this leads to one conclusion: #8 Seize freedom will be tough to beat in the 2024 Ohio Derby this Saturday.
Catching Freedom is one of three Triple Crown alumni in the 10-horse field. The other two-#5 Uncle is heavy And #10 Mugatuwho finished sixth and eighth in the Preakness—are respectable runners, but they will be far behind Catching Freedom, who boasts a pair of top-four finishes from the spring classics.
Catching Freedom has competed exclusively with betting competition this year and hasn’t run a bad race. He began his campaign with a furlong in the Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn Park, winning by two and a half lengths over future Arkansas Derby (G1) runner-up Just Steel. He then took his game to the Fair Grounds, where he finished a difficult third in the Risen Star (G2) behind future Kentucky Derby runner-up Sierra Leone before counting from last to led to win the Louisiana Derby (G2) over Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) hero Honor Marie.
In the Louisiana Derby, Catching Freedom was fast on the clock (running his last three furlongs in :36.58) and posted strong pace figures of 97 (Beyer) and 100 ( Brisnet). This performance marked Catching Freedom as an 8-1 chance in the Kentucky Derby, in which he resolutely finished the contest to finish in fourth place at a distance of 1 3/4 lengths.
Catching Freedom ran even better in the Preakness. Racing on a muddy track, he set the pace a little closer than usual (fifth place in a field of eight) before claiming a third-place finish by 2 1/4 lengths. He was beaten into second place only by Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and posted speed figures of 97 (Beyer) and 102 (Brisnet).
Although Catching Freedom has been busy this year, he exited the Preakness with encouraging workouts at Churchill Downs, clocking a half-mile in :49 3/5 before sprinting five furlongs in : 59 3/5. From all appearances, he is thriving with his busy schedule, setting the stage for another strong showing in the Ohio Derby.
One possible drawback I can see in Catching Freedom’s armor is his lack of tactical speed; On paper, the Ohio Derby field doesn’t have much speed, so it’s likely the race will take place at a modest pace. But on the plus side, Catching Freedom has so far not relied on pace (the Louisiana Derby’s pace is modest and Risen Star’s pace is quite slow), so he shouldn’t be too bothered by his lack of pace in Saturday’s Field, especially as he showed improved positional speed in the Preakness. I’m inclined to believe that dropping the class would send Catching Freedom to the Thistledown winner’s circle regardless of whether he received a favorable setup or not.
As for the second position, I’d love to support it #9 Strike down, who has made gradual progress this year for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. A son of Tapit out of champion Close Hatches, Batten Down is a filly half-brother to Belmont (G1) runner-up and three-time Grade 2 winner Tacitus.
Batten Down pulled off the trifecta in two of his first three starts, then pulled away the fourth time over a quarter of a mile for Churchill Downs’ maiden special weight. The gray colt took the lead by modest fractions and gradually extended his advantage to win easily by 8 3/4 lengths, achieving pace figures of 93 (Beyer) and 97 (Brisnet).
Batten Down was considered to start in the Belmont (G1) before being moved to the Ohio Derby. As the only clear leader in the field, he looks to make another good outing at the front, similar to his maiden win. I’m not sure Batten Down is ready to conquer Catching Freedom, who holds the speed advantage, but this Juddmonte homebred is progressing in the right direction and has a great chance of finishing exactly on Saturday.
Now it’s your turn! Who do you like in the Ohio Derby?
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J. Keeler Johnson (also known as “Keelerman”) is a writer, videographer, voice actor, paraplegic, and all-round horse racing enthusiast. A big fan of racing history, he considered Dr. Fager the greatest racehorse ever produced in America, but considered Zenyatta his all-time favorite.
