Coal Battle catches Speed King in Remington Springboard Mile

Dec 14, 2024 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Norman Stables’ Coal Battle launched a sustained rally to run down 2-1 favorite Speed King in the final strides of Friday night’s $300,000 Remington Springboard Mile. Well handled by Juan Vargas, the Lonnie Briley trainee prevailed by a half-length and earned his first 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Speed King, who was coming off a front-running debut victory in a Churchill Downs sprint, lived up to his name by flashing early speed again. But this time, he didn’t have it all his own way up front. Instead, Speed King had company in the form of Dr Ruben M, the 3.40-1 second choice.

After Speed King took the lead into the clubhouse turn, Dr Ruben M ranged alongside to apply pressure. The two sparred down the backstretch, around the far turn, and to the top of the lane.

Meanwhile, Coal Battle had been relaxing in midpack. The 6.90-1 chance actually broke very well from his rail post, but in keeping with his closing style, he dropped back to conserve energy for the finish. Coal Battle still had nearly six lengths to make up as the leaders turned for home, but their early exertions would eventually take a toll.

Speed King won the battle with the tiring Dr Ruben M and pulled clear in midstretch. Just when the favorite gained control, however, Coal Battle emerged as a danger.

Initially lugging in a bit while racing on his left lead, Coal Battle straightened out upon switching leads, and that was decisive. Once channeling his momentum correctly, the dark bay proved too strong for Speed King in a final time of 1:39.25 for the mile at Remington Park.

Speed King picked up five points in his stakes and two-turn debut. Dominant Spirit checked in another five lengths back in an even third (three points). Dr Ruben M salvaged fourth (two points) by a neck from the closing Jolly Samurai (one point). Brooklyn Alley Cat, Mister Omaha, Keeno, Complex Music, Medicine Dog, Essay, and Blue Angel completed the order of finish.

Coal Battle wins the Springboard Mile and earns 10 points on the Road to the #KyDerby! 🌹 pic.twitter.com/bdZn3UavX9

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) December 14, 2024

Coal Battle was winning his second straight stakes, having rolled from off the pace in the 6 1/2-furlong Jean Lafitte S. at Delta Downs. Although he had failed to factor in his prior starts at a mile on turf, his rallying fourth in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile implied that he could handle the distance. Coal Battle’s seventh in a Keeneland turf allowance was less encouraging, but the winner of that race was none other than future Remsen (G2) victor Poster.

Coal Battle’s sire, Coal Front, gave further hope that he would stay the trip. Himself a son of Stay Thirsty, Coal Front scored his richest win in the 2019 Godolphin Mile (G2) on Dubai World Cup night. The maternal side of Coal Battle’s pedigree is more speed-oriented. He’s out of the Midshipman mare Wolfblade, who placed in a West Virginia-bred sprint stakes.

Bred by Hume Wornall and Jay Adcock in Kentucky, Coal Battle was sold for $70,000 at the Texas Thoroughbred Association Yearling Sale. His resume now reads 5-3-0-0, $307,625.