OK….I live in Chicago, so I am biased toward the Illinois Derby ($500,000, Grade III), which was royally screwed by Churchill Downs being tossed out as a KY Derby prep race after many years. This was done in favor of giving KY Derby points to Dubai Meydan and Sunland despite former Derby champ War Front and others, like Cowtown Cat, Pollard’s Vision and Sweetsouthernsaint, who have competed well in this race and moving on to better things.
That said the Illinois Derby has been reduced to an undercard, although there are some good ones this year, including Midnight Hawk, Dynamic Impact and Global Strike.
KEEP THIS IN MIND….Hawthorne is one of the best maintained dirt tracks around and they have a real knack for tailoring it to speed or for deep close. Watch some of the early races to see how it is playing. If it plays deep, the entire complexion of the ILL Derby could change. My guess is that they go neutral here offering a very honest surface that will play fair with the weather sunny and 62 degrees.
Here’s a looksee:
#1 Dynamic Impact is an up and comer. Today could be his graduation into the big time. A son of Tiznow, I was a bit puzzled when trainer Casse picked Mena to ride thinking that all of the good jocks must be on spring break. However, when Mena rode Hawthorne in the early and mid-2000s, he was a king here, so take note.
#2 A Step Ahead is a ‘do not dismiss’ candidate for a major piece, if not a win. Here’s why…..Chris Block is by far the best trainer in Illinois (Catalano is based here, but more national these days), who has gained national prominence with horses like Giant Oak. He picks Chris Emigh, who will ride for win every inch of the way. The colt broke his maiden here and finished second in another one at Hawth. His Oak Lawn work was very good. Do yourself a favor a take a real good look.
#3 Midnight Hawk is the overwhelming 4-5 favorite and probably deserves to be. There is no Chitu, Candy Boy or Cal Chrome in this one. Baffert is serious about it, which is why he brings Marty Garcia to pilot. However, I continue to question this horse getting 1-1/8 miles, and that might be his bugaboo. There will be at least 3 or 4 gunning for the lead, so Hawk must be sure to stay clear for his stalk. If this becomes a speed ball, watch for a closer to come up.
#4 Irish You Well…..see my comments on Block as trainer Catalano is top notch here as well (Wayne is more of a national now rather than a local at Hawth these days), and he offers a top notch jock in Geroux, who might soon hit the national stage. While this colt has stayed in the mid-level maiden ranks, I think the son of Broken Vow is ready for this getting his last “work” on the grass (his future?) at Fairgrounds. Consider for a bite.
#5 King Cyrus is a Pletcher ‘B’ teamer, but before we dismiss at 8-1 on the ML, consider that Todd’s Joe Vann won this in fine fashion a few years ago with Geroux aboard….AND, Pletch has won this race 4 times! KC has done little wrong while on a limited trail, but hasn’t measured up to the big guys getting whipped pretty good in the La. Derby and the Hopeful. No surprise if he finds the winner’s circle. Todd is also serious about this bringing in Rosie to handle the chores on a horse owned by a college classmate of mine, Kenny Trout.