2009 Super Derby: An Early Look

A field of seven or eight looks probable for the $750k Grade 2 Super Derby, to be run at Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 19th. The post positions will be drawn tomorrow at the Super Derby press conference, and I will be on hand for the festivities.

Soul Warrior, who scratched out of the Penn Derby on Labor Day because of a temperature, has recovered and is the likely Super Derby favorite. The Steve Asmussen trainee was last seen downing Ky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby. John Velazquez has the mount.

Regal Ransom in the '09 Ky Derby

UAE Derby hero Regal Ransom is probably the one to catch. Godolphin colorbearer was last seen attending the pace and finishing 8th of 19 in the Run for the Roses.

Blame is an interesting entrant for Al Stall Jr., who captured this event last year with My Pal Charlie. Late bloomer won the Curlin Stakes at the Spa last time, and runner-up Gone Astray came back to romp in the aforementioned Penn Derby.

Massone is invading from SoCal for Ron McAnally, and he has placed in multiple graded events. He exits a sharp tally in an optional claiming turf affair, and Garrett Gomez has the call.

The top three from the Super Derby Prelude are expected to come back for more, including winner and Soul Warrior’s stablemate Uno Mas. The improving Electric Alphabet is a live longshot for Cecil Borel, and show finisher Red Lead has hit the board in three straight stakes races. Francisco Torres is scheduled to ride the latter.

Sumo is not 100% to go on Saturday, but he would be a major top three player should he opt for this spot. The Graham Motion trainee was last seen winning the Pleasant Colony Stakes at the Spa.

I will be back tomorrow with program numbers and morning line odds.

Image: Newscom