Kentucky Derby Road: April 12 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes
G3 Stonestreet Lexingon Stakes, 1 1/16 Mile
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is at an end with the running of the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes. Going two turns for the first time Gosger (4-1) was midpack on the backstretch, loomed on the turn and took over in the stretch under Irad Ortiz, Jr. to get past Bracket Buster (25-1) and favored Praetor (8-5) for the win in 1:44.15 for 1 1/16 mile. Hypnus (9-2) was fourth in the field of seven. It's very unlikely the race will have Kentucky Derby implications. Kentucky Derby points: 20-10-6-4-2. Brendan Walsh trains Gosger for owner-breeder Harvey A Clarke Racing Stable. Gosger is a son of Nyquist out of Gloria S, by Tapit.
Irad Ortiz Jr. (winning rider of Gosger); “He’s a really nice horse. He ran a little green down the lane, looking around. I tried to stay straight and keep him focused. He was very impressive. He’s fun to ride. I had a beautiful trip, and he responded whenever I asked him. He was there for me. Everything worked out perfect. Brendan did a great job. I’m happy to be here.”
Brendan Walsh (winning trainer): “We weren’t sure if he had enough experience coming here today. He could have done with maybe another run or two. We gave him a little time after he broke his maiden (Feb. 15 at Gulfstream Park). He did a lot of growing, so we just took our time with him. So I think there’s a lot of upside to the horse, and I think he’s got a lot in front of him.”
On what’s ahead for Gosger: “We’ll see how he comes out (of this race). I won’t do anything drastic too quick unless he really warrants it. He’s going to be a lovely horse as the year goes on, really, but we’re going to stay calm and pick our spots with him and see how we go.”
Manny Franco (rider of runner-up Bracket Buster): “I had a really good trip – I think the best trip in the race. I ended up in the lead without asking him to do it. He was traveling so well and comfortable. We just got run down by a better horse.”
Flavien Prat (rider of third-place finisher and beaten favorite Praetor): “He broke very well, he sat next to the pace, he made a good run turning for home.”
Michael McCarthy (trainer of fifth-place finisher and second choice Bullard): “I would have liked to have seen him 1, 2, 3 today. He’s coming back after a bit of an extended layoff. I was pleased with his performance. I thought it was a good place to start. The first half was a little slower than I would have liked. He needs to come from way out of it or be closer to the pace. A little bit of a head scratcher. I’m not exactly sure what to think. I’m just glad to get this horse back to the races. We will put our heads together and see where we go after this.”
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