Derby Contenders Royal Act and Dennis' Moment Breeze

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/15/2020 - 12:15
Link: 
Derby Contenders Royal Act and Dennis' Moment Breeze
Image: 
Description: 

Photo: Coady Photography
Dennis' Moment leaves the paddock at Churchill Downs before winning the Iroquois Stakes.

Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) hopeful Royal Act, who was second in the Feb. 1 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3), worked five furlongs Feb. 15 at Santa Anita Park in 1:01 1/5 for trainer Peter Eurton, and Dennis' Moment geared up for his first start as a 3-year-old with a five-furlong breeze at Gulfstream Park in :58.78.

"This was his first work since the Lewis, so he'll let us know (where and when to run next)," the trainer said. "We'll have him nominated everywhere, so we have several options. The more distance the better for him."

Possibilities for Royal Act, a son of American Pharoah  owned by C R K Stable, include the April 4 Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita, the March 21 TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, and the March 28 Curlin Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream. Each race is worth $1 million.

Eurton also trains 2-year-old champion Storm the Court, who ran fourth in the seven-furlong San Vicente (G2) in his season debut Feb. 9 at Santa Anita.

"He got a lot out of that," the trainer told Santa Anita publicity this week. "I like how he came out of it, too. We'll see how he goes and ponder our next race, but it could be four weeks, five weeks (from now)."

He mentioned the $400,000 San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita March 7 or the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) March 14 at Oaklawn Park as possible options for Storm the Court.

For trainer John Shirreffs, flashy maiden winner and potential Derby prospect Honor A. P. went seven furlongs in 1:27, Santa Anita Handicap (G1) contender Midcourt went five furlongs in 1:02, and Megahertz Stakes (G3T) winner Carressa breezed five furlongs in 1:00 4/5, the latter under Hall of Fame jockey Victor Espinoza.

Across the country, Iroquois Stakes (G3) winner Dennis' Moment continued his preparation for trainer Dale Romans in advance of a start in the Feb. 29 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream. Though he worked quickly, he failed to catch workmate Admire, a 4-year-old who is eligible for a first-level allowance. Admire, who led throughout while maintaining an approximate two-length advantage, was timed in a bullet :58.48. Dennis' Moment, the beaten favorite in the TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) after stumbling at the start, and Admire are both owned by Albaugh Family Stables.