Kentucky Derby 2019 Radar: Omaha Beach to ship out
Following Instagrand, another would-be challenger for Game Winner and Improbable in Saturday’s San Felipe Stakes (G2) is re-routing to a different Kentucky Derby 2019 prep. But it has nothing to do with avoiding a matchup with California’s Big 2 Triple Crown hopefuls.
Trainer Richard Mandella told XBTV's Millie Ball that Omaha Beach, a nine-length maiden winner back on Feb. 2 at Santa Anita Park, will instead target a prep race at Oaklawn Park, allowing more time to repair a quarter crack.
“We’re lucky we got a nice patch on it,” Mandella told XBTV of the Fox Hill Farms runner. “Had a good work (Friday), so we’re back in the game.”
Omaha Beach breezed five furlongs in 1:00.80, getting experience along the way of running behind stablemates. In his last start, the son of War Front rated kindly going seven furlongs over a sloppy, sealed track, before surging ahead with a half mile to go.
“He was much the best, which he is most of the time when he works,” Mandella said. “I think he’s a young guy learning what he’s doing and gonna get better and better.”
Oaklawn Park’s Rebel Stakes (G2) runs March 16, a week later than the San Felipe.
Mandella does plan to be represented in the Derby trail’s next stop in California with Jay Em Ess Stable’s Extra Hope, who won his Jan. 31 season debut in allowance company by 3 1/4 lengths, also over a sloppy track.
Extra Hope, by Shanghai Bobby, will be making his eighth career start. Two back, he ran third to Improbable in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G1).
Mandella regards the colt as “kind of a surprise.”
“I didn’t think he was that good before I ran him,” the trainer told XBTV. “With racing he’s turning into the real deal. We’re going to try here next Saturday and see what he’s made of.”
If connections can dodge the raindrops at Santa Anita Park, Extra Hope’s due for another breeze with his last drill Monday going five furlongs in 1:01.20, also starting behind horses.
Mandella has saddled six Kentucky Derby starters, but none since 2004, when Action This Day ran sixth and Minister Eric 16th at Churchill Downs.