April 22, 2021

NTRA Road to the Triple Crown

Guests:

  • Brad Cox (Caddo River, Essential Quality, Mandaloun)
  • Doug O’Neill (Hot Rod Charlie)
  • John Sadler (Rock Your World)
  • Todd Pletcher (Bourbonic, Dynamic One, Known Agenda, Sainthood)

Audio of Teleconference:

Full Transcript (note: transcript has not been edited)

Operator: Good afternoon, 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-zero.

Full Transcript (note: transcript has not been edited)

 

Operator: Good afternoon, 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-zero.

 

I would now like to turn the meeting over to Mr. Gluckson. Please go ahead Mr. Gluckson.
Jim Gluckson: Thank you very much, (Renz).

 

And good day, everyone. And welcome to the 2021 National Thoroughbred Racing Association: National Media Teleconference Road to the Triple Crown featuring the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodfood Reserve which will be held, of course, on Saturday, November 1, in Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

We have an excellent lineup with us today – trainers Todd Pletcher, Brad Cox, John Sadler, and Doug O’Neill.

 

I’ll just flag a few reminders here that this teleconference is being recorded and will be – the audio portion of this will be posted later on the NTRA website. And then tomorrow, within 24 hours, the conclusion of the call, obviously, the transcript of this press conference will be available to everyone.

 

This 147th Kentucky Derby will televise live on NBC Sports. And will also be on HRRN Radio.

 

I think it’s important to point out, before we begin, that this Triple Crown is one of the most coveted prizes in all of sports. The following year of an altered schedule of the Triple Crown in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Kentucky Derby on May 1, the Preakness on May 15, and the Belmont Stakes on June 5, have been returned to the traditional positions of two weeks between the Derby and Preakness and three weeks for the Belmont.

 

This Triple Crown spacing had been in place from 1969 through 2019. And of course, there are five Triple Crown winners during that time period – Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, American Pharaoh, and Justify.

 

Now the eight previous Triple Crown winners, those that swept those three jewels, they did it so in a variety of spacing between the races. And on five of those cases, there were just one week between the Derby and the Preakness. And in 1930, with Gallant Fox, he won the Preakness first, and then the Derby a week later.

 

And going back 102 years ago, to 1919, before the phrase Triple Crown was even coined, Sir Barton won the Kentucky Derby. And then four days later, won the Preakness. And then a month later, captured the Belmont Stakes.

 

So a little bit of history there. So let’s move on from the past now and we go to the present and bring in our two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer, Todd Pletcher. Todd, welcome.
Todd Pletcher: Thank you, Jim.

 

Jim Gluckson: Todd has four starters in this year’s lineup – lineup for this year’s Kentucky Derby with Florida Derby winner, Known Agenda; with Memorial winner, Bourbonic; and the Wood runner-up in Dynamic One; and the runner-up in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, Sainthood.

 

Todd has had a record tying five starters in the 2007 and 2013 derbies. And on four other occasions, he’s had four starters.

 

Todd, a great year for you so far. And in the interest of time, and getting to the questions I get, just a quick comment on each of your runners here.

 

First with Known Agenda, quick progress this year coming off a fifth place finish in the Sam Davis. And then an 11-length win with optional claimer at Gulfstream. And then this very powerful Florida Derby victory. Can you comment on his maturity and why he is a great fit for this derby?
Todd Pletcher: Well, I think a lot of his maturity has come with the addition of blinkers. But I think, in addition to that, a lot of it has to do with just natural progression and maturity, both mentally and physically on this part.

 

And he’s a son of Curlin, who’s designed to do better with age, and also with increased distance. And so one of the things I’m really excited about for him is, I think, the mile-and-a-quarter suits him very well.
Jim Gluckson: What is your final work schedule for him?

 

Todd Pletcher: Right now, he’s scheduled to breeze tomorrow at Churchill. And we’re kind of playing with the idea of going on Friday or Saturday (for test). He’s kind of been back and forth between some rain on Saturday. Now it looks like it might start a little later. But right now, we’re planning to go ahead tomorrow. When we feel confident, then we’re going to get him on a fast track.

 

Jim Gluckson: All right. Now commenting on your horses out of the Wood who make great strides. First, Calumet Farm’s Bourbonic.

 

Todd Pletcher: Yes. I mean, he was obviously a pleasant surprise to us. He’s a horse that we’ve always thought likely to improve with some added distance. He’s a well-bred colt. And really, the Wood Memorial was his first opportunity to get to run a mile-and-an-eighth, which he simply relished. But we are taking a shot trying to qualify for the derby. And we’re fortunate that he stepped up and ran a big race.

 

Jim Gluckson: And how about Dynamic One since the Wood?

 

Todd Pletcher: Dynamic One has always trained extremely well. We’re a little bit frustrated with his early races. He’s a horse that (tattered) himself to us in the mornings, and wasn’t quite polishing it off in the afternoons. But we thought like when he broke his maiden at quarter-mile-and-an-eighth, those stuff in the right direction.

 

And again, move forward again in the Wood Memorial. So I think he’s a colt that not only improved but has always shown a lot of ability. And again, I think with a win and close runner-up with a mile-and-a-eighth distance should be to his advantage.
Jim Gluckson: All right.

 

And then finally with Sainthood, who look like have a very troubled trip in the Jeff Ruby. But once he gotten so straightened out and found firmer footing in the deep stretch, he closed very strongly to get second place.
Todd Pletcher: He did. He was a little unlucky. He got his momentum stopped at the top of the stretch. But then (inaudible) he was finishing fast, as he always kind of ran out of ground. So he’s a colt with a lot of talent. My biggest concern, is that, he’s had a little bit lack of experience having only had three starts.

 

Jim Gluckson: OK. All right. Well, thank you for this, Todd.

 

Now, at this time, let’s see if we have some questions on the line from the media. And because of so many people are on the call today, and the number of guests, we’re going to have starting out with one question and just one follow-up please.

 

So (Renz), let’s see if we can get to our questions now.
Operator: Thank you, sir.

 

At this time, we would like to take any questions you might have for us today. To ask a question, you will need to press star-one on your telephone.

 

You have your first question from the line of Art Wilson. Please go ahead.
Art Wilson: Yes. Todd, I was just curious. Since you won your first derby back in 2010, have you – when we go back now, are you more relaxed to having already won two of them now as opposed to looking for your first? Did you ever feel any anxiety or pressure until you won your first one back in 2010?

 

Todd Pletcher: Oh, I mean, I think, anytime you come into the derby, whether you had a win or not, you come in with some anxiety and excitement, and look forward to the preparation. And everything kind of becomes a little more important in this big situation. So I don’t feel any more or less pressure than I did prior to winning the first time.

 

Art Wilson: And like this year, when you are preparing a group as opposed to maybe just one or two, is it harder this year? Or it easier when you only have one or two? Or is there no difference for you?

 

Todd Pletcher: I wouldn’t say there’s a big difference. We would still be preparing these horses for other races even if it weren’t the Derby. But like I said, anytime there’s a race, just like the magnitude, you’re a little more anxious about it. But it’s a good kind of anxious and excitement.

 

Art Wilson: OK. Well, good luck in nine days.

 

Todd Pletcher: Thanks very much.

 

Operator: Thank you.

 

Our next question is from the line of Beth Harris. Your line is now open.
Beth Harris: Hi, Todd. This is going to be the first Lasix-free derby. And I’m wondering, we have a relatively small sample size of running today’s races without Lasix. What affects are you seeing from the race they ban?

 

Todd Pletcher: Well, in the three-year-old cases, a lot of these – a lot of horses have never run on Lasix because they won’t allow Lasix since two-year-olds. Some of them – most of them did run on Lasix in some that are growing older. Perhaps none of the preparations were allowed to have any Lasix. Some of them run (inaudible).

 

I think with this particular crop, for my cohort, it’s not been an issue. I can’t speak for everyone else. But I think some of the bigger concerns are around older horses that maybe have been running on Lasix for three, four, five years and then have to come off with it. But bleeding can be an issue for horses, with or without Lasix. And the work that the group we have, it’s not a problem for.
Beth Harris: In what ways have the new rules change the way you train?

 

Todd Pletcher: To be honest, they have not.

 

Beth Harris: OK. Thank you.

 

Operator: Thank you.

 

Our next question is from the line of (David Renning). Please go ahead.
(David Renning): Hi, Todd.

 

In addition to having a lot of horses in the race, between the Oaks and the Derby, I’ve count seven stallions that you trained. I was wondering, how much pride do you take into seeing something like that? And the fact that so many of your horses have gone to become productive and successful stallion?
Todd Pletcher: Yes. I mean, it’s something that we’re very proud of, that a lot of the horses that we train have gone on to be successful stallions, and even mares, and (inaudible). We train (inaudible) as well.

 

But I think it’s a real credit to our program that the horses that we train can go on and have successful breeding careers. And especially some of the stallions like more than ready have had not only terrific careers but extended careers as well.
(David Renning): And a question about Malathaat. You didn’t run her until April. I know you’re planning on the Gulfstream Oaks in late March. But were you always planning on just one race? Or did you get late in her preparation earlier in the year?

 

Todd Pletcher: Yes. We had a minor setback at the later first start. We are considering running her in (inaudible) as a prep for the – either the Gulfstream Oaks or the Ashland. We had a little bit of a setback. And so then we’re planning on the Gulfstream Oaks. (Inaudible), we postponed running until the Ashland out of his respect to him.

 

So I feel good about where she is. I feel great about the fact that she was able to win the Ashland (after lay off) and did a great one win. And so far, the indications are the four weeks in between is going to be enough time. So we’re hoping that it works out. But yes, originally, we’re planning on two preps.
(David Renning): I could think of one more. Just do you have a rider for Sainthood?

 

Todd Pletcher: Do not.

 

(David Renning): Thank you.

 

Operator: Thank you.

 

The next is from (Charles Walker). Your line is open.
(Charles Walker): Yes. Hey, Todd.

 

You were once in a position, I think, that Brad Cox is in now, where you kind of made the jump from a very successful trainer to a trainer who was getting a lot of attention for maybe more casual fans. I wouldn’t ask you to speak for him obviously, but what was that experience like for you?
Todd Pletcher: Well, you know, I think, you get – when you get to that level, like you said, more people recognize you, and the expectations increase. And so that’s ultimately the position that you’re hoping to get to as a trainer. And Brad has done a terrific job of building a really, really strong stable. And he’s doing all the right things with it.

 

(Charles Walker): And then also, how do you – how do you (inaudible)? Do you see it as fairly wide open or…?

 

Todd Pletcher: I think it’s wide open. I think Essential Quality is a deserving favorite with an unbeaten record. But I think that it’s an open race. And just being here at Churchill for the last couple of weeks, it looks like a group of horses are training extremely well.

 

(Charles Walker): OK. Thanks.

 

Operator: Thank you.

 

Again, if you would like to ask a question, you will need to press star-one on your telephone.

 

And as a reminder, please limit your question to one and one follow-up.

 

Your next question is from the line of (Stephen Lionel). Please go ahead.
(Stephen Lionel): I think on Bourbonic here, and obviously a great ride in Wood Memorial. Just curious your thoughts on Kendrick in his first mile in the derby.

 

Todd Pletcher: Kendrick has been riding really, really well. I mean, I think he’s a very accomplished rider. But over the past seven or eight months, he’s taking his game to a new level. And by having a successful run like he did at Aqueduct in the Fall Meet, it increased his opportunities and given him a chance to ride better and better horses. And he’s delivered in most cases.

 

(Stephen Lionel): Thank you.

 

Operator: Thank you.

 

The next question is from Michael Specter. Your line is now open.
Michael Specter: Hi, Mr. Pletcher. Thank you for taking the time to join us today.

 

All four of your horses seem to want to come from off-the-pace. Do you the think the pace in this year’s derby will be as fast enough? And where would you want to see them sit early in the race?
Todd Pletcher: Well, I’m hoping for a fast pace. Because like you said, most of the four horses will be off the pace a little bit.

 

I think, probably, Sainthood and Dynamic One would be a little bit closer to the pace. Then Known Agenda I would see being kind of in the backend of the second tier. And then actually, Bourbonic, we’re going to try to apply the same tactics we did in the Wood, which is sit back and make one-way run.
Michael Specter: Thank you so much, Todd. And good luck at the Derby and the Oaks on this.

 

Todd Pletcher: Thank you.

 

Operator: Thank you.

 

The next one is from Lynne Snierson. Please go ahead.
Lynne Snierson: Hey, Todd.

 

It’s a bit off-topic, but obviously a big undercard over the weekend. And I’m just wondering if you’re thinking about anything for the Longines Distaff Turf Mile or the Churchill Downs at this stage?
Todd Pletcher: Up this stage, no.

 

Lynne Snierson: Thank you.

 

Operator: Thank you. There are no further questions at this time, sir. Please continue.

 

Jim Gluckson: All right. Todd, I just have – the one follow-up that I do want to ask you is, you’ve been doing this for a long time. But I do want to know your feelings about what it was like after you had won your first Kentucky Derby?

 

Todd Pletcher: It was many, many emotions. One was relief for finally winning it. Two was pure excitement and joy. And the thing that I really enjoyed most about it was having my mom and dad there to see it.

 

Jim Gluckson: Excellent. Well, it was terrific for them. And to win twice is even better.

 

We thank you very much for joining us on the call today. And good luck to you next week.
Todd Pletcher: Thanks very much.

 

Jim Gluckson: OK. Thanks. Todd Fletcher, everyone.

 

We’re going – either we’ve tried to reach out now for Brad Cox as our next guest. But we’re trying to put him into the queue in just a second. So just stand by for one second please.
Brad Cox: Hello?

 

Jim Gluckson: Hi. Is this Brad?

 

Brad Cox: Hi. Hello? Hello? Hello?

 

Jim Gluckson: Who is joining the line? Is this Brad?

 

Brad Cox: Yes. This is Brad.

 

Jim Gluckson: Hi: Jim Gluckson here. How are you?

 

Brad Cox: Hi. Good, Jim. Good, Jim.

 

Jim Gluckson: Good. Thank you for joining us.

 

We’re going to – we just wanted to say, great year for you so far. Brad Cox here is a reigning Eclipse Award winning trainer, Louisville native, and what likely a derby favorite this year. And of course, in addition to Essential Quality, he has Smarty Jones winner and a runner-up in the Arkansas Derby, Caddo River; and of course, the Risen Star Stakes winner in Mandaloun.

 

I wanted to begin the discussion with you about Essential Quality and how things are going to well, as expected, this year? And just talk about, if you could, his running style in this derby? And why he’s such a – his chances are so good based on pedigree and his ability to get a mile-and-a-quarter?
Brad Cox: Thanks for having me on, Jim.

 

First off, yes. I mean, everything went really well to Essential Quality, really since we picked the horse up last spring – late spring-early summer. He marched right through his (inaudible) campaign, accomplished enough to become (champion to hero).

 

And then the plan all along was once he won the Breeders’ Cup was to have two races prior to the Kentucky Derby. Those two races were the Southwest and Blue Grass. We just thought those made the most sense as far as get him to – or giving him the best shot to get to the – for Saturday in May in peak condition.

 

And all of that went extremely well or to plan to this point. And very happy with how everything has played out.

 

As far as – Jim, what was the second part of the question? I’m sorry.
Jim Gluckson: Just the fact that, as far as his pedigree and what not of sitting in a mile-and-a-quarter.

 

Brad Cox: Yes. Yes. I mean, and as far as he’s an adaptable horse. He’s able to – he broke his maiden going three-quarters. And he’s followed it up with some three victories in a mile-and-a-sixteenth, and past a mile-and-an-eight test last time.

 

I think he should be able to handle the mile-and-a-quarter. He showed us pretty much from the start that distance should not be an issue at any point. Moving forward, we’ve always thought he could be a mile-and-a-quarter, or even mile-and-a-half horse.

 

So it just gives you a lot of confidence training him. And we’re looking forward to this challenge in the Kentucky Derby.
Jim Gluckson: Very good. And what about his final major work before the derby? What day (inaudible)?

 

Brad Cox: Right now, it’s Saturday morning. Earlier this week, it looks like we were going to have some wet weather Saturday morning. Right? And we are going to kind of monitor the weather Saturday morning. If we feel like we need to push it off until Sunday morning, we’re OK with that. We do feel like we would have a fast track on Sunday morning.

 

But the weather right now looks like it could happen Saturday at 5:15, is what we have penciled in for. But we’re just going to watch the weather. And we’re not – nothing is etched in stone at all with that right now.
Jim Gluckson: All right. So just comment, if you would, just on Caddo River, his big improvement from the Rebel to the Arkansas Derby. Can you – after such a major effort in Smarty Jones, what did you do in between those two races to get him a little sharper of that Arkansas Derby?

 

Brad Cox: Well, it’s a great workhorse. He’s not really – we didn’t really do anything. We just kind of changed tactics from the Rebel to the Arkansas Derby.

 

You know, he’s a young horse. He’s still learning. We’re still learning what he wants to do. I think we found out in the Rebel, the way he pulled up the back side that we kind of took the run out of him. I wouldn’t second guess anything. The jock, he did –I thought he did a fantastic job of trying to get the horse to rate. He was not able to do it successfully.

 

Then we turned our attention towards the Arkansas Derby. He had two good works between the Rebel and the Arkansas Derby. And I just thought we would send him out of there and be a little more aggressive and put him on the lead.

 

It obviously worked in his favor. I felt like we won the battle but we didn’t win the war. We beat the horse that we were trying to beat in Concert Tour but obviously come up a little short with Super Stock picking us both off.

 

But I think we learned that he’s a free-running horse. And not necessarily think he has to be right on the lead but needs to be fairly close and kind of free-running horse that likes to just kind of (bound along). And that’s what we’ll attempt to do in the Kentucky Derby.
Jim Gluckson: All right. And finally, just to comment on Mandaloun’s progress since arriving at Churchill Downs earlier this month.

 

Brad Cox: Well, he catches the (odd). There’s no doubt about that. I know he would.

 

I’ve been around the backside of Churchill long enough to know that there’s always a horse that people are going to fall in love with the way they move, the way they gallop, and how elegant they are. And he’s going to check all the boxes from a visual standpoint.

 

His work last weekend was visually impressive. Kind of more the same we saw – that’s kind of what we saw leading up – or we’ve seen at all winner. And the obviously, we were hoping for better things in Louisiana Derby. He didn’t perform.

 

As well as we hope – obviously, he did come out in good order. And he’s continued to impress people training and ourselves. So we just thought we would just march forward to the Kentucky Derby to earn enough points through the Lecomte and the Risen Star.

 

And now we’re hopeful that he’ll turn it around. And I think if he shows up and runs the way he’s capable of, it will be a factor.
Jim Gluckson: All right. Very good. Very good.

 

Well, Brad, thank you.

 

Let’s just see if we have some questions on the line from the media, and checking.
Operator: Again, as a reminder, if you would like to ask a question, you will need to press star-one on your telephone.

 

And as a reminder, please limit to one question and one follow-up.

 

We have our first question from Michael Specter. Your line is now open.
Michael Specter: Hi, Brad. Thanks for taking the time to join us today.

 

Caddo River has ran its best on the early lead. Do you think Caddo on the lead early will provide his best chance to win?
Brad Cox: Yes. I do think it gives him his best chance to win. I mean, obviously, it can’t be a suicidal pace. But if he could get – be on the lead with some comfortable fractions, I think it definitely gives him his best opportunity to win.

 

Michael Specter: And where do you want Essential Quality and Mandaloun to sit early in the race?

 

Brad Cox: You know, somewhat forward. I mean, not obviously on the lead. But somewhat forwardly placed, I think, would be ideal for both horses.

 

Mandaloun has been able to win sitting off. And obviously, he broke his maiden in sprinting. I know that was sprinting. But he was able to take the bounce around through horses and (inaudible), and was able to break his maiden in that way.

 

So probably something like that. As far as he goes, he’s going to be able to have – he’s going to have to take dirt, I think.

 

And Essential Quality, the same time, he took dirt in Breeders’ Cup, circled horses. Similar trip for both, I think, I kind of envisioned that as far as their derby trips.
Michael Specter: Thank you, Brad. And good luck with your derby and ultra runners.

 

Brad Cox: Thank you very much.

 

Operator: Thank you.

 

Our next question is from the line of Tim Sullivan. Your line is now open.
Tim Sullivan: Yes, Brad. I spoke to Jimmy Bell yesterday. And he was talking about how impressed he was with the different ways that Luis had won on Essential Quality, and his versatility. I wondered if you could speak to that and what you’ve seen in the different kinds of races he’s had around.

 

Brad Cox: Yes. I mean, every race has been different, to be honest. Obviously, his first race was sprinting. He was taking dirt, tracking horses, went to a tight spot, (up and down to win), going three-quarters, going away with the big gallop out. (Inaudible) up close, set off with just one horse. He cleared down the lane, huge gallop out.

 

(Breeders’) – I’m sorry, Breeders’ Cup, they obviously got away from him. He was a fast-pace upfront. He just couldn’t keep up early, was wide around both turns, circled the field, got up going short stretch at Keeneland, the mile-and-sixteenth, a short stretch. Once again, impressed with gallop out.

 

And then just basically the Southwest, he was able to sit close to, I call it, a moderate pace. And just kind of sitting in a great spot in the mud and kicked on down the lane.

 

And then very similar trip in the Blue Grass with a fast track.

 

So he’s able to obviously adapt to the pace. Whether it’s hot, he can send off of it and come running. Or if it’s moderate, he can be closer up on it and still finish.

 

He’s, once again, very adaptable. And it’s exactly what you want to see with a horse in a Kentucky Derby, as far as I’m concerned.
Tim Sullivan: Thanks, Brad.

 

Brad Cox: Thank you.

 

Operator: Thank you.

 

Our next question is from the line of line of John McClane. Your line is now open.
John McClane: I think it’s been a goal of theirs to win the Kentucky Derby. What do you think it would mean to them to finally accomplish that goal? And can you talk a little bit about your relationship with Godolphin and with Mr. Bell?

 

Brad Cox: I mean, as far American racing, this is – in my eyes, it’s the biggest race there is. I think most people in the business, they would agree with that. And I know Sheikh Mohammed wanted to win the race for several years. He’s had different tactics as far as racing in (new ban), bringing a horse over.

 

And I don’t think there’s one set way of winning this thing. It’s a very tough race to win. And I think it means a lot that this is a (home) for him. And trying for – I’m sorry, moving forward, trying for Godolphin for a couple of years, Essential Quality was part of the second crop of (heralds) we had received from them.

 

We had (walked) with him. I really enjoyed working with the whole team, Jimmy Bell, Dan Pride. They had a classy organization that’s obviously dealing with some high-end bloodstock, some of the best bloodlines in the world. And it’s been just a real honor to train for such a global empire and to have a horse like this.

 

It just means a lot to us and to them. And hopefully we could get them their first Kentucky Derby and mine as well.
John McClane: Thanks, Brad. Good luck to you.

 

Brad Cox: Thank you very much.

 

Operator: Thank you.

 

Our next question is from (Frank Yan). Please go ahead.
(Frank Yan): Hi, Brad. Thanks for joining us today.

 

Brad Cox: Hey, (Frank). Thank you.

 

(Frank Yan): OK. Hey, in terms