Some fine thoroughbreds feature in the UAE Derby which was won by Dubai World Cup (2018) winner, Thunder Snow. Winner and runner-up also begin their Kentucky Derby (2019) journey.
Japanese trainer Hirofumi Toda aspires to win the American Triple Crown with his stable star Derma Louvre. The Derby will be only the second start for the son of Pyro.
In his exclusive interview with Ten Furlongs, Angus Gold revealed that Shadwell hopes to send their young colt Jahbath on the Kentucky Derby road, via Dubai.
Charlie Appleby trained Divine Image, is a force to be reconned with at age three. The filly is the one to beat in this race. She knows the track; the connections know the race and she has the form to win.
Scat Daddy colt, Van Beethoven runs for the same connections as last year’s UAE Derby winner Mendelssohn (Coolmore/Aidan O’Brien) but can he win the race is the biggest question. His form thus far shows he may not be a major contender for the win.
Graydar colt Gray Magician second to the impressive Always mining in Laurel Park’s Miracle Wood Stakes could emerge a top-level contender.
The Phoenix Ladies syndicate have two horses in contention. Walking Thunder has won three of his four starts. The ladies are definitely taking him to the Ky Derby if he wins. Their other colt, Superior, was runner-up in the Al Bastakiya behind Divine Image. He may need a big step up in class, to win with this August company.
Imperial Racing owned-Plus Que Parfait was runner-up in the Gr.2 Kentucky Jockey Club, won by Signalman. The latter’s trainer, Kenny McPeek also a horse in the running (Grecko) but he had to be withdrawn earlier this week. Plus Que Parfait is definitely looking to secure his Kentucky Derby berth by winning this major prep race.
Top rated Maguzi was third behind Divine Image and Superior in the Al Bastakiya Stakes, both of he will face again.
Stubbins, who won an off-the-turf edition of Santa Anita Park’s Pasadena Stakes in his last start, Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas winner, Estihdaaf, Dubai World Cup winning Animal Kingdom colt Golden Jaguar and Saeed bin Suroor’s Swift Rose complete the field.
Coming from the United States are the Grade 2-placed Plus Que Parfait, who put forth a pair of flat efforts to open his season at Fair Grounds; Stubbins, who won an off-the-turf edition of Santa Anita Park’s Pasadena Stakes in his last start; and Gray Magician, second to the impressive Always mining in Laurel Park’s Miracle Wood Stakes.
Winner 2018: Mendelssohn
Click here to Runner list 2019
Race Info:
Distance:1,900 meters (1 3/16 miles), Surface: dirt, left-handed, Qualification: 3-year-olds from the Northern & 4-year-olds from the Southern Hemisphere, Weight: NH: 54.5kg. - SH: 59.5kg Allowance fillies 2kg., Purse: US$2,500,000
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com