Servis hopes Firenze Fire will ‘come around’ in Ketucky Derby

Just when Jason Servis thought his barn was out of the 2018 Kentucky Derby, “an exciting 10 minutes” happened last Saturday.

A win by My Boy Jack in Keeneland’s Lexington Stakes, combined with the running order of the Arkansas Derby, pushed multiple stakes winner Firenze Fire one spot outside of the Top 20 in points. But just after the preps ended Saturday, the Daily Racing Form’s David Grening texted Servis.

Sunland Derby winner Runaway Ghost was out. Firenze Fire was in. And Servis had to communicate this to Firenze Fire’s Rob Lombardi, who was in Italy.

“Rob was trying to call me — we couldn’t hear each other — but it was an exciting 10 minutes,” said Servis, brother of John Servis, who won the 2004 Kentucky Derby with Smarty Jones.

Jason Servis had said earlier this year that John planned to be at Churchill Downs should Firenze Fire make it in the field.

“It’s funny how things work,” Jason said, then laughed. “Yeah, he’s going on a cruise.”

A free cruise, however.

That’s not to say Firenze Fire will be anything but a longshot on May 5. While the Florida-bred son of Poseidon’s Warrior has won stakes at six furlongs and a mile, his form tailed off as the races drew longer on the Kentucky trail. Last out, Firenze Fire ran fourth by 11 1/4 lengths in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial, following another fourth in the Grade 3 Gotham.

“He didn’t bounce back like I’d hoped out of that last race,” Servis said. “Right now I’m not doing much with him — trying to get him to come around a little bit.”

Firenze Fire flew back to Servis’ base at the Palm Meadows training center, where he’ll remain until shipping to Churchill Downs on April 29. Servis said any breezes will be light, and likely before the trip to Louisville.

“I’m excited to be in the Derby with Ron,” Servis said. “He’s put a lot into the business. He bred the horse. It’s real exciting, and hopefully we get lucky.”