If you skip the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve after your 3-year-old can be a turbulent decision, it can be.
After all, it is the most eminent and coveted race in sport.
But for the connections by Winstar Farm, Chc Inc., Pantofel Stable and quail Stable's River Thames, it was no exquisite decision to keep him in his stand on the first Saturday in May in May and to refer to the Preakness Stakes on May 17th in Pimlico.
“This was a case in which we committed ourselves quite early. We were only for the best option for this horse,” said coach Todd Pletcher. “It is usually complex to resist the temptation to run in the Kentucky Derby, but at the time we decided that Winstar had the Tappan Street for the derby, unfortunately he [was injured] But I don't think that would have changed our plan. After the Blue Grass Stakes, this was the best option. “
As a Up-to-date York son of Macleans Music, River Thame was second in the Coolmore fountain of youth missions after pressing the early pace of a miniature second place, and was even third in the Blue Grass Stakes. After a few internal discussions, however, the decision was made to prepare on the prevention. In a rapid train, River Thames went from a long shot in the Kentucky Derby to one of the favorites in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, where he will have more placid and a shorter distance of 1 3/16 miles.
“We felt that we were a high -ranking horse and we dropped him early on. We had run him three times in seven weeks,” said Elliott Walden, CEO, President and race director of the Winstar Farm. “We ran him in the blue grass and had the feeling that a lot asked him to run back in the derby in four weeks. It was the right decision to give him the additional weeks, and hopefully he will have a substantial management. We are excited.”
Although he did not run in the Kentucky Derby, the 1 1/4 mileage classic was reflected on River Thaames quite well. In the youth fountain, only in his third career start, he was second from a neck to sovereignty, which won the derby with 1 1/2 lengths, but is not in the prevention.
“I think it was the right decision to skip the Kentucky derby, and the result has flattered its shape a little,” said Pletcher. “He was just stolen from sovereignty in the youth fountain.”
With the type of keen tactical speed, which should keep it nearby at the early pace, River Thames fits well in Pimlico, where the last three winners of the prevalance were either first or second after the opening of the half mile.
“I think his running style goes with Pimlico,” said Pletcher.
The River Thames was bought for $ 200,000 at the FASIG-TIPTON SARATOGA 2023.
“He was one of our top 2 year olds last year. They watch him in the barn and they would not know, but they watch him bite and he brakes really well. He gallops nice and effortless and is simply for himself,” said Walden. “His sportiness and its ability to show and wear speed are impressive.”
After his debut victory, River Thame took an optional allowance of a mile with 6 1/2 length before entering the Stakes Company. In front of the blue grass, Pantofel bought the stable and quail stable into the owner group.
“Everything he has done is very impressive. They think about it [third] With a mile and eighth in the blue grass, “said Pletcher.” He got a long way in a miniature time. It is always enlarged like a talented horse and has appeared on top level races. Hopefully that will give him fresh come, a tiny edge that we need in the prevention. “
The river of the discrete cat mare of CTR stables from the discrete cat mare has earned the Thames 1 level $ 261,900.
For Pletcher, the 2 million dollar -specifics could complete a personal triple crown for the Hall of Fame trainer on Saturday. Pletcher, the welfare of the sport, has won the Kentucky Derby twice and Belmont Stakes four times, but he is 0: 10 in the preak with a third in 2000 with office survey.
On Saturday it will be up to the Thames to end these strips and offer a dividend to be patient.
“He never drove a bad race. His shape stops pretty well [jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.] I had the feeling that he moved too early and learned a bit about the Colt, “said Walden.
