Master Fencer may remain in U.S. following Kentucky Derby
Master Fencer had the entire Kentucky Derby field to catch at the top of the stretch Saturday at Churchill Downs, and the Japanese colt may have earned himself another race in the United States by going on to pass most of them.
“If he comes out of this well, I want to take him to the Belmont (Stakes) next,” trainer Koichi Tsunoda said.
Under jockey Julien Leparoux, Master Fencer hit the wire seventh, then placed sixth due to Maximum Security’s notorious disqualification, out-running his lofty 58-1 odds.
The son of Just a Way wasn’t given much of a chance by the public, but he performed well over the sloppy, sealed surface. Taken over to the rail the first time by, he saved plenty of ground and gobbled up positions down the stretch.
“He didn’t break that well, but we knew he’d break slowly,” Tsunoda said. “He made a huge effort in the stretch. I’m really pleased with how we finished so close to the other quality horses in the race. Great effort by horse and rider.”
Master Fencer entered the Derby showing a lone stakes win, but over a “good” track in his dirt debut on Dec. 23. Certainly, he handled the surface.
Tsunoda, a former jockey, trains for Katsumi and Yasuyo Yoshizawa. The former is a regular at Keeneland’s sales, where he purchased Master Fencer’s dam, Sexy Zamurai, a daughter of Deputy Minister.
In addition to Master Fencer, trainer Bill Mott said Sunday morning that Tacitus, a late-running third in the Derby, will also point next to the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes run June 8 in New York.
Others leaving the Derby and possible for the third leg of the Triple Crown are Plus Que Parfait (eighth) and Tax (14th).
"He will definitely like the (1½-mile) trip there," said Plus Que Parfait trainer Brendan Walsh. "He proved he belongs with those horses, only losing by a few lengths and taking dirt the whole way around. He’s a tough, sound horse and there are lots of options with him in the future. I’d like to get him back to Dubai next year for the Dubai World Cup, as well.”