Derby Comp Shows Up for Mohaymen

It took a while but 2, actually 3, horses showed up this past weekend who could possibly challenge Mohaymen on the First Saturday in May. Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3 was this past weekend. The final odds on Sunday had Mohaymen as a solid 7/2 choice. The two horses that really impressed over the weekend, Destin and Danzing Candy, are going off at 15 to 1 and 17 to 1 respectively.

I suppose that those who made wagers in the Kentucky Derby Future Pool 3 weren't as impressed with Destin and Danzing Candy as I was. The other horse that impressed me was Repole Stables Outwork. See more comments on all three of the horses that could give Mohaymen a run for his money on the First Saturday in May.

Destin - The son of Giant's Causeway set the track record in the Tampa Bay Derby. He ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.82 over a fast track. His Beyer Figure came out to 100. It was an incredibly professional run by the Todd Pletcher trainee. The thing about Destin is that he's bred to go as far as he needs to go. I also love how he relaxes in his races and how he's easy for jockey Javier Castellano to position. Todd Pletcher has brought this guy around brilliantly. Destin broke his maiden in October. He finished second in an allowance in December. In January, he finished 4th in the Lecomte before winning the Sam F. Davis and now the Tampa Bay Derby. Word is that Pletcher and Randy Gullat with Twin Creeks Racing Stable are considering another prep with Destin. The Florida Derby, Bluegrass, or Wood Memorial are probably the most likely next stop for this incredibly impressive three-year-old.

Outwork - Todd Pletcher also trains Outwork, who did all of the running and finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby. Outwork raced in only his third lifetime start. He looked long gone at the top of the stretch. He would have been if not for Destin. Uncle Mo is his sire. Although Outwork may not get stamina from his sire, he should get it from his mother, Nonna Mia. Nonna Mia's father is Empire Maker, who won the Belmont Stakes in 2003. Outwork should have no trouble getting the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles. Pletcher sent Outwork to a maiden score in his first lifetime race last April. He returned to the track to win a 6 furlong allowance on Feb. 13. For Outwork to run as well as he did in his first race around 2 turns and in only his third lifetime race makes him one to watch as we approach Derby Day.

Danzing Candy - The Clifford Sise trainee aired in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes over the weekend. Danzing Candy took the lead around the first turn and never looked back. Under Mike Smith, Danzing Candy ran off the first quarter mile in a blistering :22.96. Even at Santa Anita, that's fast. He ran a half mile in :46.11. Again, that's fast even at the Great Race Place. Since Danzing Candy's grandsire is Candy Ride, he should be able to get the Kentucky Derby distance. But the real key for me, and the reason that I think he could challenge Mohaymen, is the presence of Mike Smith. If Danzing Candy ends up as Mike Smith's Derby ride, he has to be looked at as a contender. Mikey on a speed horse in the Derby? Yep...exactly!

 

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