Kentucky Derby 2019 Radar: U S Navy Cross impresses Brown

While U S Navy Cross’ debut win Saturday at Belmont Park won’t lead the colt to the Breeders’ Cup, trainer Chad Brown said he will plot a path to the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes, putting the colt on the 2019 Kentucky Derby Radar.

The $550,000 son of Curlin campaigned by Allen Stable and Peter Brant won by just 1 1/4 lengths, but he stopped the clock in 1:22.22 for seven furlongs, rallying from next to last early in a field of seven to win it.

“Obviously, stretching him out in distance would be ideal,” Brown said. “He should run all day, this horse, with his pedigree. Impressive debut.”

U S Navy Cross is out of the Honor Grades mare Honor Bestowed. Honor Grades, who was a half brother to A.P. Indy and Summer Squall, sired 1 1/4-mile winners.

When it comes to U S Navy Cross, “We’ll take our time with him,” Brown said. “If I can get to the Remsen somehow, that would be good. Maybe a race like the Nashua in between would make sense.”

The Remsen, at 1 1/8 miles, offers qualifying points toward the 2019 Kentucky Derby and runs Dec. 1 on the Cigar Mile undercard. The Grade 3 Nashua precedes it on Nov. 4 at eight furlongs.

Brown’s barn is stacked with nice looking 2-year-olds as he aims to do one better than 2018 Derby runner-up Good Magic. Among them are Grade 1 Champagne-bound Aurelius Maximus and and Complexity, both debut winners as well.

Checking the Derby Radar boxes for Bulletin:

Broke maiden on major circuit

Connections with Derby experience

Sire known for two-turn runners