Kentucky Derby Contenders - Day 1: #30 Gemologist
Contributed By Post Time PetePosted on 4/1/12 8:00 AM
Day 1: #30 Gemologist
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Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher |
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| Jockey: Javier J. Castellano* | ||
| Owner: WinStar Farm LLC | ||
| Breeder: G. Watts Humphrey Jr. | ||
| Earnings: $103,855* | ||
| Next Race: Wood Memorial* | ||
| * Current as of April 1, 2012 | ||
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Gemologist is a Tiznow and Crystal Shard colt. He is currently 4-0 in his career. However, his only significant win came in the Kentucky Jockey Club Grade II stakes at Churchill Downs, which also explains his low total earnings. He did defeat Currency Swap, another strong Kentucky Derby contender, in his last race, an allowance at Gulfstream Park.
After the race Pletcher was quoted as saying "We talked about it before the race and thought he might sit behind a horse, but he broke so sharp Javier (Castellano) just let him go on and get into his rhythm. Physically, I thought he got everything he needed out of the race that we had hoped for, running a mile in 1:35 and four (4/5) and he galloped out really well. Elliott (WinStar Farm president) and I will discuss options for his next race over the next few days, but from a time standpoint it will be a race on either Apr. 7 or Apr. 14, and we'll decide whether it will be better to have four weeks or three weeks to the (Kentucky) Derby (May 5)."
WinStar later posted on their Twitter account: "Gemologist came out of his race great! We have decided his next start will be in the Wood Memorial." The Wood Memorial takes place at Aqueduct on April 7th. This is going to be an important race and will determine not only if he makes the Kentucky Derby, but will also stand as a better predictor of his chances.
We'll post a final update on May 1st that will include all the latest prep race results and our breakdown of his chances. In the mean time, he's a horse that should be watched closely!
Check back tomorrow when we preview #29 on our list, Brother Francis.
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