Midshipman and Desert Party both nominated to the Blue Grass
DiscreetCat
Moderator
I read a while back that this would happen. It doesn't necessarily mean that either of them will run, but they might. If so, it would mark the first time that a Dubai-based 3yo has shipped to America for a traditional Derby prep.
from Brisnet:
MIDSHIPMAN (Unbridled's Song), the 2008 champion juvenile colt, highlights an all-star list of 183 three-year-olds nominated to Keeneland's $750,000 Blue Grass S. (G1), which is scheduled for April 11.
The 1 1/8-mile Blue Grass, contested over Keeneland's Polytrack surface, is one of the country's richest preps for the Kentucky Derby (G1). Nineteen horses, including most recently Street Sense in 2007, have used the Blue Grass as a steppingstone to victory in the Derby. Counted among this year's 183 nominations, the most in more than two decades, are many of the nation's top Triple Crown contenders.
"This is a highly accomplished roster of nominees; we thank our horsemen for their great support," Keeneland Director of Racing Rogers Beasley said. "Keeneland in the spring is a very special place to go racing, for owners and trainers as well as fans. We feel it is an outstanding showcase for Triple Crown contenders."
Reigning two-year-old champion Midshipman earned an Eclipse Award following wins in last year's Del Mar Futurity (G1) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). The chestnut colt has spent this winter training in Dubai, where he is anticipated to make his sophomore debut in next Thursday's Al Bastakiya.
Godolphin, who owns Midshipman, is also represented in the Blue Grass by recent U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3) winner DESERT PARTY (Street Cry [Ire]), who captured the Sanford S. (G2) at Saratoga last season.
Blue Grass nominees include prominent names on the Triple Crown Trail, including Zayat Stables' PIONEEROF THE NILE (Empire Maker), winner of the CashCall Futurity (G1) and Robert B. Lewis (G2); Joseph Rauch and David Zell's CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN (Candy Ride [Arg]) and Elizabeth Valando's HELLO BROADWAY (Broken Vow), the respective one-two finishers in the Hutcheson S. (G2); Vinery Stables and Fox Hill Farms' FRIESAN FIRE (A.P. Indy), hero of the Lecomte S. (G3) and Risen Star S. (G3); Sid and Jenny Craig Trust's CHOCOLATE CANDY (Candy Ride [Arg]), victor of the El Camino Real Derby (G3); Thomas McCarthy's GENERAL QUARTERS (Sky Mesa), king of the Sam F. Davis (G3); Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor's undefeated DUNKIRK (Unbridled's Song), the $3.7 million sale topper at Keeneland's 2007 September Yearling Sale; and IEAH Stable, John Sikura et al's PATENA (Seeking the Gold), second in the Lecomte.
Todd Pletcher led all trainers with 13 nominees, followed by Steve Asmussen (12) and D. Wayne Lukas (10). Last year, Pletcher became only the second trainer in Blue Grass history to saddle the one-two finishers -- Monba (Maria's Mon) and Cowboy Cal (Giant's Causeway), respectively. Pletcher also won the 2005 Blue Grass with Bandini.
from Brisnet:
MIDSHIPMAN (Unbridled's Song), the 2008 champion juvenile colt, highlights an all-star list of 183 three-year-olds nominated to Keeneland's $750,000 Blue Grass S. (G1), which is scheduled for April 11.
The 1 1/8-mile Blue Grass, contested over Keeneland's Polytrack surface, is one of the country's richest preps for the Kentucky Derby (G1). Nineteen horses, including most recently Street Sense in 2007, have used the Blue Grass as a steppingstone to victory in the Derby. Counted among this year's 183 nominations, the most in more than two decades, are many of the nation's top Triple Crown contenders.
"This is a highly accomplished roster of nominees; we thank our horsemen for their great support," Keeneland Director of Racing Rogers Beasley said. "Keeneland in the spring is a very special place to go racing, for owners and trainers as well as fans. We feel it is an outstanding showcase for Triple Crown contenders."
Reigning two-year-old champion Midshipman earned an Eclipse Award following wins in last year's Del Mar Futurity (G1) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). The chestnut colt has spent this winter training in Dubai, where he is anticipated to make his sophomore debut in next Thursday's Al Bastakiya.
Godolphin, who owns Midshipman, is also represented in the Blue Grass by recent U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3) winner DESERT PARTY (Street Cry [Ire]), who captured the Sanford S. (G2) at Saratoga last season.
Blue Grass nominees include prominent names on the Triple Crown Trail, including Zayat Stables' PIONEEROF THE NILE (Empire Maker), winner of the CashCall Futurity (G1) and Robert B. Lewis (G2); Joseph Rauch and David Zell's CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN (Candy Ride [Arg]) and Elizabeth Valando's HELLO BROADWAY (Broken Vow), the respective one-two finishers in the Hutcheson S. (G2); Vinery Stables and Fox Hill Farms' FRIESAN FIRE (A.P. Indy), hero of the Lecomte S. (G3) and Risen Star S. (G3); Sid and Jenny Craig Trust's CHOCOLATE CANDY (Candy Ride [Arg]), victor of the El Camino Real Derby (G3); Thomas McCarthy's GENERAL QUARTERS (Sky Mesa), king of the Sam F. Davis (G3); Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor's undefeated DUNKIRK (Unbridled's Song), the $3.7 million sale topper at Keeneland's 2007 September Yearling Sale; and IEAH Stable, John Sikura et al's PATENA (Seeking the Gold), second in the Lecomte.
Todd Pletcher led all trainers with 13 nominees, followed by Steve Asmussen (12) and D. Wayne Lukas (10). Last year, Pletcher became only the second trainer in Blue Grass history to saddle the one-two finishers -- Monba (Maria's Mon) and Cowboy Cal (Giant's Causeway), respectively. Pletcher also won the 2005 Blue Grass with Bandini.