Chasing The Derby: Finnegan's Wake

According to his owner, 2-year-old Champion Hansen was not happy after his first defeat nearly five weeks ago in the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream. A flight to New York and an authoritative win in the Gotham Stakes (G3) Saturday at Aqueduct hopefully will make Hansen easier to deal with around the barn. Plagued with the misfortune of post 12 in a 13-horse field, many handicappers (including myself) felt the colt was vulnerable as the short-priced favorite, especially considering his apparent need to set the pace. When the gates flung open and Hansen was forced to both race wide and sit off a couple early leaders, it was immediately apparent he was going to be tested. Trainer Michael Maker had made adjustments to Hansen’s bit and also decided to shed blinkers completely. Whether it was those tweaks or the mere fact the colt is maturing, the fifth race of the Champ’s career proved to be a revelation. Jockey Ramon Dominguez was able to hold Hansen back and get him to relax along the backstretch just off pacesetter King and Crusader. The winning move came on the far turn when Dominguez loosened the reigns, passed the leader on the outside, and navigated an easy stretch run along the rail. The final margin was 3-lengths over My Adonis who was another 6-lenghts clear of Finnegan’s Wake, and the final time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:43.84.

It is of no fault to Hansen who ended up behind him, but the Gotham field was questionable. Only two horses were open Stakes winners (both ungraded) while 9 challengers only graduated from either maiden or allowance company. This scenario was intentional for Hansen’s connections, who fled from the tough Florida circuit for an easier spot to boost his confidence.

Nonetheless, Hansen showed toughness, poise, and professionalism in his Gotham win. His ability to now rate off the lead will cause many previous doubters to rethink their opinion on his chances in the Kentucky Derby. His next and final race before the Derby will most likely be the Wood Memorial (G1) at the same track, which could set an intriguing matchup with Alpha//

State of Play was back to winning ways Saturday with a photo finish victory in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway. The Spiral (G3) will most likely be his next race, which would be fitting for connections Team Valor and Graham Motion, who used the same race to launch Animal Kingdom into the Derby last year// After trainer Mike Harrington was quoted multiple times saying he was trying to separate his two Derby contenders Creative Cause and Empire Way, it seems there is now a good possibility they will face each other in the San Felipe (G2)// The Kentucky Derby is still a possible target for the filly On Fire Baby// Ever So Lucky, who had some foot bruising recently, fired a bullet workout move at Gulfstream. He’s still likely for the Swale (G2) next Saturday// I’ll Have Another had his public workout Saturday at Santa Anita, and according to DRF it was good one. Many other key workouts occurred Saturday for contenders Dullahan, Currency Swap, Alpha, Battle Hardened, and Gemologist. All times are below// The Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #2 is still open and as of Saturday night ‘All Others’ were still the favorite at 5-2 followed by Union Rags at 4-1. Hansen dropped from 12-1 to 8-1 following his Gotham victory…

Gotham Stakes (G3)

Winner: Hansen

Trainer: Michael Maker

Jockey: Ramon Dominguez

Chart: Equibase Chart

Video: YouTube

Wrap-up articles: NYRA / AP / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

Beyer: 95 (Preliminary)

John Battaglia Memorial Stakes

Winner: State of Play

Trainer: H. Graham Motion

Jockey: Victor Lebron

Chart: Equibase Chart

Wrap-up articles: DRF / Bloodhorse / Brisnet

Beyer: 83 (Preliminary)

Articles

‘All Others’, Union Rags hold steady in Derby futures (Churchill Downs)

Triple Crown possibles work at Oaklawn Park (Bloodhorse)

I’ll Have Another blitzes six furlongs in 1:10 (Brisnet)

Creative Cause may join stablemate Empire Way in San Felipe (DRF)

Battle Hardened in fighting shape for Tampa Bay Derby (DRF)

Ever So Lucky works toward possible Swale start (The Downey Profile)

Soutwest victor Castaway back to work (Bloodhorse)

Works

Empire Way HOL- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 24/54

Consulado HOL- 4F- 46:00- H- 1/48

Hakama FH- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 2/7

Hogy HAW- 5F- 1.04:60- B- 9/11

Scatman OP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 10/42

Atigun OP- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 6/42

Hammers Terror FG- 5F- 1.00:40- B- 7/53

Dullahan GP- 5F- 1.00:60- H- 2/19

Ever So Lucky GP- 5F- 58:80- H- 1/19

Currency Swap GP- 5F- 1.03:80- B- 17/19

Alpha PMM- 4F- 49:83- B- 31/48

Battle Hardened PMM- 5F- 1.02:04- B- 3/9

Thunder Moccasin PMM- 4F- 49:70- B- 25/48

Gemologist PMM- 5F- 1.00:22- B- 1/9

I'll Have Another SA- 6F- 1.10:00- H- 1/4

As is often the case, the rigors of the Kentucky Derby Trail rear their ugly head early and often. Algorithms is officially off the Trail and will have surgery to remove a fractured splint. A heartbreaking loss for all connections considering he was a serious contender for the Derby// Ever So Lucky has a bruised foot, however the plan is to still make the Swale Stakes (G2) March 10^th// Looks like Southwest (G3) winner Secret Circle will return to Oaklawn to try the Rebel (G2). Even more revealing was owner Mike Pegram stating he’s not giving up Derby hopes for Drill, winner of the 7-furlong San Vicente but dissapointing in recent two-turn attempts. Derby Fever already creeping up in February?// Interesting article from DRF on Mark Valeski. Trainer Larry Jones thought the colt looked “fat” before the Risen Star and hopes the tough stretch duel will help tighten him up. He also said he won’t train the colt too hard leading into the Louisiana Derby (G2) based on his history of sore shins// Creative Cause had a perfect 6-furlong work at Hollywood Park in preparation for the San Felipe (G2) according to trainer Mike Harrington. He could face his stablemate Empire Way, but the latter may ship to Oaklawn for the Rebel (G2) instead// Theoretically the Florida Derby (G1) could offer an enticing Derby preview featuring not only Kentucky Derby favorite Union Rags, but possibly other top contenders Alpha and El Padrino. Alpha’s trainer Kiaran McLaughlin likes the idea of a small field and ensuring Ramon Dominguez rides the colt, while Dominguez could have a conflict in the Wood Memorial in New York where he would probably opt to ride Hansen instead. As for El Padrino, it still doesn’t seem the Florida Derby is first choice for his owners or Todd Pletcher, but they’re keeping the option open// A good article on all of Dale Romans’s Derby prospects. Romans doesn’t seem too confident in Finnegan’s Wake switching to dirt in Saturday’s Gotham (G3), but he’ll try nonetheless.

Gotham Probables: Chief Energy, Consortium, Cop A Tude, Dan and Sheila, Done Talking, Hansen, King and Crusader, Maan, My Adonis, Pretension, Raconteur, Tiger Walk (Source: The Downey Profile)

Articles

Algorithms to undergo surgery, off Triple Crown Trail (TTimes)

Ever So Lucky has foot bruise (DRF)

Creative Cause drill quick three-quarters (Bloodhorse)

Florida Derby under consideration for El Padrino (Bloodhorse)

Secret Circle still in running for Derby (Princeton Daily Clarion)

Florida Derby possible for Alpha (DRF)

Hansen is ready for Aqueduct’s Gotham Stakes (Graded Stakes Blog)

Mark Valeski not at his peak (DRF)

Can Union Rags stretch out (TrueNicks)

Don’t sleep on Romans (Bloodhorse Blog)

On the move: Rafael Bejarano (Bloodhorse Blog)