Not This Time impresses in Iroquois

Not This Time broke a step slowly but left no doubt to his superiority in Saturday’s $150,000 Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs, offering a sensational turn of foot leaving the far turn to grab a clear lead as he rolled to an 8 ¾-length decision in his stakes bow. The Dale Romans-trained colt stamped his ticket for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) in the “Win and You’re In” event and captured the first of 35 qualifying races in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series.

It will be no surprise to see the Giant’s Causeway colt continue to make serious noise going forward.

“He’s the real deal,” Romans said. “He’s spooky good and I think he’s everything I’ve always thought he was. He’s just so talented. That (slow break) wasn’t going to get him beat.”

“He’s a nice horse, man,” jockey Robby Albarado added. “He’s got a future.”   

A half-brother to multiple Grade 1 hero Liam’s Map, the Albaugh Family Stable homebred completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.22 on the muddy track, nearly two seconds faster than juvenile fillies two races later in the Pocahontas (G2).

Out of the stakes-winning Trippi mare Miss Macy Sue, Not This Time finished a troubled fifth when making his debut at 6-furlongs and posted a 10-length romp when making his second start and two-turn bow. The dark bay colt has now earned $114,183 from three starts and Romans thinks he has a serious Kentucky Derby contender if his charge remains healthy.

The winner was favored at 9-5 among eight foes.

Ellis Park Juvenile winner Lookin at Lee got up by a head to finish second at 8-1. Recruiting Ready, the 3-1 second choice, wound up third and was followed by Honor Thy Father, Thirstforlife, Just Move On, Blame Will and Skinflint.

Not This Time photo courtesy of Coady Photography