Ring Weekend Gets Go-Ahead for Derby Start
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Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) winner Ring Weekend satisfied his connections with a drill at Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland April 25 and will move on to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
St. Elias Stable and West Point Thoroughbreds' son of leading sire Tapit breezed six furlongs in 1:12. 4/5 in preparation for the May 3 Kentucky Derby.
The Louisiville Courier-Journal reports that trainer Graham Motion and West Point president Terry Finley were pleased with the workout and gave a thumbs-up for a start in the Derby.
With 50 qualifying points, Ring Weekend ranks 14th on the Derby leaderboard, ensuring a spot in the 20-horse field. He is to be shipped to Churchill Downs April 28.
A $310,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase from consignor Gainesway, agent, in 2012, Ring Weekend has a 2-2-2 record from seven career starts. Included is a runner-up finish, 9 3/4 lengths behind winner Our Caravan, in the Calder Derby April 5. He has $305,660 in earnings.
Ring Weekend could be one of two Derby starters for West Point, which also campaigns Louisiana Derby (gr. II) third-place finisher Commanding Curve, a son of Master Command. Commanding Curve sits 21st on the points list and would need at least one defection to make the field.