Independence Hall begins Derby trail in Jerome

Dec 29, 2019 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Arguably the most exciting Kentucky Derby (G1) prospect yet to try a points race, Independence Hall will rectify that situation in Wednesday’s $150,000 Jerome at Aqueduct.

The unbeaten colt was last seen romping by 12 1/4 lengths in the November 3 Nashua (G3), when he sped in 1:34.66 over this same track and one-mile trip. Instead of advancing to the December 7 Remsen (G2), however, Independence Hall was freshened with a longer-range plan in mind.

'We're real pleased with how he's doing coming into this race,' trainer Michael Trombetta told NYRA publicity. 'That was a real big effort he gave in the Nashua and we've given him a lot of time to recover since then.

“Part of the plan in returning to Aqueduct for this race was the comfort level in him having run already at the track. We believe this race will be a good place to start in kicking off his campaign before we head south to continue our plans in mapping out the year.'

By hot freshman sire Constitution, Independence Hall debuted on Pennsylvania Derby Day at Parx for owners Robert and Kathleen Verratti. After his 4 3/4-length score, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Twin Creeks Racing Stables bought into the promising youngster.

Independence Hall looms as the heavy favorite over six rivals on New Year’s Day, as they all celebrate their official third birthday. Drawn in post 3 with Jose Ortiz, he ranks as the 123-pound highweight spotting five pounds to the rest.

Prince of Pharaohs is the only other entrant with a win going a mile. The son of Triple Crown star and champion freshman sire American Pharaoh wired fellow New York-breds by five lengths at Belmont Park October 13. The Linda Rice pupil is likely to show speed from his rail post, but Independence Hall is naturally quicker unless he’d prefer to stalk.  

Bourbon Bay, who missed by a neck first time out here, rallied to a 2 1/4-length success despite a troubled start in his latest. Trainer Mark Hennig believes that stepping up from sprints will suit the son of 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Bayern.

'He's really developed well since we purchased him,” Hennig said. 'I thought he ran very well in both his starts so far. He's had some issues at the gate, but we've been working on that so hopefully we've resolved them. He's running in there against a bear (Independence Hall), but he should appreciate the added distance stretching out to a mile. I think Jose (Lezcano) has ridden him well both times and has developed a good relationship with him.'

Polar Bear Pete, entered in the Nashua but scratched, was most recently third to well-regarded Three Technique in an Aqueduct allowance. The debut winner of a $75,000 maiden claimer at Belmont has a way to go before living up to his New York Mets namesake, Pete Alonso.

Celtic Striker stretches out following a front-running maiden score in the Monmouth Park slop. Inside Risk, claimed for $50,000 out of his Saratoga debut victory, subsequently trailed in both the Hopeful (G1) and Grey (G3). Note that the son of 2007 Kentucky Derby hero Street Sense has been gelded in the interim, and it’s possible he’ll improve for the operation. Dubai Bobby, another graduate of the maiden claiming ranks, rolled for a $40,000 tag at Belmont but was well beaten in an entry-level allowance in his latest. Both came in turf sprints, and he now reverts to the main track.

Worth points on the 10-4-2-1 scale to the respective top four finishers, the Jerome is scheduled to go off at 3:55 p.m. (EST), and you can watch and wager at TwinSpires.com.