Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Skinner

Apr 28, 2023 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

C R K Stable’s Skinner ranks 19th on the 2023 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series leaderboard with 45 points. The sophomore colt most recently finished a close third in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 8, which rewarded the talented youngster with 30 points.

Skinner was unveiled on July 24, 2022 in a five-furlong maiden special weight at Del Mar, where he made a mild and belated run to finish a non-threatening fifth. The John Shirreffs trainee was sent directly to the stakes ranks for his second lifetime try, and the son of Curlin rallied to register a third-place finish in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) on Sept. 11. In his two-year-old finale, the colt was unplaced in the American Pharoah (G1) at Santa Anita.

The stretch-running bay made his three-year-old bow at Santa Anita on Feb. 12 and cruised home an impressive 3 1/4-length maiden special weight winner while running one mile. He preceded his Santa Anita Derby effort with a third-place result in the San Felipe (G2) on March 4. His lifetime line reads 6-1-0-3, with earnings of $216,300.

Skinner was bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings and passed through the sales ring on a pair of occasions. He brought the gavel down at $40,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale prior to attracting a final bid of $510,000 at the 2022 OBS April Spring Sale of Two-Year-Old in Training. The talented colt was produced from Grade 3 heroine Winding Way, who counts herself as a full-sister to three-time Grade 2 winner Kauai Katie.

Skinner has earned Brisnet Speed ratings of 96-98-99 this campaign, while also registering Late Pace ratings of 99-104-107 in that trio of endeavors. Skinner has a female family that is slanted toward speed, but with that said he gives the impression of a three-year-old who will perform well at the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby distance. He has push-button acceleration and also has the foundation to be fully fit on May 6 beneath the Twin Spires. Leading California jockey Juan Hernandez will guide the interesting contender.