Hansen heads a large field in the Blue Grass Stakes
As expected Sky Chai Stable’s 3-year-old sensation, Hansen, assumes Grade 1, $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes favourism as the 2-year-old champion will head a massive field of 13 in the Keeneland’s feature race that will be run over a distance of 1 1/8
miles on the synthetic surface.
The Michael Maker trained son of Tapit, out of mare Stormy Sunday by Sir Cat, Hansen will have his first chance to prove that he can run over a distance of 9 furlongs, and if he is able to do it than he will certainly solidify his chances of becoming the
top contender for the Kentucky Derby on 5 May, 2012, at Churchill Downs.
Hansen drew post number 4 in the Blue Grass Stakes with the odds of 6 to 5, and jockey Ramon Dominguez will once again retain the ride on the gray/roan colt.
“When we saddle up, we know we’ll have Ramon on him, so I’m not going to say a thing; I’m going to keep my mouth shut,” said Dr. Kendall Hansen.
“I’m sure he’s going to want to test drive him a little bit, and so whatever he’s going to want to employ in the Derby he’s going to want to try here. And with the speed in here, that could include tucking back as far as fourth or fifth. But then again,
if his clock says there is a slower pace, I’m sure he’ll have no problem wiring them here”
“He was a little bit knocked out after the Gotham for a couple days, but I think he’s a push button horse that’s ready to go again.”
Dr. Kendall Hansen bred Hansen, and owns the colt in partnership with Sky Chai Stable. The second choice is Barry Irwin owned Howe Great with the odds of 6 to 1, while the other second choice favourite is Dullahan with the same odds of 6 to 1.
The 109 to 1 surprise winner of the Louisiana Derby, Hero of Order will probably set the pace along with Ever So Lucky, who is coming off a lightning fast drill.
Howe Great will tune up the pace as well, while the lightly raced Heavy Breathing and Politicallycorrect won’t be far off the pace setters in the early stages of the race.
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