Calhoun’s top colts ‘as fresh as possible’ for summer derbies

A pair of Goldencents colts campaigned by Chester Thomas’ Allied Racing both made it to the entry box for the first Saturday in May, though in different races and with varied results.

By My Standards, the morning buzz horse for the Kentucky Derby, essentially lost all hope at the start when the Louisiana Derby (G2) hero was run into and shuffled back over a sloppy track. He finished 11th.

Mr. Money, meanwhile, looked better than ever after a mild setback in the spring that may have discounted his chances in the Derby preps. He won the Pat Day Mile (G3) by 5 1/4 lengths.

In a new interview with The Pressbox’s Gene McLean, Bret Calhoun, who trains both horses, said they're set to continue campaigns with plenty left in the tank. He told Thomas that “with a little good luck along the way,” By My Standards and Mr. Money could earn $1 million apiece this season.

“Chester being very patient and allowing us to do the right things — I’m hoping it’ll pay dividends by the end of the year,” Calhoun told McLean. “There’s so much money out there for these 3-year-olds, and a lot of them get a lot of wear and tear on them along the way. Everybody pushes hard to get to the Derby and some of these classic races. A lot of them get tired and worn out.

“Our plan was to keep our horses as fresh as possible for a mid-summer run at some of these big purses. Hopefully it’ll work out.”

RELATED: Hear Bret Calhoun's full interview

Mr. Money has worked twice since Derby day, breezing toward Churchill Downs’ June 15 Matt Winn Stakes (G3).

Fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last season, the colt missed the Lecomte Stakes (G3) due to a minor illness the week of the race. While symptoms dissipated quickly, they might have left him short on conditioning when seventh in the Risen Star (G2) and fifth in the Louisiana Derby.

“The way he ran in the Pat Day Mile,” Calhoun said, “you almost wish he would have been in the Derby that day.”

By My Standards, meanwhile, walked for nearly two weeks after the Derby to freshen up. He’s scheduled to work Saturday at Churchill Downs without specific race plans set.

Mr. Money’s performance in the Matt Winn may dictate where By My Standards resurfaces.

“Obviously, I’m going to keep them separated,” Calhoun said. “There’s a lot of good summer-fall derbies out there.”

Upcoming dates of note include the June 22 Ohio Derby (G3), July 5 Iowa Derby and July 13 Indiana Derby (G3).