Good Magic still has much to prove on Kentucky Derby trail

Trainer Chad Brown, in a text message to Keeneland’s publicity staff, admitted reigning champion Good Magic’s post position “is slightly disappointing” for Saturday’s Grade 2, $1 million Blue Grass Stakes.

“But he’s training very well,” Brown said of the Curlin colt, installed as a 2-1 favorite.

Good Magic will break from the No. 11 post in a field of 14 in a race important to him for two reasons.

One, the horse, campaigned by e Five Racing and Stonestreet Stable, needs at least to hit the board to officially punch his ticket to the 2018 Kentucky Derby. And two, after finishing a flat third to open his season in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, a strong effort would do much to validate his Eclipse Award-winning campaign at age 2.

After all, Good Magic’s lone win remains the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

“I don’t know what to think of Good Magic,” said rival trainer Mark Casse, who will be represented in the Blue Grass by Flameaway. “He ran a great race in the Breeders’ Cup, and he’s definitely a good horse. But things change from 2 to 3. He still has to prove to, not just to me, but everyone, that he belongs. It wouldn’t surprise me if he does and he comes out running a good race.”

Casse has personal experience in that arena. Classic Empire’s 108 Brisnet Speed Rating of 108 from the 2016 Juvenile still ranks as the highest from a Kentucky Derby prep in the points era. That 2-year-old champion also ran third in his sophomore debut before returning a winner in the Arkansas Derby.

“Obviously Chad does a great job, and I’m sure he’ll have him as ready as he can be,” Casse said. “That’s all we can ask for. That’s all any of us as trainers do is try to have them at the top of their game — have them be the best they can be — and then we’ll see how everything works out.

“(Good Magic’s) first race back this year was lackluster, but if you remember for last year with Classic Empire, it was the same way. Then he came and redeemed himself.”

The task will be tall, with six other graded stakes winners in the field: Sporting Chance Kanthaka, Quip, Blended Citizen, Free Drop Billy and Flameaway.

Good Magic enters the Blue Grass with 34 Derby qualifying points. With the race paying out 100-40-20-10 to the Top 4 finishers, even filling out the superfecta is likely good enough. Third would lock up the Brown trainee’s spot in the Churchill Downs starting gate.

“It’s a bulky field,” said Mike Ryan, who represented e Five Racing at the Blue Grass’ post position draw. “Obviously (he’ll need) a clean break, and a smooth trip is critical because there will be horses backing up. There will be traffic in the race with as large of a field as we have.

“He’s good breaking, and he has tactical speed. I believe he can put himself in the race. Jose (Ortiz) knows him very well and hopefully he’ll be in a nice stalking position going into the first turn and stay out of trouble.”

Editor's note: This article originally stated Good Magic's point total at 32. That has since been corrected.