A field of nine head to the gate in the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) at Thistledown on Saturday. (Photo credit: Thistledown).
Irap leads four runners seeking to rebound off disappointing efforts under the Twin Spires in the Run for the Roses when a field of nine head to the gate in the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) at Thistledown.
The Doug O’Neill trained Irap was 18th in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and is the second choice on the morning line for the Ohio Derby at 3-1.
Girvin, who was 13th in the Kentucky Derby is the 2-1 morning line favorite. Untrapped (9-2) who was 12th and Fast and Accurate (8-1) who was 17th also ran in the first jewel of the Triple Crown.
Last year’s Ohio Derby winner Mo Tom was eighth in the Kentucky Derby and 2015 winner Mr Z was 13th.
Girvin came into this year’s Kentucky Derby off victories in the Risen Star (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) but had a rough trip on Derby Day. Hall of fame jockey Mike Smith rode him for the first time on the first Saturday of May and makes the trip to Ohio to retain the mount.
Irap may have the tactical edge as there is not much early speed in the race.
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Let’s head out to Thistledown for Saturday’s featured race of the day:
Thistledown Race 8 The Ohio Derby G3 (Post time 5:30 ET)
2 Irap 3-1
3 Untrapped 9-2
5 Girvin 2-1
6 Fast and Accurate 8-1
Irap makes his first start since a troubled trip in the Kentucky Derby (G1) where he was 18th, beaten 40 ¾ lengths at odds of 41-1. The colt came into the race off an upset in the Toyota Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland two back at 31-1. His other solid effort was a second to Royal Mo in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita. There is not much early zip signed up to go here and this Doug O’Neill trainee breaks form the rail and figures to be sent by jockey Julian Leparoux. He will be tough if he runs back to his effort in Lexington.
Untrapped also exits the Run for the roses where he faded to finish 12th at odds of 58-1. He was no match for Girvin in the Risen Star (G2) and ran okay in a third in the Rebel (G2) before coming up short in a sixth-place finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) in his final prep for Louisville. Among the top three in here this Steve Asmussen trainee may end up offering the best value but he likely is going to have to run a career top to win here.
Girvin had a tough trip in the Derby in a 13th place finish at 13-1. He won the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby (G2) but those races were not the strongest of Derby prep races this spring. It is encouraging to see Mike Smith make the trip for the ride, but that will help make this guy an underlay in this spot. The Joe Sharp trainee has worked smartly in the mornings since Derby Day and he figures to rebound with a better effort in this spot, but his price is going to be on the light side.
Wagering:
WIN: Irap to win at 5-2 or better.
EXACTA: 2,3 / 2,3,5,6
TRIFECTA: 2,3 / 2,3,5,6 / 2,3,5,6,7
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