Denis of Cork in The Triple Crown
Harlan's Holiday--Unbridled Girl Colt Was Derby 3rd, Belmont 2nd
Jun 12, 2008
In two sterling efforts, Denis of Cork, a Harlan's Holiday--Unbridled Girl (by Unbridled) colt, showed he belonged in the season's Triple Crown series, as he finished third in the Kentucky Derby and second in the long, grueling "test of a champion" Belmont Stakes. He earned second best honors in the classics for three-year-olds.
Pedigree, Denis of Cork
Denis of Cork's sire, Harlan's Holiday, is a Harlan product, who was sired by Storm Cat and Halo mare County Romance. Harlan's Holiday is out of the Affirmed mare Christmas in Aiken. One of Harlan's sons is Menifee, who opposed Charismatic in the 1999 classics.
Bred by Florida's Westbury Stables, Denis of Cork is owned by Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren.
Early Season Derby Dozen Choice
As early as March 1, Denis of Cork appeared on the Derby Dozen list compiled weekly by The Blood-Horse magazine writer Steve Haskin. The Thoroughbred expert's choice was based on Denis of Cork's three victories at three different distances on three different tracks.
Breaking his maiden on Nov.24 at Churchill Downs was perhaps Denis of Cork's promise to return to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby in May. In that maiden contest, Denis of Cork ran down Stungbythestorm, a Steve Asmussen-trained entry, in a stirring charge through the lane, coming back from five lengths off the pace.
On to Fair Grounds and Oaklawn Park
Denis of Cork also traveled well in his learning curve. From his Kentucky maiden win, he shipped to Fair Grounds and entered his first two-turn race. Running in sloppy conditions, Denis of Cork showed adaptability. Although more cautious in the mud, the colt hung in to win by a head.
In February, Denis of Cork showed up at Oaklawn Park for the Southwest Stakes, a one mile challenge. He beat Sierra Sunset and Liberty Bull in easy fashion, putting himself on the Kentucky Derby map, and pricking ears in Thoroughbred corners everywhere.
David Carroll, Trainer; Calvin Borel, Rider
Denis of Cork runs out of the modest stable of trainer David Carroll. Carroll, 48, is the son of a jockey, and he was an exercise rider for Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey. He helped train Easy Goer, Personal Flag, and Seeking the Gold before commanding his own operation.
In his stable this season are 21 other racers, including Blackberry Road.
Last season's Kentucky Derby winning jockey, Calvin Borel rode Denis of Cork in this year's Derby. Borel took Denis of Cork right up the rail in his familiar style in the Derby to finish third behind the filly Eight Belles and winner Big Brown.
Denis of Cork Belmont Third with Albarado
Carroll decided to skip the Preakness Stakes with Denis of Cork, and when the colt returned for the Belmont Stakes, he had a new rider, Robby Albarado. Albarado guided the inexperienced Curlin to three classic money finishes last season.
In the Belmont, Albarado got Denis of Cork up to second behind Da' Tara when the favorite, Big Brown, faded inexplicably.
In placing in two of the three Triple Crown races, Denis of Cork has earned his way to second best three-year-old in training on the season thus far.
