Kentucky Derby 2019 Radar: Admire adds to Lecomte mix
Following up on another recent Kentucky Derby Radar update, the Albaugh Family Stables colts have race spots selected.
According to Fair Grounds’ publicity department, Churchill Downs maiden winner Admire is targeting the year's next points-paying prep race, the Jan. 19 Lecomte Stakes (G3) in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Come On Gerry, who won his first race at Gulfstream Park, will remain in Florida for the Feb. 2 Holy Bull (G2).
“We think Admire is ready to run now had some good works, sitting on go looking for a race, and thought the long stretch at the Fair Grounds would fit his style well,” said Jason Loutsch, racing manager for his father-in-law, the Iowa billionaire Dennis Albaugh.
“I like the timing of it. These are two big two-turn colts. They just keep getting better and better. We’re real excited.”
Albaugh Family Stable has entered a horse in the past three Kentucky Derbys: Brody’s Cause (2016), J Boys Echo (2017) and Free Drop Billy (2018). Each, as with Admire and Come On Gerry, were trained by Dale Romans.
A son of Cairo Prince, Admire was fifth on debut Nov. 2 going six furlongs at Churchill Downs but wheeled back later in the fall meet to win Nov. 24 in a 1 1/8-mile maiden special weight flight. The $360,000 Keeneland yearling purchase keeps to the Albaughs’ sales strategy.
“We look at individuals and pedigree that we think can get the distance,” Loutsch said. “This horse was gorgeous at the sale, and it was Cairo Prince’s first time being represented at the sale. He was in book one so that gives you an idea of what he looked like.”
Others targeting the Lecomte, at a mile and 70 yards, include fourth-place Breeders’ Cup Juvenile finisher Mr. Money and Plus Que Parfait, who was a narrow second to Signalman in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2).
Come On Gerry, meanwhile, figures to face the unbeaten Remsen (G2) winner Maximus Mischief in the Holy Bull. The Ontario-bred Come On Gerry cost $335,000 and also broke his maiden at second asking on Dec. 28.