New Trainer Walder Tries to Figure Out War Story

Loooch Racing Stables and Glenn Ellis’ multiple graded stakes-placed War Story, 16th behind Triple Crown champion American Pharoah in the Kentucky Derby (G1), will try turf for the first time in Saturday’s $75,000 Tropical Park Derby.

Making his debut for trainer Peter Walder, the gelded 3-year-old son of Northern Afleet out of the Pulpit mare Belle Watling was most recently eighth of 11 following a slow break in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) Oct. 30 at Keeneland.

“We’re going to take a shot and try him on the grass,” Walder said. “He ran against some pretty salty horses this year. He’s bred for the grass. I’ve watched him work a couple of times and he’s just got that high action. He’s a nice little horse.”

Saturday will be the sixth Derby of the year for War Story, who spent last winter at Fair Grounds and was second in the LeComte (G3) and Risen Star (G2) before finishing third in the Louisiana Derby (G2). Following a trip to Kentucky, he ran fourth in the Ohio Derby, third in the West Virginia Derby (G2) and sixth in a wide trip in the Pennsylvania Derby (G2), his last start prior to the Breeders’ Cup.

War Story has had three sharp works at Gulfstream since joining Walder, the first two on dirt followed by a five-furlong breeze in 1:02.85 over the grass Dec. 13. He went three furlongs in 35.56 seconds Nov. 28 first time for Walder.

“They were telling me he doesn’t work like that. I believe that when a horse does that, they’re kind of touting themselves,” Walder said. “He’s all right. He’s bred for the grass and he’s got that action, and at least this way it kind of gives you an idea of where to go with him next year.”

War Story opened his career with back-to-back wins last year, a maiden victory and an entry-level allowance, each despite trouble at the start. The Tropical Park Derby will be his eighth straight stakes attempt.