Blackadder strikes late in El Camino Real Derby

Blackadder races for Madaket’s consortium including SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Robert Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan, Golconda Stable, and Siena Farm. His trainer, Bob Baffert, is suspended by Churchill Downs Inc., so Blackadder is ineligible to receive points toward the Kentucky Derby (G1). The El Camino Real also offers a free berth to the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness (G1).

Sent off as the 3.80-1 second choice after an off-the-turf maiden score at Santa Anita, Blackadder was patiently handled by jockey Edwin Maldonado. The $620,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase bided his time in the latter part of the field until working his way into contention in the stretch.

Meanwhile, Mackinnon was playing catch-up. The Doug O’Neill trainee was pinched back right after breaking from post 2. Gradually improving position on the inside down the backstretch, the son of Triple Crown star American Pharoah was expending more energy than if he’d been able to secure a good spot early. 

Even so, Mackinnon was still full of run as he angled out on the far turn, and rallied past 178-1 longshot pacesetter Nuestro Engreido in the stretch. By that point, however, Blackadder was gaining momentum. Splitting rivals and ranging up on Mackinnon’s inner flank, the son of Quality Road outstayed the favorite by a neck. Blackadder completed 1 1/8 miles on the Tapeta surface in 1:50.34. 

Mackinnon earned four points, and combined with his prior point from a fourth in the Sham (G3), he now has five. Stalemate Del Mo, who is not Triple Crown-nominated, finished third to qualify for two points. Il Bellator got one point in fourth. 

C’Mon Man checked in fifth, followed by Boise, Nuestro Engreido, Unraptured, Stormy Samurai, Meetmeattheclub, and Dr Pescado. 

Blackadder has bankrolled $108,920 from his 4-2-0-1 line. A distant third behind stablemate Messier in his Santa Anita unveiling, the bay was a slow-starting fifth next time at Del Mar. Blackadder was intended to try turf back at Santa Anita Dec. 26, but the maiden was transferred to the main track. He got the job done with a rally from far back, and continued his progress in this first stakes attempt. 

Bred by Stone Farm in Kentucky, Blackadder is a full brother to Grade 2-placed stakes winner Gingham. They are out of the Pulpit mare Chapel, a full sister to graded turf performer Senada, and a half to Arthur’s Tale, runner-up in the 2011 Wood Memorial (G1).