Hansen likely to compete in the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer racecourse
With Union Rags out of the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park due to injury, the question arises that, who is the best three-year-old and the possibilities can be narrowed down to Hansen and Bodemeister, while the Dale Romans trained, Dullahan also
looks promising.
Hansen, trained by Mike Maker, faced a setback in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby when he finished in ninth place but, toned up and bounced back soon enough in the Grade 3 Iowa Derby on 30th June, 2012.
He conquered the 1 1/16 mile race at Prairie Meadows, where he completed the race in 1 minute and 42.01 seconds.
Now, the son of Tapit is likely headed to the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer racecourse on 4th August, 2012.
The 1 1/8 miles race is likely to be Hansen’s next race but, the connections are uncertain if they will run the 3-year-old in that event.
If they do, than the next stop will be the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga, which runs over 1 1/4 miles or the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.
Hansen’s fans want to see a battle between him and the Bob Baffert trained, Bodemeister.
Bodemeister, son of Empire Maker, holds an entry in the Travers Stakes but, might take a rain-check on this and, run in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop Stakes which covers seven furlongs.
Owner Kendall E. Hansen told the press that:
"It's 90% for the West Virginia Derby and 10% for the Haskell."
He further added:
“I sympathize with fans and writers that want to see Bodemeister and Hansen fight it out from gate to wire in the Haskell. Fans want to see the best horses face each other as often as possible.”
The owner faces a little uncertainty as he commented:
“I find I am very focused on trying not to make a bad decision.”
The owners concerns are legitimate since he doesn’t want his colt to sustain an injury which could hinder his season. The owners specifically emphasised on I’ll Have Another and Union Rags. The former got injured after winning the Kentucky Derby and
the Preakness Stakes while the latter’s injury came to light after the Belmont Stakes.
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