Report: Chad Brown aims Chancer McPatrick, other 3-year-olds

Chancer McPatrick to the Grade 1 Blue Grass. Hill Road to the Wood Memorial (G2). Those reportedly are the April 5 races trainer Chad Brown is leaning toward with his leading contenders for Kentucky Derby 2025.

The two colts who hit the board losing to Owen Almighty two weeks ago in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) had their plans outlined by Brown in an interview with Daily Racing Form. He also said allowance winner Praetor could go to the Blue Grass or the Lexington (G3) on April 12.

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Chancer McPatrick, a two-time Grade 1 winner last year, finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby and probably needs a top-three result in the Blue Grass to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Hill Road, a maiden victor who was third in the Tampa Bay Derby, is likely to need a top-two finish in the Wood to make it to Churchill Downs on May 3.

Brown also told DRF’s David Grening that Gotham (G3) third-place finisher Garamond was doubtful for the Wood, and third-place Davona Dale (G2) filly Ballerina d’Oro would go April 5 in the Gazelle (G2), a win-and-you’re-in Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualifier at Aqueduct.