Kentucky Derby McCraken Sets Track Record in Kentucky Derby Prep, G3 Sam F. Davis Stakes February 12, 2017 Kentucky Derby McCraken Sets Track Record in Kentucky Derby Prep, G3 Sam F. Davis Stakes February 12, 2017 By: Jared Welch twitterfacebooklinkedinemail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article OLDSMAR, FL. – McCraken lived up to all the hype. And then some. The unbeaten 3-year-old colt extended his record to 4-for-4 with an impressive victory over Tapwrit in the Kentucky Derby prep, G3 $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in stakes and track-record time of 1:42.45 for the 1 1/16 mile race. State of Honor finished third. “He puts a lot of confidence in you, that’s for sure,” jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr., said of McCraken, who staged a powerhouse rally on the turn and rolled to victory. “You’ve just got to go with it and ride him with confidence. I asked him at about the half-mile pole and he hesitated a bit, but I think that was his way of telling me ‘Don’t worry. We’re going to get the job done.’ ” McCraken paid $5 to win as the betting favorite in the field of nine sophomores. Owner Janis Whitham of Whitham Thoroughbreds, who bred the son of Ghostzapper-Ivory Empress, by Seeking the Gold, headed a large contingent of Whithams in town to watch the race. Trainer Ian Wilkes, who was an assistant to trainer Carl Nafzger for Kentucky Derby victories by Unbridled in 1990 and Street Sense in 2007, barely seemed to be concerned by getting 10 “Road to the Kentucky Derby” points for the victory. “If he’s good enough, he’ll take us there,” Wilkes said. How good is he? “I don’t know how good. But there have been some nice horses that have run a mile-and-a-sixteenth here” such as Street Sense in the 2007 Tampa Bay Derby, Wilkes said with a knowing grin. “We’ve got a long way to go. This is not a one-race program,” Wilkes said. “I want two more races for him, then the Derby. This is just one stepping stone, and we keep building. “Let’s pay all credit to the horse,” Wilkes added. “He’s taking us there. Let’s pay attention to him.” (Tampa Bay Downs)
Kentucky Derby 150 Jon White Interview & Picks | Blinkers Off 664 The Racing Dudes interview legendary horse racing expert Jon White,… Read More
Kentucky Derby Analysis | The Magic Mike Show 544 The Magic Mike Show guys analyze every horse entered for… Read More
Kentucky Derby 2024 Pre-Draw: What Post Each Horse Needs To Win | Blinkers Off 663 The Racing Dudes take a look at the contenders of… Read More
Kentucky Derby First Look and NHL/NBA Playoff Update | Dudes Who Bet Sports 189 Aaron and Papa Dude discuss the probable for the 150th… Read More
2024 Kentucky Derby Horse Profiles – How Each Horse Can Win | Blinkers Off 662 The Racing Dudes take a look at the contenders of… Read More
Kentucky Derby Multi-Race Betting Tips | Racing Dudes Rockets Hits & Heartbreaks 53 Aaron uses the red-hot Racing Dudes Rockets to explain his… Read More
Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks 2024 Betting Bible | Get Expert Picks NOW! Get the 2024 Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Betting Bible, featuring… Read More
Kentucky Derby Picks & Preview | Who Wins The 2024 Run For The Roses? Aaron previews & gives his 2024 Kentucky Derby picks from… Read More
Kentucky Oaks Picks & Preview | Who Wins The 2024 Lillies For The Fillies? Aaron previews & gives his 2024 Kentucky Oaks picks from… Read More
Kentucky Derby 150 Jon White Interview & Picks | Blinkers Off 664 The Racing Dudes interview legendary horse racing expert Jon White,… Read More