March 30, 2021
Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby preview
Guests
- Jimmy Bell, president Godolphin USA, Essential Quality (Blue Grass Stakes) and Prevalence (Wood Memorial)
- Daniel Velazquez, trainer, Brooklyn Strong (Wood Memorial)
- Peter Eurton, trainer, Dream Shake (Santa Anita Derby)
Full transcript (note: transcript has not been edited)
Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the NTRA conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Following the presentation we will conduct a question-and-answer session. At which time instructions will be provided. For operator assistance during the call, please press “star,” “0.”
I would now like to turn the meeting over to Ms. Hughes. Please go ahead, Ms. Hughes.
Alicia Hughes: Thank you, and welcome, everyone, to this week’s NTRA teleconference on the Road to the Triple Crown. This week we have a trio of preparations that we’re going to be previewing, all of which offer 100 qualifying points to the winner towards the Kentucky Derby on May 1.
This Saturday we’ve got the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes, which is going to highlight the opening weekend of the Keeneland Spring meets. While we – we also have the Grade 2 Wood Memorial taking place at Aqueduct in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby headlining the Santa Anita lineup.
Today we are excited to be joined by trainer, Peter Eurton, who conditioned 2019 Juvenile male champion, Storm the Court, and is hoping to get back to the (run for the roses) this season with Santa Anita Derby candidate, Dream Shake.
We are also (slated) to check in with trainer – with trainer, Daniel Velazquez, who’s Grade 2 winner, Brooklyn Strong, is set to make his seasonal (bout) in the Wood Memorial.
First up, however, we are fortunate enough to be joined by Jimmy Bell, President of Godolphin’s U.S. operations. Godolphin is coming off a (banner) weekend in which their homebred colt, Mystic Guide, captured the $12 million Dubai World Cup, and they have a pair of (live shots) coming up this weekend with reigning Juvenile champion, Essential Quality, set for the Blue Grass Stakes, and another homebred, Prevalence, set to make his debut in the Wood Memorial.
Jimmy, thank you so much for joining us today.
Jimmy Bell: Well absolutely my pleasure, and great to be on (these kind of occasions).
Alicia Hughes: Always I said great to have you on there. Before we delve in and look ahead to this weekend, reflect if you would on, again, just the exceptional nice that the whole team had this past Saturday with Mystic Guide really stamping himself as one of the top horses in training. Given how relatively lightly-raced he is, do you think that there is – that there’s still a whole lot of talent there to still kind of be brought to the surface?
Jimmy Bell: Well let’s hope so. According to his (jock), (Lilly), it just continues to sing praises about him. Obviously was a huge effort he made in the Razorback. Obviously can handle any kind of track it seems. And as we all know, it’s never an easy assignment to ship halfway around the world and to still bring your A-game.
And he handled all that so professionally that gives you a lot of confidence that not only is he physically developed but mentally as well because that’s not an easy – that’s not an easy act to follow from beginning to end to do that, so it takes a certain type of horse certainly mentally as well as physically to handle all the rigors of that travel and the big night.
So he certainly shined on the right evening. He’s going to get a pretty good break going back home, and gosh, he’s just – his two races as 4-year-old have been really something to talk about.
Alicia Hughes: And speaking of impressive performances, obviously you had – you guys have the unbeaten champion in Essential Quality who could have (hard looked) any better in his seasonal debut when he won the Southwest Stakes. He handled a sloppy track that day. He’s won all of his races really in a variety of fashions and tactics. Just how rare is it, if you can put into words, to have a horse who has displayed this level of versatility only just four starts into his career?
Jimmy Bell: Well I’m a little scared to answer that because it’s just been – it’s just been unbelievably surreal how I think back on it perhaps jokingly his – one of his better races might have been his main race when Brendan jus said let’s just get him going here. I know he’s a two-turn horse, but we got to get started and to show his athleticism and speed and all those things going short if you will.
And come through all that and win with daylight and then obviously jump right in the deep end with the (charity in the) Breeders’ Cup, that just – they’re just not many can do that, and obviously that’s what sets them apart the most is that he is quite versatile and obviously athletic. And those cup – and with a very good mind. And when you put all those together it can occasionally give you these kind of results.
Alicia Hughes: Definitely sounds good. I said – well, I said looks like we have a full slate of media, so with that I will throw it to our operator who will check it and see if they have any questions for you today.
Operator: Thank you. If you would like to ask a question, please press “star” followed by the number “1” on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, please press the “pound” key. We’ll pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. Your first question will come from Art Wilson. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Art Wilson: Yes, Jimmy. I was wondering after Essentially Quality won the Southwest there was talk whether his final derby prep would be the Arkansas Derby or the Blue Grass. Was that actually the case or did you have the Blue Grass picked out all along? Or if not if you had to decide between the two, what was the determining factor in picking the Blue Grass?
Jimmy Bell: Well in all fairness, I think Brad has a pretty good idea not too long after the Breeders’ Cup what he really wanted to do. He had spoken to us and basically said I’d like to get two races before the derby, and obviously the Southwest was really the distance factor and the timing of it. (The amount of sixteenth) was more appealing than the early races, a couple of the (mile and eighths), so really wanted to start at the mile to sixteenth.
And has a pretty good track record at Keeneland, which isn’t far from Churchill, which is sort of getting you in the neighborhood. And at this point in time obviously it wasn’t a question necessarily of points or anything like that but really how best can we get to the Kentucky Derby and you – (you’re) no question but knowing that he certainly relished the track at Keeneland is helpful. And the timing of it is the other component, so familiarity and the timing would certainly circle the Blue Grass.
Art Wilson: OK, and Jimmy, other than your own colt, Essential Quality, who might be considered now the favorite to win the derby, who were some of the other 3-year-olds around the country that have – that have impressed you so far this spring?
Jimmy Bell: I really thought the Concert Tour was very impressive – very impressive. I thought that Bob’s other horse, Life Is Good, was obviously brilliant. Certainly Todd’s colt down in the Florida Derby was very impressive to see him run the way he did late and was thinking that (should have felt would) probably have a little better, but listen. They all – they all have these kind of races and things that don’t just turn out and you just don’t get that performance you’re looking for, but those would certainly be standouts.
Art Wilson: OK. Thank you, sir. Good luck this weekend.
Jimmy Bell: Thank you.
Operator: Your next question comes from Ryan Martin. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Ryan Martin: Hi, Jimmy. When we last spoke regarding Prevalence in the Wood Memorial, you said that his next start would really determine (the timing thing) and be based on his energy level, so kind of describe his energy level right now and what Brendan’s been telling you regarding that.
Jimmy Bell: Well I think I did get to see a video of his last work, and I think he was just looking a little bit more just some energy and a bit on the maintenance side of it, but I think he came out of that with a bullet. And that’s sort of just visually (he went half of 47-3) and galloped out just as easy as you can.
So his energy level said it all right there. And from Brendan’s perspective, he’s lucky he’s an easy horse to read, that you know – you kind of know where he’s at and where he’s feeling, and certainly the extra time and having this Wood Memorial placed as it is was a good timing for us to sort of make that next progressive step.
Ryan Martin: And obviously he’s buying Medaglia d’Oro, and (young) Medaglia d’Oro (staying at Darly). He’s a sire that certainly is a gift that keeps on giving for you guys, and as Medaglia d’Oro even sired a lot of great horses for the Godolphin as well. Which of this great stallion’s attributes do you see in Prevalence?
Jimmy Bell: I would say – I would say mental toughness, that these horses, they both have that ability to respond to whatever, however. They’re not excitable. They put all their energy into their running. And I’m a big – I’m a big believer in mental toughness as well as physical ability.
So I think that as you look back over Medaglia’s career he’s shown up on a lot of big Saturdays, a lot of big races, was very consistent. Obviously this was pretty consistent. I hope it continues, but I would say that would be a big standout. Also you – we don’t know yet, but we’re hopeful that Prevalence can handle the distances that his father did.
Ryan Martin: And obviously Risk Taking is kind of his main foe on Saturday, and he’s also a Medaglia d’Oro I guess lack of a better way of putting it sort of a consultation prize if Risk Taking pops up and wins (because he’s under Medaglia d’Oro) as well.
Jimmy Bell: Well that’s – yes. Yes, I’m very hopeful that we have Medaglia in the winner’s circle. That’s for sure.
Ryan Martin: And when (Tyler), I read he’s – after his last race his allowance win at Gulf Stream, (Tyler) said he got a little bit lost on the front end in that last eighth of a mile. Is that something that (Brendan’s) worked with heading into the Wood Memorial?
Jimmy Bell: I really think that’s just the goodness of having (that) – having an allowance race, (inaudible) start. I think we’re all aware that a lot of times you get that wow first performance and then they go back over for a second race and it’s not always the same result, that they’re a little more tuned into what’s going on and what’s it all about. And in fairness is their lifetime second start. So, that’s I’d say more natural than an issue.
I think that that’s one of the blessings we had out of going back in an allowance race where he got good experiences in both races and learned something in both races. And that’s what gives us a little more confidence about stepping into deeper water and greater stakes and steeping up an added distance. But to have those two races under his belt, I think both were learning experiences and both were progressive steps. So, I think that they served us well for the Wood.
Ryan Martin: And last question, you said Mystic Guide would get some time off. Do you know about how much time off? And do you have any long-term goals? Obviously the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Jimmy Bell: Yes, probably as much as he would like actually. He’s a – it’s been a pretty phenomenal 2021 for him and for us both. And I think after showing us the talent that he has and truthfully at that mile and a quarter distance is very gratifying to see. There’s no question, but he’s going to get an extended time off. And we’re probably taking more Saratoga-ish time of the year.
Ryan Martin: All right, thank you so much Jimmy.
Jimmy Bell: Thank you too.
Alicia Hughes: Your next question comes from (Lynn Pearson). Please go ahead, your line is open.
(Lynn Pearson): Thank you. Hey Jimmy, how you doing? Huge congrats on an amazing weekend, obviously, and a pretty good year with a lot of your fillies and mares too so far.
Jimmy Bell: Yes.
(Lynn Pearson): My question would be, first of all, is Rebel’s Romance has qualified and have you and Charlie Appleby thought a little bit more, I know you were talking about earlier it’s awful tough to ship half away around the world for these big races.
Jimmy Bell: No – no ma’am, we really, really have not. And that would be something that would certainly come from that side of the – of the ocean for sure. But, it was gratifying to see step up and win the Derby like that and look like had plenty of run to him. No discussions, no. And really wouldn’t – I wouldn’t be able to comment on that. I really don’t have any sort of indications or any kind of communications on that at all.
(Lynn Pearson): OK. And then my next question would be His Highness and Godolphin, you’ve obviously won amazing things and a ton of Eclipse, but it – the Derby has been something that has been elusive so far. Can you talk a little bit about what it would mean to Godolphin to be standing in the winner’s circle for the Kentucky Derby?
Jimmy Bell: Well, it’s truly hard to imagine because it’s such an elusive place to get to. So, it’s just that, your imaginations. There’s no question about it, that this is one of the most, if not the most prestigious race in the world in many people’s minds and it’s what everybody that has a talented 3-year-old colt at this time of year is pointed to. So, there’s no question about that.
And again, I’ve said this numerous times, he’s – he is so philosophical about these types of races and opportunities is that in time patience will prevail and if it’s meant to be it will happen in time. So, the great news is there’s never been an ounce of pressure, it’s just everybody would love to see happen.
But, from His Highness Sheik Mohammed he’s first of all an astute horseman and understands it probably better than we do. And he’s just excited to have opportunities and probably more excited that a couple of these are homebreds as well. So, he makes it very easy because he’s so understanding and has such a great outlook on things.
(Lynn Pearson): Thank you. And then just my last question is obviously Essential Qualities with Brad, Prevalence is with Brendan, we’ve got Proxy. I mean how do you decide which trainer gets which horse?
Jimmy Bell: It’s a – the good news is that nobody really knows that. I just – we’re just remarkably lucky that and so happy that these horses have kind of landed, as you said, in these – in everybody’s barn. That everybody ended up with something to pretty excited about.
And it’s just a process; we collectively go through really very soon that all of our 2-year-olds are down in Florida with the pre-trainers, with Eddie Woods, with Niall Brennan, with Dave Scanlon and the folks at Bridlewood.
And we meet with all the, we go through them, we try to watch them and you have an idea as those guys are all pretty – they’ve been around a long time and have trained – pre-trained a lot of horses that have gone on to each and all these trainers.
And it’s a collaborative effort and – but we make our recommendations, we send them across the pond and have another look at them and get a green light and off we go. So I wish there was a formula. I’d sure like to repeat it. But, that was – that was a bit fortuitous for all of us truthfully.
(Lynn Pearson): Thank you so much and lots of good luck to you.
Jimmy Bell: Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
Alicia Hughes: Your next question comes from Byron King. Please go ahead, your line is open.
Byron King: Hi Jimmy. First of all, congratulations on all the success. I – my question actually was asked and answered earlier. So, but I’ll follow-up with another one and that would be, can you update us on Maxfield, what the goals are for him and how he’s come out of the Santa Anita Derby? Or excuse me – not the Santa Anita Derby – Santa Anita Handicap …
Jimmy Bell: Santa Anita Handicap. Yes. Yes.
Byron King: … exactly. Santa Anita Handicap, and just what the goals are for him going forward?
Jimmy Bell: Well, you know if wasn’t undefeated going into the Santa Anita Handicap and getting beat a length and a half we’d say, man that was a good effort, you know off a short rest three weeks shipped out there didn’t – really got to gallop over the track and run, first time going that distance, a bit of a wide trip. So, all those things factored into a probably OK race.
But, what we were looking to do was find some questions about the mile and a quarter and different competition and that’s the first time he really – in his previous races he’s had things a lot more his own way than to really the dog fight that you have to encounter when you’re in these grade one races.
So, came out the race in great shape. Feel like he learned quite a bit. I think we feel like he grew up quite a bit, which is something we were looking forward to. He’s come out of it in excellent shape. He had a first easy half mile just the other day and he’s on his way to Keeneland as we speak.
And we’ll entertain something for after Churchill, but he’s – the good news is it was something we were hopeful for is that we’d have a full campaign of races for him this year and we feel very lucky that we’ve stayed on that path and been able to have a good run thus far. So, a lot to build on and felt like that was a race that hopefully will bring him forward for future races.
Bryon King: And then my other question would be I was hoping you could just reflect a little bit on your son Gatewood starting at Keeneland I think last month. He took on the Vice President of Racing position. If you could just give me your thoughts on that, I’m sure you’re very proud of him.
Jimmy Bell: Well first and foremost, I am very happy for him. I’m happy for Shannon and her new role as president. I’m very happy for Keeneland. You know it’s – it would be a change for him.
He’s changed (some worlds) in some respect more in – more in the corporate side of things, but the good news is Gatewood knows, he’s been in the trenches with him, he’s bought horses, sold horses, raced horses, put together syndicates and I think he truly can understand his fellow trainers, his fellow owners.
And there’s a lot of things that you learn being on the other side of fence that I think is something that he’s able to bring to his new position, obviously with a lot of enthusiasm and youthfulness, but at the same time he’s been involved with a lot of – a lot of aspects of the business which I think can only help you as you’re trying to build and move forward.
Byron King: Thank you very much Jimmy.
Jimmy Bell: Thank you. Appreciate that.
Alicia Hughes: Your next question comes from Paul Halloran. Please go ahead, your line is open.
Paul Halloran: Hey Jimmy, how are you? Thanks for taking the time. Jimmy, I just wanted to go back to Prevalence briefly if I could and if you could just talk about the decision to throw him in the deep end as you say. And if things do go well Saturday, is he definitely – is the plan definitely to go to Kentucky and how much does the fact that you do have Essential Quality as well will that play into that decision at all?
Jimmy Bell: Well, the hope behind all of this was let the horse tell us what our next move is and we felt like this was the opportunity to do that. Number one you’re going to need to be able to travel. Two, you’re going to be able to take on much different competition. Certainly he’s been brilliant in as far as the shorter one turn races have been. And as what he looks like going a mile and (eight).
So I think when the race is finished he’s going to answer all those questions which will then certainly point you one direction or the other. And that’s really what we want to do. We didn’t want to be guessing and hoping and we wanted to let him be able to show us what he is or isn’t or what can or can’t do at this stage. Just because you can or can’t run mile and a quarter there’s some brilliant races and great careers that come underneath that.
So this is just a more of an opportunity and a progression and honestly there’s not – if you want to run there not many other –many other spots to run in after you’re made an allowance or you’re looking for by virtue of nothing else you’re sort of thrust into sort of the Stakes competition.
Paul Halloran: Great, thank you, Jimmy.
Jimmy Bell: Thank you.
Alicia Hughes: As a reminder we would like to ask that participants please limit themselves to one question. Your next question comes from (John Pritchett). Your line is open.
(John Pritchett): Good afternoon, sir. I’d like to follow-up on your Rebel’s Romance comment before. You said that the decision will come from over there, do you have – are you just responsible for what happens in the U.S. and don’t get to add your input to what happens to any of Godolphin horses that run on the other side of the world?
Jimmy Bell: Well it’s – answer in two phase. Yes responsible for things here in America. And secondly one of the great attributes of Godolphin operation is that collaboration. We all speak to each other, communicate. When Charlie wants to maybe have a special horse to run over here and says what’s this race look like or that. So there is communication but that’s – the dust is hardly settle from the Saturday’s races and there’s just – I just flat-out I couldn’t tell you and but it wouldn’t mean that we wouldn’t have any conversations.
It’s just that there’s been nothing – nothing official whatsoever on that.
(John Pritchett): And if I could be allowed one follow-up …
Jimmy Bell: (Inaudible).
(John Pritchett): … given the effort – given the effort that he showed – well he showed everyone on Saturday you think he’ll (belong), you think he’ll come does Charlie Appleby have something other than a U.S. race in mind for him? Is he thinking about something else?
Jimmy Bell: To be honest with you I mean I’d love to give some insight. I have none and our – thank goodness our lap is pretty full with a couple over here that we really are focused on. So that’s just – that conversations are – those deliberations certainly haven’t come to – come to the surface.
(John Pritchett): Well, thank you and have a safe trip on Saturday.
Jimmy Bell: Thank you so much, appreciate that.
Alicia Hughes: Your next question comes from E.J. Clark. Please go ahead, your line is open.
E.J. Clark: Jimmy, thanks for being on the teleconference this afternoon, it’s good to speak to you. Want to ask you – I wanted to go back to Essential Quality and I know the Toyota Blue Grass, we were talking with Brad a few weeks ago and it’s been on the radar, have been looking at this race very carefully coming back to Kentucky.
As you come up to the Toyota Blue Grass with an unbeaten homebred champion, the horse that’s a horse that’s won two Grade 1 at Keeneland including the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile. Can you tell us what this means to you? What this means to Godolphin America and your team? Having a horse like Essential Quality, a homebred?
Jimmy Bell: Well I don’t think this really can any more because we all know this is – this game is a big team effort and a lot of hands behind the scenes and from the time these things are foal to their raising, to their yearlings, to shipped off, to come back and to have him accomplish what he has and then to come really truly home literally to the backyard, about three miles from Jonabell.
Just for instance I bet there were six or seven folks from the farm this morning just watching him for the very first time, he just got in here and galloped for the first day today just to come over and look at him.
So I think you can find a better morale booster, I don’t think you can find a better team booster. And anybody that runs an operation outside of their mom and pop they know how much – how important it is to have your team members a part of this thing and to celebrate and just to watch it.
So it’s as much excitement to see what this creates among our own staff, our own team as it is to watch the perform. It’s very, very, very positive experience.
E.J. Clark: And just a quick follow-up, Jimmy. To win – in the previous (inaudible) at Keeneland, I’ve been watching it for 25 years or so, it wasn’t always a Grade 1 but it is the (breeders) maturity, it’s a two year old racer, a (key race) to be in the breeding business and the racing business just to win that and to have Keeneland host the Breeder’s Cup the same year and come back and win the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile.
How special is that?
Jimmy Bell: Well, it – I don’t think you can top it truthfully. Just what I alluded to earlier and as you mentioned, this – it’s one thing to have a horse of this talent and ability and then it’s just an entirely different thing when it’s a homebred and I think that’s – I think anybody would be excited under any circumstances that (it) was purchased or this, that and the other.
But being from the farm, being foaled and raised with the mother and having so much of the family already is – that’s really what you kind of go about this for to have these special moments to celebrate with people that have had some impact into this thing happening.
E.J. Clark: Well it’s a huge moment for everybody at Godolphin and congratulations on this past weekend at World Cup Day. And good luck. Good luck on Saturday.
Jimmy Bell: (Inaudible).
E.J. Clark: All the horses and all the races.
Jimmy Bell: You’re very kind and we’re very grateful. Thank you, sir.
E.J. Clark: You’re welcome.
Alicia Hughes: Your next question comes from Eric Mitchell. Please go ahead your like is open.
Eric Mitchell: Hey, Jimmy, thanks for taking the time to talk to us today. Godolphin has been on a tremendous roll in Graded Stakes probably even by its own standards this year. Is there anything that y’all have done, tweaked, adjusted in the breeding program that you think brought you to the success that you’re seeing today?
Jimmy Bell: Well I wish we could pinpoint it because we’d sure like to figure it out more than just being quite happy with the results of what we’re seeing right now. But we do use a lot of home stallions but you’ll also see that we’ve got – use Go Zapper and we use obviously Tapit and Pioneer of the Nile and so we have – Into Mischief. We have certainly reached out and used other stallions and I think that’s been – that’s been helpful.
And I think that’s given our team here more tools to work with as far as physicals, as far as pedigree alignments and there’s been a lot of input from the folks – these managers on the farms that they’ve all collaborated, had a lot of impactful commentary as to who, what should go where. And so I do think that’s – and you just never know when that’s really going to happen.
I mean we’ve had full brothers and full siblings that look nothing or act nothing like each other. So every now and then it (just) perhaps it all just comes together.
Eric Mitchell: OK, all right. Thank you. I appreciate it.
Jimmy Bell: Thanks.
Alicia Hughes: Your next question comes from Tim Sullivan. Please go ahead your line is open.
Tim Sullivan: Thank you. I wanted to ask about (inaudible) (Luis) to or at least he had a reputation for being (an aggressive rider) before the Derby two years ago. I wondering have you seen any change in his approach since that Derby? And what is your comfort level with him riding the Derby favorite?
Jimmy Bell: Well I have nothing – nothing but praise for Luis. I think he’s a very strong rider. I think he’s a very smart rider. I think if you just watch him at the World Cup there were (Mystic Guide) seemed to get a little agitated out at the track with the pony and stuff and he had the (inaudible) to break away and go stand him off by himself. And that’s just a – that’s just good horsemanship and good thinking. I think he’s a very good away from the gate, he gets his position and I tell you we couldn’t be happier than to have Luis onboard.
Between his ride on Mystic Guide and Essential Quality would be hard to improve off of that.
Tim Sullivan: Thank you.
Alicia Hughes: Well, Jimmy, I think the only one who has ever come close to having the amount questions that you had today was Bob Baffert, so you win. You apparently win the popularity honor. Thank you so much for joining us today. Continued best of luck with everything and I look forward to seeing you out at Keeneland this weekend, Jimmy.
Jimmy Bell: Yes, I look forward to it. Very kind to have us onboard and happy to share all the info with you.
Alicia Hughes: Sounds good. Thanks, again, Jimmy. You take care and have a great day.
Jimmy Bell: Thank you.
Alicia Hughes: Thank you.
Male: (Inaudible).
Alicia Hughes: And next up, we are going to go to trainer Daniel Velasquez who has Wood Memorial contender Brooklyn Strong. With Brooklyn Strong, he won the Grade 2 Remsen stakes in his fourth career start last December, and he’s going to be making his first start since that outing when he goes to (post) this Saturday. Daniel, thank you so much for joining us today.
Daniel Velasquez: Hi, thank you for having me.
Alicia Hughes: Thank you again for coming on. So with Brooklyn Strong, this is a colt that you all purchased for just $5,000 out of the OBS sale last April, and now he’s a Grade stakes winner, he’s a leading contender for a top derby prep. What did you all see from him in that sale that everybody missed, and what did you think you were getting with him that day?
Daniel Velasquez: Honestly, I just got to thank my owner Mark, my partner Mark. He went and bought him kind of on a whim and we just have to attribute it a lot to luck and timing. This game involves a lot of luck sometimes, and he was just one of those lucky purchases to be honest. There was no magic bullet, it was just he went down there.
I always go to the sales every year. COVID happened, I wasn’t able to make it, and he pulled the trigger on a $5,000 wicked strong and here we are.
Alicia Hughes: So I said an incredible journey there. So in the – the layoff that he’s had since the Remsen to now, was that something that you all planned or was that just more a matter of circumstance and everything kind of…
Daniel Velasquez: No, it was a matter of circumstances – it was a matter of circumstance. He won the Remsen, and after that we noticed he’s – he had a – some weight loss and he didn’t look the same, act the same, and we just opted to give him the time after that. He just wasn’t the same horse. Moving forward now, he’s hit every point I want him to hit.
Obviously timing – by the time he came back in February, it was extremely tough to train, especially here at Parks because the tracks were closed, the weather wasn’t good enough. So we missed the Gotham, but now we’re pushing all in on the wood and really hoping that we’re one-two to get enough derby points to get in.
Alicia Hughes: Yes, sounds good like I said. Well, with that Daniel, like I said, we’ve got a lot of media on today. So with that, I will check in with our operator who will check in with the media to see if they have any questions for you today.
Daniel Velasquez: OK.
Operator: Thank you. If you’d like to ask a question, please press “star”, followed by the number “1” on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, please press the “pound” key. We’ll pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster.
Alicia Hughes: Well, Daniel, if they’re not going to jump in, I’ve got a few more questions for you myself.
Daniel Velasquez: OK.
Alicia Hughes: With Known Agenda, obviously this was a horse who was third behind you guys in the Remsen stakes.
Daniel Velasquez: Yes.
Alicia Hughes: He certainly flattered your call with the way he performed in the derby. How much added confidence does that give you heading into the…
Daniel Velasquez: It gives me extreme – a lot of confidence because obviously horses develop differently with time. And his two year old campaign, now going into three, they added the blinkers and he seems like he’s developing. But that just gives me a lot of confidence knowing that we beat him pretty well in the Remsen. And my horse is doing extremely well. He’s very sharp.
The negatives, obviously, the four month layoff going into such a big race, I wish we had a prep but I feel 100 percent ready and I – I’m never going to doubt my horse or our work. My teams done a phenomenal job and we’re ready.
Operator: And we do have a question from (Danny Brewer). Please go ahead, your line is open.
(Danny Brewer): So, new kid on the block, so to speak, what got you into this game?
Daniel Velasquez: My dad’s a trainer. I was a jockey for – I rode for five years, but I’ve been in it all my life. This is pretty much my work since I’ve been a kid. I’ve been around this all my life. I really almost don’t know anything else except horse racing.
(Danny Brewer): So you – all your life, and here you are with a $5,000 horse that’s knocking on the door…
Daniel Velasquez: Yes.
(Danny Brewer): … of running…
Daniel Velasquez: Yes.
(Danny Brewer): … the Kentucky Derby. Do you pace yourself when you get up in the morning? I mean, do you think you’re dreaming? I mean, how about that?
Daniel Velasquez: Absolutely, I do pinch myself. But I got to say, my level of confidence going into the Wood is almost too high. People are telling me to knock it down a notch, but I got to keep it real. I feel very confident in my horse and my horses ability to prevail as the winner of the Wood.
(Danny Brewer): Well, I don’t think (Scared Money) wins too much, so I think…
Daniel Velasquez: Yes, and I’m not scared at all.
(Danny Brewer): I mean good for you, man. I wish you the best of luck, OK?
Daniel Velasquez: I appreciate it, I appreciate it.
Alicia Hughes: And Daniel, like I said, you just said you’ve obviously got a ton of confidence in this horse and everything. Are you seeing anything specific too in his workouts that is kind of intangible that is kind of adding to that in these weeks that are leading up to the stakes?
Daniel Velasquez: Honestly – yes, honestly with the time, I had a – we had a five week window to get him ready because we had an extra two, three weeks in February that were a complete bust due to the weather. So honestly, I’m sitting there looking at the calendar going oh my god, the Wood’s getting further and further away because we’re going to miss the Gotham, there’s no way we can make it.
Normally, with the five weeks, I got five good works into him, but I usually go into – not that I’m – this is my first rodeo with these big races, but into any race, off a layoff, I usually have at least eight big works. I’m going into it with five, but luckily this horse has proven that he seems like he’s gotten all the works that he needs.
He’s a horse that’s kind of lean and like a runner’s body, so he’s gotten fitter faster than I thought, and he’s just – to me, he seems 1000 percent ready.
Alicia Hughes: Well, as I said and you talked about, it’s kind of your first time going down these big dances. How much are you even letting yourself think about the fact that if he wins or even if he top 3’d this weekend, you’re likely going to the Derby in a few weeks?
Daniel Velasquez: Yes, yes. I mean, I can taste it, I’ll tell you that much. I can taste it. I can – I – I’m a visual person, I envision it and obviously everything has to fall into place for it to happen, but again 100 percent confident in my horse, my team. The work is done. It’s a matter of him showing up and actually getting the job done.
And we’ve got Manny, and I’m confident in Manny. I think Manny is a good rider. He’s going to fit him perfect. And it’s just a matter of let’s see what happens on Saturday.
Alicia Hughes: So all – it is always fun to have some new blood on the derby trail lead…
Daniel Velasquez: Yes.
Alicia Hughes: … (inaudible) I said it’s a pleasure. So, Daniel, again, thank you so much for taking the time to come on and join us today. Continued best of luck for everything and hopefully all goes well and I’ll be seeing you a few weeks from now in Louisville.
Daniel Velasquez: Listen, you’ll be seeing me and you’ll be talking to me. I appreciate it. Thanks again.
Alicia Hughes: So thanks again, Daniel.
Daniel Velasquez: You guys have a great day. Bye-bye.
Alicia Hughes: Thanks. You too. And last but certainly not least today, we’re going to catch up with trainer Peter Eurton who has Dream Shake set for the Santa Anita Derby this weekend. Dream Shake finished third last time out in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes in just his second career start. Peter, thank you so much for joining us today.
Peter Eurton: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
Alicia Hughes: Thanks, as always, for coming on. With Dream Shake, this is a horse who – he’s already kind of stolen the show over some hyped up contenders when he won his debut at of 20 to 1. How do you kind of evaluate his effort last time out in the San Felipe, and how has he kind of progressed in the time since that run?
Peter Eurton: Well, we were asking a lot of Dream going into his second start lifetime, first time going two turns against actually the best – couple of the best horses in the country. I thought he ran very well. I don’t think I overtrained him for the spot. I think we’re just trying to peak at the right time, hopefully it’s this Saturday, but he’s trained forwardly to this point.
He’s got a couple nice works since then. And hoping I’ve got a tighter and a horse that’s got a little more experience now. But still, it’s asking a lot, but I feel he’s up to the challenge.
Alicia Hughes: And going back to his debut, were you surprised to see him at that long of odds that they – how much confidence did you have in him coming into that first career start?
Peter Eurton: I wasn’t – I never worry about the odds too much. That always plays itself out. He’s trained really well for it. I knew it was a tough race on paper. He drew so well. He – (Jarell) was able to let the race kind of unfold. And, I mean granted, I was going to be happy with one-two-three, but the effort he ran was by far over the expectations of what we were think was going to happen, so I’m quite pleased.
Alicia Hughes: Sounds good, like I said. Peter, with that, I’m going to throw it back to our operator who will check in with the media to see if they have any questions for you today.
Peter Eurton: Super, super.
Operator: Thank you. As a reminder to ask a question, please press “star” followed by the number “1” on your telephone keypad. Your first question will come from Art Wilson. Please go ahead, your line is open.
Art Wilson: Hey, Peter. You said you were pleased with Dream Shakes run in the San Felipe. What – negative wise, is there anything that you weren’t pleased with, any area that you really think he needs to improve to take that next step up?
Peter Eurton: Obviously, I think stamina was a big deal for him in his – in the second start. I believe the two turns was something. Obviously, everything is new for him right no. He got some dirt – he ran inside were he wasn’t – it was all new to him.
So I don’t think anything to take from the race was a negative thought. I think just the fact that experience and stamina are going to be a couple big things hopefully for him to approve upon.
Art Wilson: What does he have to show you on Saturday in order to go on to Louisville?
Peter Eurton: Well, for one, he needs to (run 1-2), in my opinion, to, I think, probably to get enough points to for one. And just show us that he belongs. And I think first or second will – based on how many races he’s only ran would be, I think, plenty good for us.
Art Wilson: Now Peter, because you’re based in Southern California, so you’ve seen some good three years olds this spring and around the country and around Southern California, who were some of the others that caught your eye?
Peter Eurton: Well, Concert Tour, obviously, (her ran huge) in Arkansas. I believe there’s Medina Spirit is probably going to be exceptionally talented too. He’s been running a good second to Life Is Good.
And I think he didn’t get the best of (sure flat time be packed) – packing himself wide the first turn trying to give (Flag) his good – his best trip. But I think he’s going to be a nice – well, there’s probably a lot of other ones that are going to – for the moment this weekend and the next weekend will probably show us a lot who really belongs and who’s coming into the – it’s all about timing, I mean at first, for the Derby.
I think getting your horse at the right time. And that’s what we’re trying to do. We weren’t hoping to win last time out but in all honestly we figured to be best next weekend and the weekend after is what is going to get it done.
So I don’t – can’t worry about anybody else but ourselves. So we have to – we have to do our job and hopefully he does show up and does what he has to do.
Art Wilson: Right. And my last question, Peter, of course you have a 3-year-old, Lady Mystify, who had that monster maiden win back in early February. Can you update her – update us on her?
Well, she just had a mild set back. She’s tack walking right now. So (pin) is setup for about 30 days and she’ll go a little bit forward. Just a mild wrenched ankle. Nothing radiographically bad about it. Just going to give her plenty of time there and make sure that we do the right thing by her.
It’s unfortunate we missed the Oaks here at Santa Anita. But I’m looking at her right now, she’s doing fine. She needed a little bit more time.
Art Wilson: Well, which ankle was it?
Peter Eurton: I didn’t say. It doesn’t – that’s not really the biggest issue but it is a – it’s nothing to – for anybody to worry about and we’re just going to take care of her and she’ll be galloping within the next couple few weeks.
Art Wilson: Right. OK. Well, best of luck to you on Saturday, Peter.
Peter Eurton: Appreciate it, Art.
Alicia Hughes: As a reminder to ask a question, please press “star” followed by the number “1” on your telephone keypad. Your next question will come from Danny Brewer. Please go ahead, your line is open.
Danny Brewer: Peter, how are you doing today?
Peter Eurton: Hey, we’re doing good. How you doing?
Danny Brewer: Good. So you told me that Prat’s going to be in the irons. I mean he has been so hot out there at Santa Anita. What kind of score is that for you? Is that like a 360 slam dunk to get a guy like that on your horse?
Peter Eurton: Well, I have no issues with Joel at all. (It’s just) for him to make the trip out here, would have had no problem with that either. But to end up with Flavien is just a – I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
And he is riding very good. He (tore up) the horse the last couple times. He’s worked him before that too. It just so happens he – I think he came up with a call on that particular race that is like Joel ended up on him but we’re extremely pleased to have Flavien aboard for his effort next week.
Danny Brewer: Well, because you said that he’s worked the horse some. That familiarity, do you think that maybe can help you out a little bit on Saturday?
Peter Eurton: I think he’s just really happy the way he’s worked and he’s pretty excited himself about the way the horse is trained. His last two works were well within himself and he looked – he looked the part. And Flavien enjoyed getting to familiarize himself with him and he liked what he – I had underneath him.
So I think both of those things, getting to know him and see how good he’s doing is always a good thing.
One thing you don’t want to have is like a guy works a horse and you didn’t like the way he works them, so sometimes you have that go against you. But in this case Flavien couldn’t be happier with him.
Danny Brewer: When you think back about last year’s Storm The Court, has that helped you any at all this year, moving forward with another 3-year-old that you’re pretty talented?
Peter Eurton: No, it’s always good experience for us. But I mean they’re two different kind of horses from the court, matured very early and he’s still maturing as we – as we speak. And we look forward to seeing him back in the – in the summer or the late spring here.
But the more you do it, obviously, the more experience you get from it and I’m constantly learning.
Danny Brewer: Peter, I certainly appreciate your time in and you know I’m wishing you the best of luck.
Peter Eurton: I appreciate it. Thank you.
Alicia Hughes: And Peter, before we let you go, just want to – I had one more for you. With Dream Shake, now that he has had a couple starts under his belt and he obviously – he got to try (to get in Stakes company) last time out. What have you learned about him as far as his – as his talent goes?
Peter Eurton: Well, we’ve always thought he had such a great mind and I think we just – we feel even stronger about that. Granted his second start he was a little bit precocious but I think I’ve learned just from the last couple works that he’s been in from horses breaking into him, him feeling pressure from the outside as well as the inside.
He’s showed me he’s got some intelligence about him where he doesn’t get frazzled. He just kind of goes with the motion from what the rider is asking for at the time. And that’s always a benefit, getting a little dirt in his face. He experienced (sadness) in his second start and got a little bit more experienced as far as that goes.
So every little bit helps and that’s one thing I like about him the most. Not much in his talent but he’s got a mind and you have to have that.
Alicia Hughes: Yes. And you mentioned just a little bit before about Storm – about Storm The Court. I know I said you’ve tried – you’ve tried him on (turf), you’ve tried a few different things with him.
What might be coming next for him? Or do you look at maybe keeping him under going forward or are you still maybe looking to kind of go back and forth, moving forward?
Peter Eurton: Well, he’s proven he likes the Southern California turf, it’s tight. I think the biggest thing is for him, for me, watching him is the distance that he goes. I think he – (7-8s) was too fast for him. He gets out of – he gets into his anaerobic stage too quick and he can’t maintain that kind of speed. So I think he needs a comfortable pace to run at.
Turf is always nice because you don’t have to be on the lead, you don’t have to worry about the kick back. But you tend to – (you get a hold) of both surfaces but I think it’s the distance is what matters.
A good – I think he’s a really good miler to a mile and eight and to where he can kind of control the pace himself, grass or dirt.
Alicia Hughes: Sounds good.
Peter Eurton: Don’t know exactly where we’re going to go yet but we’ll keep you – we’ll keep you informed.
Alicia Hughes: Sounds good. And I said, Peter, again, thank you so much as always for taking the time out to come on and speak with us all today. Continue – best of luck with everything going forward.
Peter Eurton: Well, thank you so much for having me.
Alicia Hughes: Thank you.
Peter Eurton: Bye.
Alicia Hughes: Bye. And everyone, that will do it for today’s NTRA National Media Teleconference. And audio file of this call will be up later on today on NTRA.com and a transcript should be there within about 24 hours. Once again, I’d like to thank our fantastic guests today; Mr. Jimmy Bell, Daniel Velazquez, and Peter Eurton.
And thank you, as always, to our media for joining us today. And now back to our operator to wrap things up.
Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, this will conclude today’s conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.
END
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