MAYBE AMERICAN PROMISE SHOULD GET ANOTHER JOCKEY
Lots of stuff:
Finally, we got an explanation (of sorts) of what happened
to American Promise, winner of the Virginia Derby
(record time), in last Saturday’s Kentucky Derby when
the big Chestnut sired by Justify was a disappointing
16th in a 19-horse field … Replay of the 151st Derby
showed American Promise, starting in the No. 5 position,
was running third when jockey NIK JUAREZ tried – and
failed – to go for the lead between frontrunners Citizen
Bull and Neoequos … never to be a factor again.
"It was a dogfight,” Juarez told reporters later. “We had
Citizen Bull, who broke outward [and] two horses to my
inside were impeded. I had to make a trip for American
Promise the best way I could. Luckily, getting into the
first turn was where we wanted to be, and he was able to
avoid most of the trouble [but] there are many variables
in the Kentucky Derby. I think he got a lot out of that
race.”
It was the 31 year old Maryland native’s first “Run for the
Roses” and only his second time aboard American
Promise. At Colonial Downs March 15, Juarez rode what
veteran trainer D. Wayne Lucas called “a perfect race” to
win the Virginia Derby by a whopping 7 ¾ lengths.
Although there was some question whether Juarez would
get the ride May 3 at Churchill Downs, Lucas apparently
had no doubts … Now, with the second leg of the Triple
Crown, the May 17 Preakness, next, there’s always the
possibility owners (even Lucas) will opt to replace Juarez
with a more savvy, experienced jockey. Stay tuned.
BOB BAFFERT-trained Rodriguez was pulled from the
Preakness Friday because of a slight bruise, the same
injury that led him to be withdrawn from the Kentucky
Derby ... With Derby winner Sovereignty already being
saved for the Belmont Stakes May 31, no Citizen Bull,
and Derby runner-up (and favorite) Journalism iffy, at
best, American Promise could/should be among the
morning-line favorites for the 150th running of the Gr. 1
Preakness held at Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course.
Derby handle of record-$234.4 million was up 11 percent
over a year ago. Derby week handle showed 6 per cent
increase to record $473.9M. On a cool, rainy day, Derby
attendance of 147,406 was down 6 percent. Record of
170,513 was set in 2015.
The Anaheim Ducks, desperate to make the playoffs for
the first time since 2018, named JOEL QUENNEVILLE
coach Thursday. A three-times Stanley Cup champion, he
was considered damaged goods and hasn’t worked since
2021 after being caught up in a coverup of alleged sexual
misconduct while coach of the Chicago Blackhawks
(2008-2019). Quenneville is second all-time in NHL
victories with 969 … and was said to be the New York
Rangers’ second choice (behind MIKE SULLIVAN who
signed last week after 10 years – and two Cups – with the
Pittsburgh Penguins.)
Hockey insider ELLIOTTE FRIEDMAN told TBS
viewers several teams were waiting for the Washington
Capitals’ season to end so they could talk (officially) with
assistant coach MITCH LOVE … former minor-league
enforcer who, in two years as a pro coach (AHL), finished
first twice.
Never shy about helping hometown teams move players,
New York media are sure the Rangers will deal MIKA
ZIBANEJADbecause … .he just sold his midtown
apartment (for a tidy $13.3 millio n) … and probably will
join all-offense, no-defense ARTEMI PANARIN in a
blockbuster trade … CHRIS KREIDER has been seen
as among the first to go after the veteran winger – longest
tenured Broadway Blueshirt – was put on the block early
in the season … Most recent trade … ahh, suggestions
had Richmond’s ZAC JONES bound for San Jose for
MIKE FERRARO straight up, one for one, defenseman
for defensemab … And, in a swap of forwards and former
No. 1 draft picks … ALEXIS LEFRENIERE (2020) for
Montreal’s JURAJ SLAFKOVSKY (2022).
BLAKE SHELTON was fired last week. Raise your
hand if you knew he was manager of … the Pittsburgh
Pirates.
The SEC and Big 18 … sorry, 10 … want to increase the
college football playoff from 12 to 16 teams. You’ll never
guess why.
Until next time ...
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