Algorithms: second favourite for Kentucky Derby with British bookmakers
PICTURE: EquiSport Photos/Joe GanleyAlgorithms over Union Rags for Castellano
USA: Javier Castellano has chosen Algorithms ahead of Kentucky Derby favourite Union Rags when the pair clash in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park on February 25.
Julien Leparoux picks up the mount on Union Rags in the Grade 2 event, the major prep race for the Florida Derby a month later.
Champagne Stakes winner Union Rags, runner-up to Hansen in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile after a wide trip, is 10-1 market leader for the Kentucky Derby with British bookmakers.
Castellano was aboard for both races and he also rode Algorithms - only 12-1 for Churchill Downs - when he beat Hansen in the Grade 3 Holy Bull on January 29.
Other factors beyond the ability of both contenders may well have influenced Castellano's decision as Algorithms is trained by Todd Pletcher, who has an abundance of Triple Crown hopefuls this term.
As well as Algorithms, Castellano has also been riding the Pletcher-trained trio El Padrino, Discreet Dancer and Gemologist, all of whom are also on the Kentucky trail. Pletcher has already booked John Velazquez to ride Discreet Dancer in the Fountain of Youth.
Leparoux wasted no time getting acquainted with the Michael Matz-trained Union Rags, partnering him in a workout on Monday morning at the Palm Meadows Training Center.
"I thought he went real nice," said Matz, speaking to the Daily Racing Form. "It wasn't real fast but he sat behind another horse and when they hit the wire he just pulled away. I think we're right on schedule for the Fountain of Youth."
>>Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic winner Royal Delta will have her Dubai World Cup prep in the Grade 3 Sabin Stakes on the same February 25 card.
Comments