Recapping the Weekend’s Derby and Oaks Preps

By Emily Shields

Two Kentucky Derby and one Kentucky Oaks preps were contested Saturday across the world. The $2.5 million UAE Derby (G2) was run in Dubai at Meydan Racecourse and Gulfstream Park hosted the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) and the $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2). Although the UAE Derby often goes to a local horse, this year it went to American-based Plus Que Parfait. 

Kentucky Derby

UAE Derby (Meydan Racecourse) 100 – 40 – 20 – 10
Florida Derby (Gulfstream Park) 100 – 40 – 20 – 10

Plus Que Parfait was coming off a 13^thplace effort in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at the Fair Grounds when he was sent to Dubai with fellow Americans Gray Magician and Stubbins. Before the Risen Star, the son of Point of Entry was fifth in the LeComte. In a wild finish, Plus Que Parfait dove between horses and then up the inside to nail Gray Magician and Manguzi on the wire. Jose Ortiz was aboard for trainer Brendan Walsh. The ridgling now has two wins in seven starts and earnings over $1.5 million.

The Florida Derby was possibly even more perplexing. Unbeaten victor Maximum Security ($11.60), now four for four, was liked well enough at 9-2, as was third-place runner Code of Honor (7-2). But Bodexpress, who ran second, was 71-1 on the board, while second choice Bourbon War finished fourth and favored Hidden Scroll ran sixth, officially knocking him out of Derby contention. Maximum Security, by Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner New Year’s Day, is trained by Jason Servis. Jockey Luis Saez was up.

Kentucky Oaks

Gulfstream Park Oaks (Gulfstream Park) 100 – 40 – 20 – 10

The Gulfstream Park Oaks appeared on paper that it would be hotly contested, and ultimately the top three choices finished second through fourth. Champagne Anyone ($17.20) outgamed favored Dunbar Road by a half-length, with Cookie Dough less than a length back third and Point of Honor fourth. The top three finishers at least are expected back in the Kentucky Oaks, with both Dunbar Road and Cookie Dough being late supplements to the historic race.

Next week is the second to last week of prep action, with the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, and the Santa Anita Derby in California. Those three tracks will also run female counterparts for the Oaks: the Gazelle, the Ashland, and the Santa Anita Oaks. One day later, on Sunday April 7, Keeneland will also run the Beaumont, a seven-furlong race worth only ten points to the winner.