This year’s El Camino Real Derby lived up to the hype as we saw Rombauer get up in the final strides to run down the filly Javanica. Jockey Kyle Frey took back to last early and settled Rombauer into a comfortable stride, then he began to make his move heading into the far turn behind a 24.00, 47.81, 1:12.20 pace. Frey got carried out 5w on the turn and in the lane, Rombauer began to get stronger as race got longer to get up in time. It was a very impressive effort and you have to give props to his trainer Michael McCarthy for having him ready to go 1 1/8m off a 90-day layoff. The final time was 1:51.64, which was good enough for an 84 Beyer Speed Figure. Javanica ran a very brave race to be second and was so close to becoming the 2nd filly ever to win the Derby. She loved the added distance and it will be interesting to see how she progresses throughout the rest of the year– maybe a race like the Bourbonette at Turfway would be a good spot for her next. The most shocking part about this year’s Derby was that Govenor’s Party ran 3rd at 119/1 odds. He had a wide trip throughout, and still kept finding in the stretch– he seemed to take to the added distance. It’s My House was looking very strong entering the stretch after leading every step of the way, but began to hit a wall in the final 1/8th of a mile. He ran very well off a maiden sprint win to be 4th and is definitely a local horse to follow going forward, especially when you consider where the other 2 speed horses finished in here. 5th place finisher Waspirant had a ground saving trip but once they hit the turn he was under a ton of urging and could never pick up. When It’s My House began to open up, Petruchio had no answers– he couldn’t go with him and dropped back to finish 6th. Maybe he just didn’t take to the tapeta? While Tesoro was near the pace in his debut, he found himself near the back in here as the fractions were much quicker. The waters were way too deep and I’d assume we’ll see him back against maiden company. Play Chicken sat a 3-deep trip near the pace but quickly backed out of it once they hit the turn.
Rombauer received 10 Kentucky Derby points for his win, which puts him at 14 total (6th overall). Along with the points, he also gained a free birth into the G1 Preakness Stakes. I have not seen any plans for his next race, but I will update the Twitter/IG page once it gets announced.
Dynasty of Her Own remains unbeaten at Golden Gate Fields.
Last year’s California Oaks winner Dynasty of Her Own made her Northern California return a winning one in Friday’s 3rd race. It was her second start of 2021 and she was coming off of a 5th place effort in the Kalookan Queen Stakes at Santa Anita. On Friday she rated behind the speed under Evin Roman, and was able to kick home strongly in the stretch to stop the clock in 1:03.32 for 5.5f– she earned a career best 87 Beyer Speed Figure for her win. She has shown an affinity for the tapeta and she is now a perfect 4/4 over it. Her trainer Jonathan Wong has done a great job with her as the multiple stakes winning filly improves her record to 5 for 8 lifetime. Dynasty of Her Own has wins going short, long, on dirt, and on tapeta– she’s proven to be very versatile. The class relief helped on Friday, but it does seem she is bound for stakes races in the near future. I have no clue where she is going to run next, but I am excited to see it as I think she is in for a strong year after that career best performance.
Horses to Watch
It was a busy 5-day race week last week, and there were three horses that stuck out to me for this list. These horses are ones that I think are worth giving an extra look to next time they run.
Babe Didrikson (2/13- Race 7): Finished 4th by 2 lengths behind Sadie Bluegrass in this race. Anybody that follows racing in Northern California knows how talented of a filly Sadie Bluegrass is, and even though this was her first route race, she is going to be tough to run down if you give her a loose lead on a slow pace. Babe Didrikson was caught wide throughout and found herself near the back of the field on the backstretch. Between the ground loss and being stuck behind a slow pace, I think she made a very good account of herself in here.
Unbridled’s Skye (2/13- Race 9): This 5yo gelding was making his first start since October and did not have the most comfortable of trips in here. On the turn he encountered some trouble and found himself stuck behind a wall of horses. Not to mention, the pace was very slow up front with the 1/2 clocked in 46.25 for this 5 1/2f race. He was left with way too much to do and finished on decent enough in the lane. I think he will benefit a lot next time out with this race under his belt.
Crookhaven Lass (2/15- Race 7): Had a brutal trip in here. Was boxed in from when they entered the turn up until inside the 1/8th pole. She looked loaded the whole way and once got out she ran on well to be a late closing 2nd. I don’t expect her to be a maiden much longer at this level, just needs a clean run.
Updated Jockey/ Trainer Standings- Top 5s
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