1 Ene. USA. Tropical Park Derby. G3. Calder. 9f. Turf. 100.000 $
1.- COWBOY CAL (J.Velazquez)
2.- WHY TONTO (E.Prado)
3.- CANNONBALL (E.Trujillo)


Stonerside Stable’s newly turned 3-year-old homebred colt Cowboy Cal won the first “derby” of the year in the country when he soundly defeated a full field of sophomores in the Tropical Park Derby (G3) at Calder Race Course on New Year’s Day.

Ridden by John Velazquez for trainer Todd Pletcher, Cowboy Cal stalked the early pace in the 1 1/8 miles turf contest and took command on the far turn. In complete control coming down the homestretch, Cowboy Cal hit the wire two lengths in front of Why Tonto, also trained by Pletcher. It was a half-length back to Cannonball in third place.

Todd Pletcher (Cowboy Cal, 1st & Why Tonto, 2nd) — “He (Cowboy Cal) trained really well on dirt from the beginning, but his first race was a little disappointing, although it was a sprint (7th at Saratoga). Then, he worked good on the grass and the Giant’s Causeways do well on turf, so we mapped out a program that included the Laurel Futurity and he was pre-entered in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and so was Why Tonto, but neither one got in. We will definitely try Cowboy Cal back on the dirt, possibly the Fountain of Youth (Feb. 24), and go from there. The other horse (Why Tonto) keeps improving and he’ll stay on turf.”