Pletcher, Cox, Sadler and O'Neill talk Derby contenders
Going into the Florida Derby (G1) on March 27, Known Agenda was looking for his first stakes victory. After winning at 5-1 choice, it was on to the Kentucky Derby.
On a Thursday media call hosted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, trainer Todd Pletcher, who could have four horses running in the Derby, credited the Curlin colt’s rise to an equipment chance made before his allowance win on Feb. 26.
“I think a lot of his maturity has come with the addition of blinkers,” Pletcher said. “But in addition to that I think a lot if it has to do with just natural progression and maturity both mentally and physically.”
Joining Known Agenda in the Derby gate for Pletcher will be Sainthood, who finished second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) to earn his spot; Bourbonic, who scored a major upset in the Wood Memorial (G2); and Dynamic One, who was a close-up second in the Wood.
Pletcher said that Bourbonic in particular has been a pleasant surprise.
“He’s a horse that we always felt would improve with some added distance,” Pletcher said. “He’s a well bred colt and the Wood Memorial was his first opportunity to get to run a mile and an eighth, which he seemed to relish.”
Brad Cox was also on the call to discuss what will be his first Derby. Cox will have three entries in the race, including favorite Essential Quality. The others are Mandaloun and Caddo River.
[Related: Cox on his first Derby starters: 'I'm not nervous yet']
Cox said the prospect of winning the Derby would mean a lot to him being a native of Louisville.
“It’d be the biggest accomplishment,” Cox said. “I can’t say that there’ll be one bigger as far as the thoroughbred industry goes in my eyes.”
John Sadler returns to the 2021 Derby with Rock Your World, who will be his fifth entry in the race. The first came in 1993 with Corby, who finished sixth. That effort remains Sadler’s best finish in the Run for the Roses. More recently, Sadler finished 13th with Candy Boy in 2014.
Sadler spoke about the lessons he has learned through the years.
“I try to have an open mind and I think you see that in the preparation,” Sadler said. “We took a very unconventional route and it appears to be working for us.”
Rock Your World enters the race off a win in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), his first attempt on dirt. His two previous wins, including the Pasadena Stakes, had both come on the lawn at Santa Anita.
“We decided we’re going to run him on the grass, get a couple races into him and then try him on the dirt on the big day,” Sadler said.
Doug O’Neill closed the Thursday call, discussing his Derby horse, Hot Rod Charlie, winner of the Louisiana Derby (G2) in his most recent trip.
O’Neill said he thinks the Oxbow colt has “a big, big chance,” in the Derby
“Win, lose or draw we think we’re bringing a super talented colt to Churchill,” O’Neill said. “With a little bit of luck I think we’ll be right there at the wire.”
The Kentucky Derby is set for May 1 at Churchill Downs.