Kentucky Derby Alumni Update for Feb. 16
Feb 16, 2022
With a big weekend coming up at Fair Grounds and stakes-level racing all over the country, familiar faces from the Kentucky Derby and Oaks have been in action through February. Let’s check in on the latest to see the starter, as well as a Derby runner who has been off for a long time but is working toward a return.
Hot Rod Charlie (3rd, 2021 Kentucky Derby) got a local prep for the Dubai World Cup in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (G2) Feb. 4. He disputed the pace inside of Al Nefud much of the race, responded when urged near the quarter, and gradually dispatched with his nearest foe down the lane. He crossed the finish 5 1/4 lengths clear of Al Nefud.
Popular gray Soup and Sandwich (19th, 2021 Kentucky Derby), off to a rough start in a seven-furlong allowance at Gulfstream on Feb. 5, was left in an unusual position for him, off the pace. He made gradual improvement down the lane, crossing the wire fourth, 3 3/4 lengths behind winner Candy Man Rocket. However, Soup and Sandwich was only a neck out of second.
Coach (9th, 2021 Kentucky Oaks) was sent off the 9-5 favorite in the Bayakoa (G3) on Feb. 12, off her win in the Pippin at Oaklawn last month. She battled on the pace with second choice Matera, and even led narrowly to midstretch. However, she flattened out in the final furlong, crossing the finish fourth, 2 3/4 lengths behind Miss Bigly.
Super Stock (16th, 2021 Kentucky Derby) returned to graded company for the first time since his Oklahoma Derby (G3) third in September when contesting the Razorback Handicap (G3) Feb. 12. Toward the rear early, he improved to a tracking spot down the back straight, but gradually flattened out down the lane. He crossed the wire eighth and last, 5 1/2 lengths adrift of winning favorite Plainsman.
Major Fed (10th, 2020 Kentucky Derby) tries the lawn for the first time Feb. 19 at Fair Grounds. He drew the fourth gate in an 11-horse field for the Fair Grounds Stakes (G3), where he will face a field that includes defending champion Captivating Moon, and Arlington turf Grade 1 winners Two Emmys and Point Me By.
O Besos (5th, 2021 Kentucky Derby), winner of his Fair Grounds allowance return on Jan. 2, steps back into stakes company Feb. 19 for the Mineshaft (G3). He breaks from the eighth gate in the field of eleven, and will face a field including up-and-comers like Olympiad and Miles D.
Enforceable (7th, 2020 Kentucky Derby) has not raced since a ninth-place finish in an allowance optional claiming race June 18 at Churchill Downs. He will make his five-year-old debut in the Dust Commander Stakes at Turfway Park, where he drew the fifth gate of eight. It will be his first career start on a synthetic surface.
Tax (14th, 2019 Kentucky Derby) has been off since running 10th behind Knicks Go in the 2021 Pegasus World Cup (G1). He has returned to the worktab this month, however, posting a pair of drills this month at the Palm Meadows Training Center.
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