Asmussen expects Untrapped to be sharp for Ohio Derby

Third choice on the morning line at 9-2, Untrapped is one of four Kentucky Derby (G1) starters entered in Saturday’s $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) at JACK Thistledown. Unplaced in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Untrapped earned his way to the Run for the Roses with runner-up finishes in the LeComte (G3) and Risen Star (G2) stakes and a third-place effort in the Rebel (G2) that was a nose from second. Each time he was beaten two lengths or less.

 

Untrapped will break from post two in the Ohio Derby, and like many in the field he typically comes from off the pace. “I think he drew well,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. “With the time off since the Kentucky Derby I expect him to be fairly sharp.”

 

Ricardo Santana Jr. was aboard for Untrapped’s first four races, including the LeComte and Risen Star, as well as the Kentucky Derby, and has the call again Saturday.

 

Untrapped put in an easy breeze at Churchill Downs last Sunday, going four furlongs in :50.20.

 

 

Most contenders for Saturday’s $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) at JACK Thistledown Racino spent Friday morning getting a look at the track in on-again, off-again rain.

 

Girvin jogged a mile with his stable buddy and pony, ex-racehorse Hooched Express. Plans for Saturday morning may include a turn around the shedrow but are undecided. Winner of the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby (G2) and a Kentucky Derby starter, Girvin is the Ohio Derby 2-1 morning line favorite.

 

Blue Grass (G2) winner and Kentucky Derby starter Irap galloped a mile and an eighth under regular exercise rider Jonny Garcia. The Doug O’Neill trainee will walk the shedrow tomorrow.

 

Vibe, trained by Bob Hess Jr. and part of the Loooch Racing Stables three-horse entry, galloped about a mile this morning and also will walk tomorrow.

 

The other two Loooch Racing horses are trained by top Thistledown trainer Jeff Radosevich. Game Over took advantage of the track’s pool and swam this morning. Talk Less galloped about a mile.

 

Sorry Erik stood in the gate and galloped about a mile and a quarter and will walk tomorrow, said Julie Clark, assistant to trainer Keith Desormeaux.

 

Spiral Stakes (G3) winner Fast and Accurate, trained by Mike Maker, will arrive at Thistledown Friday afternoon. Hinton, trained by Tommy Drury Jr., will ship up Saturday morning.

 

While rain is expected to continue through Friday, Saturday’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-70s and almost no chance of rain.

 

The Ohio Derby runs as the eighth of nine races with post time at 5:30 p.m. ET. The George Lewis Memorial Stakes will run as race five, and the J. Wm Petro Memorial Handicap is race seven. First post is 1:40 p.m.