By J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”) Twitter: @J_Keelerman
Ever for the reason that purse for the
Ohio Derby (G3) at Thistledown elevated to its present $500,000 in 2015, the 1
1/8-mile race has been received regularly by Triple Crown alumni.
Final yr, it was Kentucky
Derby (G1) runner-up Two Phil’s who dominated the Ohio Derby by 5 3/4 lengths.
In 2022, Derby also-rans Tawny Port, White Abarrio, and Traditional Causeway ran
1-2-3 within the Ohio Derby. In 2019, Preakness (G1) third-place finisher Owendale
proved finest. In 2017, Derby also-rans Irap, Girvin, and Untrapped accomplished
one other Ohio Derby trifecta sweep. In 2016, Derby eighth-place finisher Mo Tom
bounced again to win the Ohio Derby by three lengths, and in 2015 Derby and
Preakness veteran Mr. Z defeated Derby also-ran Tencendur and Preakness
third-place finisher Divining Rod.
All that is main to 1
conclusion: #8 Catching Freedom is
going to be robust to defeat within the 2024 Ohio Derby developing this Saturday.
Catching Freedom is one among
three Triple Crown alumni within the 10-horse subject. The opposite two—#5 Uncle Heavy and #10 Mugatu, who completed sixth and eighth within the Preakness—are
respectable runners, however they’re going to be longshots in comparison with Catching Freedom, who
boasts a pair of top-four finishes from the spring classics.
Catching Freedom has
competed completely in opposition to stakes competitors this yr and hasn’t run a nasty
race. He kicked off his marketing campaign with a stretch-running rating within the Smarty
Jones S. at Oaklawn Park, successful by 2 1/2 lengths over future Arkansas Derby
(G1) runner-up Simply Metal. Then he took his sport to Truthful Grounds, the place he
completed a troubled third within the Risen Star (G2) behind future Kentucky Derby
runner-up Sierra Leone earlier than charging from final to first to win the Louisiana Derby
(G2) over Kentucky Jockey Membership (G2) hero Honor Marie.
Within the Louisiana Derby,
Catching Freedom completed quick on the clock (operating his last three furlongs
in roughly :36.58) and earned sturdy pace figures of 97 (Beyer) and 100
(Brisnet). This efficiency stamped Catching Freedom as an 8-1 probability within the
Kentucky Derby, wherein he closed floor resolutely to complete fourth by 1 3/4
lengths.
Catching Freedom ran even
higher within the Preakness. Racing over a muddy observe, he settled a bit nearer to
the tempo than normal (fifth place in a subject of eight) earlier than gaining floor to
end third by 2 1/4 lengths. He was crushed solely a head for second place by
Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and earned pace figures of 97 (Beyer) and 102
(Brisnet).
Though Catching Freedom
has been busy this yr, he is bounced out of the Preakness with encouraging
exercises at Churchill Downs, clocking half a mile in :49 3/5 earlier than sprinting
5 furlongs in :59 3/5. From all appearances he is thriving on his
action-packed schedule, setting the stage for one more sturdy displaying within the
Ohio Derby.
The one attainable chink I can
see in Catching Freedom’s armor is his lack of tactical pace; on paper, there
is not a lot tempo within the Ohio Derby subject, so there is a good probability the race will
unfold at a modest clip. However on the intense facet, Catching Freedom hasn’t been
pace-dependent to date (the Louisiana Derby tempo was modest and the Risen Star
tempo was on the sluggish facet), so he should not be too bothered by the dearth of tempo
in Saturday’s subject, particularly since he confirmed improved positional pace in
the Preakness. I am inclined to imagine dropping at school will ship Catching
Freedom to the Thistledown winner’s circle no matter whether or not he receives a
favorable setup or not.
For second place, I am eager
to help #9 Batten Down, who has
made gradual progress this yr for Corridor of Fame coach Invoice Mott. A son of
Tapit out of champion Shut Hatches, Batten Down is a stoutly bred full-brother
to Belmont (G1) runner-up and three-time Grade 2 winner Tacitus.
Batten Down cracked the
trifecta in two of his first three begins, then broke by means of fourth-time out
when stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for a Churchill Downs maiden particular
weight. The grey colt made the lead by means of modest fractions and steadily
widened his benefit to win simply by 8 3/4 lengths, incomes pace figures of
93 (Beyer) and 97 (Brisnet).
Batten Down was thought of
for a begin within the Belmont (G1) earlier than being rerouted to the Ohio Derby. Because the
solely apparent pacesetter within the subject, he figures to work out one other favorable
journey on the entrance finish, just like his maiden victory. I am undecided Batten Down
is sort of prepared to overcome Catching Freedom, who holds an edge within the pace
determine division, however this Juddmonte homebred is progressing in the appropriate
route and has a robust probability to complete within the exacta on Saturday.
Now it is your flip! Who do
you want within the Ohio Derby?
*****
Need to check your handicapping abilities in opposition to fellow Unlocking Winners readers? Try the Unlocking Winners contest web page—there is a new problem each week! (Please observe: older contest entries might be discovered right here.)
J. Keeler Johnson (also called “Keelerman”) is a author, videographer, voice actor, handicapper, and all-around horse racing fanatic. An awesome fan of racing historical past, he considers Dr. Fager to be the best racehorse ever produced in America, however counts Zenyatta as his all-time favourite.