Kiaran McLaughlin still unsure of Alpha’s next start
Godolphin Racing owned and trained by Kiaran McLaughlin 3-year-old colt, Alpha’s plans of choosing the third race is becoming a bit of a problem for his connections and they are still undecided on where to send the colt for his next race after being successful in his first two starts of the 2012 campaign.
Wherever they look Alpha’s connections have tough opponents lined up for different races, and at this time of the year for a Kentucky Derby hopeful, fear is not an option, whether you go all out or you pick less competitive races where chances of the colt are huge compare to racing in competitive races.
The problem for Kiaran McLaughlin is that each of the main Kentucky Derby prospects have chosen different races, and he wants Alpha to extend his winning streak to three for the season, but the likes of Union Rags, Hansen and El Padrino are in the way.
If Alpha goes to the Grade 1 Florida Derby, than he would have to deal with, El Padrino, but if he doesn’t than its an easier spot in the Grade 1 Louisiana Derby, but the plus point of opting for a tougher Florida Derby is that, Alpha would get five weeks of training leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
The Grade 1 Wood Memorial is also on the cards at Aqueduct, but the main threat is Hansen there, and Union Rags will be waiting if they opt for something else, something like Florida Derby.
Alpha was a nose away from defeating Union Rags in the second start of his career, the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes.
“Union Rags is a nose from being undefeated. He’s a serious horse. I don’t like our chances of beating Union Rags. I don’t like running in races that I don’t think we can win,” said McLaughlin. “I have that much respect for Union Rags, but then again Hansen is waiting up there (in the Wood), so it’s not going to be easy no matter where you go."
“He’s here and his training schedule doesn’t change. It’s just that he’ll probably work the morning of the Florida Derby if he’s going to New York instead of racing that day.”
Tags: