Graded Stakes Earnings 2009 Derby Contenders
Quality Road Questionable, Square Eddie Moves Up, Mafaaz Out
Apr 22, 2009
Quality Road's quarter crack in his right hind foot has raised concerns for his Kentucky Derby entry. Although there would seem to be time for the strong Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby winner to get good works and to review their results, the Derby prep trail is always a tough one to complete.
Trainer Jimmy Jerkens wants to wait for a final work seven to ten days before the Derby to make a Run for the Roses decision for Quality Road.
Other Kentucky Derby Contenders Out
Mafaaz, a winner of England's special Win-and-You're-In race, The Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes, is off the Derby trail. Off the board in his last race, Mafaaz has been newly stabled with Kiaran McLaughlin and presently is not being considered for the Derby.
Also out is Giant Oak, who went second in the Illinois Derby; Terrain, high on the graded stakes earnings list; and Charitable Man, a bubble contender for the Derby.
Summer Bird, a $100,000 graded stakes earner, has claimed the No. 20 spot on the Derby contenders list. Last time out, Summer Bird finished third in the Arkansas Derby, won by Papa Clem.
This Week's Graded Stakes Earnings List
- No. 1 --- Regal Ranson --- $1,250,000
- No. 2 --- Pioneerof The Nile --- $1,193,250
- No. 3 --- Square Eddie --- $804,981
- No. 4 --- I Want Revenge --- $774,000
- No. 5 --- Papa Clem --- $760,000
- No. 6 --- Desert Party --- $641,667
- No. 7 --- Quality Road --- $600,000
- No. 8 --- General Quarters --- $595,645
- No. 9 --- Friesan Fire --- $570,465
- No.10 --- Musket Man --- $485,000
- No.11 --- Hold Me Back --- $438,000
- No.12 --- West Side Bernie --- $385,160
- No.13 --- Chocolate Candy --- $370,000
- No.14 --- Win Willy --- $230,000
- No.15 --- Advice --- $206,845
- No.16 --- Dunkirk --- $150,000
- No.17 --- Mine That Bird --- $138,705
- No.18 --- Flying Private --- $124,000
- No.19 --- Mr. Hot Stuff --- $114,000
- No.20 --- Summer Bird --- $100,000
Only the top twenty in graded stakes earnings will make the Derby field, but injuries, or decisions to hold horses out for whatever reason, may still change the Derby entry list. The next five horses on the Derby bubble are:
- No.21 --- Join the Dance --- $90,000
- No.22 --- Take the Points --- $85,000
- No.23 --- Just a Coincidence --- $75,000
- No.24 --- His Greatness --- $53,750
- No.25 --- Flat Out --- $32,500
Derby Picture Changes Right Up to Post Time
It's a constant changing picture before Derby day lineups are finally declared. Jockeys change mounts, as well, riding and vying for the candidates they think might be the next Derby champion.
Edgar Prado, for example, had early assignments on juvenile looker Vineyard Haven and Hello Broadway, who placed in this year's Hutcheson Stakes. Last weekend, Prado got the saddle on Square Eddie, who finished third in the Lexington.
Kent Desormeaux was successful with Theregoesjojo, who was unable to stay Derby qualified. Recently, Desormeaux got kudos with Hold Me Back in the Blue Grass Stakes, finishing second out of a traffic jam to Eibar Coa-ridden General Quarters.
It's the usual long, winding road to roses. Stand by for May 2 at Churchill Downs.
