March 16, 2021
Louisiana Derby preview
Guests
- Michael Stidham, trainer, Proxy
- Joe Talamo, jockey, Midnight Bourbon (Louisiana Derby) and Clairiere (Fair Grounds Oaks)
- David Fiske, racing manager of Winchell Thoroughbreds, Midnight Bourbon
- Brad Cox, trainer, Mandaloun (Louisiana Derby), Travel Column (Fair Grounds Oaks)
Full transcript (note: transcript has not been edited)
P R E S E N T A T I O N
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.
Alicia Hughes: Thank you so much (Michelle) and welcome to everyone to this week’s NTRA Road to the Triple Crown, our first one of 2021. This week we will be previewing the 108th running of the $1 million Grade II Louisiana Derby which will offer 170 qualifying points towards the Kentucky Derby, including 100 points to the winter.
The Louisiana Derby highlights a 14 race card this Saturday at Fair Ground, which includes eight stakes overall, including the supporting feature, the $400,000 Fair Ground Oaks for 3-year-old fillies.
Today we are going to attempt to connectively (inaudible) Eclipse Award winning trainer Brad Cox who has the expected Louisiana Derby favorite Mandaloun and Travel Column in the Fair Ground Oaks. Brad is currently at the OBS Sale, so I said – so he may or may not be able to join us, but he said he is going to put in an effort today to be part of this.
We are also slated to be joined by Joe Talamo who rides both Midnight Bourbon and leading Fair Ground Oak contender Clairiere. And we are also going to check in with David Fiske the racing manager of Winchell Thoroughbreds who owns Louisiana Derby contender Midnight Bourbon.
First and foremost, however, we are going to be joined by trainer Michael Stidham who sent out Louisiana Derby contender Proxy. Proxy finished second in both the Lecomte and Risen Star Stakes and is set to break from post four this weekend under Hall of Famer John Velazquez.
Michael, thank you so much for joining us today.
Michael Stidham: Well, thanks for having me Alicia. Glad to be here.
Alicia Hughes: Thank you so much. Like I said, a pleasure as always. With Proxy, he put in a very, very game run last time out to rebreak there and get up for a second in the Risen Star. I know that you stated your plans to add blinkers to him for this weekend. Do you feel like the lack of focus is maybe what kind of got to him the last time out?
Michael Stidham: Well, I mean, based on what Johnny Velazquez said to me after the race, which was, Mike if I didn’t lose position going into the turn I think I could have possibly won the race. So, I think that definitely that moment when he, what Johnny called dropped the bit, was a pivotal point in the race and if we can get him to be a little bit more focused and stay engaged throughout the race I think we have a big shot.
Alicia Hughes: Now I know his older sister, Micheline, who just won her first rated stakes race in the Hillsborough a few weeks ago. I believe she’s one who you also saw a difference in her when she – when you put blinkers on her. Do you think this might be kind of just a similarity that you’re seeing with that family?
Michael Stidham: Well, I mean, I think so. I mean, based on the works with the blinkers since the Risen Star he definitely has been more efficient and more available to the rider when given a queue to go to his work mate and I’m hoping the same thing happens in the race.
And like you said with Micheline, it definitely helped her, so I’m hoping we have the same result with Proxy.
Alicia Hughes: Excellent. Sounds good. I said, well Michael with that I will draw it back to our operator and she will check in with the media to see if they have any questions for you today.
Michael Stidham: OK.
Operator: At this time if anybody would like to ask a question please press “star” “1” on your telephone keypad. Again, that would be “star” “1” on your telephone keypad.
We do have one question from Jennie Rees. Your line is open.
Jennie Rees: He Mike, Alicia brought up Micheline, they’re both out of Panty Raid who was a greatest stake winner on all three surfaces. And Micheline, of course, is outstanding on turf. You started this horse on turf but it came off the turf. I mean, have you (already) decided to use more grass or more dirt or more – at this time of the year you do dirt – emphasize dirt and then you think about turf?
Michael Stidham: Well, for Proxy’s first start he – his works were solid works going into his first race. But he didn’t do anything flashy on the dirt that made us think, wow, that he’s a special horse that’s going to be a Derby contender. So, basically we were just going off of what we knew about Micheline.
We thought that getting him started on the grass and seeing where we go from there was the way to go. When the race came off the turf it was an obvious move to stay in because he had worked well enough on the dirt and he didn’t get off very well that day. He got shuffled back and came running nicely down the lane. So from there we decided, hey, let’s stay on the dirt. And it’s paid off and we’re – we are where we are now based on that.
Jennie Rees: I’m assuming – I have to compare him to his older sister that he’s maybe doesn’t have the claustrophobia issues. I’m assuming that he’s in a conventional stall and not a portable stall outside?
Michael Stidham: Exactly. I mean, Proxy’s a real easy going, laid back horse. He gets a little like in the post parade in the Risen Star he was banging against the pony a little bit and – but he’s just being a boy and other than that he really doesn’t have any bad habits or quirks.
Jennie Rees: And since we do know who is in the Louisiana Derby, can you just talk about the complexion of the field and the rematch with Mandaloun?
Michael Stidham: Well, I mean obviously the same two horses; Midnight Bourbon and Mandaloun are in the race. We’ve all taken turns beating each other and now you’ve got Doug O’Neil with Hot Rod Charlie coming in from out of town.
So, I think it’s going to be a great race to watch. I – as far as I’m concerned it’s – this is not a must win race for me, but it’s certainly is a race that my horse needs to take another step forward and run a – run a big race for me to feel confident going to the next step, which would be the Kentucky Derby.
Jennie Rees: Great. Thanks Mike.
Michael Stidham: Thank you Jennie.
Operator: Again, if anybody would like to ask a question please press “star” “1” on your telephone keypad.
You next question comes from E.J. Clark. Your line is open.
E.J. Clark: Hello, this is E.J. Clark with the Kentucky Winner’s Circle and just wanted to go back to the blinkers assignment for Proxy this time coming up. Do you expect him to show a little bit more speed? This horse has shown speed and is very consistent, never worse than second. So, with blinkers do you expect him to be more forwardly placed?
Michael Stidham: Well look, I think that the blinkers will make him a little bit more available to Johnny when he wants him to be there for him. And I’m going to leave that up to Velazquez, who’s a hall of famer, let him decide how much speed he wants to use based on the break and what it – what the other horses are doing.
It’s a mile and three-sixteenth this time, so I doubt that anybody’s going to be really gunning it down the lane the first time around. And I’m going to leave it up to Johnny where he wants to put him based on the early fractions.
E.J. Clark: And you feel, with the mile and three-sixteenths distance being the (inaudible) that he’s going to enjoy stretching out here before the Kentucky Derby to a longer distance?
Michael Stidham: In my opinion I think that added distance of both races are only going to help my horse. Micheline won a – the Kentucky Downs. The half sister won at Kentucky Downs going a mile and five-sixteenths. So, that tells you a little bit about his female family and certainly (Tapit) can go that kind of distance. So, I think distance wise these races are only going to help my horse.
E.J. Clark: Thank you Mike. Appreciate it.
Michael Stidham: Thank you.
Operator: And your next question will come from Paul Halloran. Your line is open.
Paul Halloran: Hi Mike, Paul Halloran from the Saratoga Special. How are you?
Michael Stidham: Hi Paul. (Great).
Paul Halloran: You mentioned not being a must win and I know you guys take these things one day, one race at a time to use the cliché. But, the Derby is now not that far off and it looks if this horse certainly has a good chance. Have you allowed yourself to think that far ahead and what it would be like to be in there that first Saturday in May?
Michael Stidham: Oh, absolutely. I’ve let myself think that far ahead. I’ve been thinking that far ahead for about 40 something years, and now to be sitting here with a horse that is a real contender, in my opinion, it would be a dream come true to be in the Kentucky Derby with an actual horse that has a chance.
I’ve never started any horse in the race, so being in it would be amazing. And then actually being in it with a horse that has a shot, it would be, like I said, a dream come true.
Paul Halloran: Is it a luxury to be in this situation? It’s – you’re not just looking for a (inaudible) chance. You said he probably gets in with a – an on the board finish here. Is it a luxury to be able to maybe look at this as now a two race proposition instead of really needing the win on Saturday?
Michael Stidham: Well, first of all, I will say this. I’m not taking the Louisiana Derby lightly. This has been my home base for the last 25 years. I would love to win the Louisiana Derby just for those reasons. But like I said, the most important thing for Proxy is that he just continues moving in a forward direction that would set us up for the ultimate goal, which would be the Kentucky Derby. So, like I said, we don’t have to win it, but sure would love to win it.
Paul Halloran: Thank you.
Michael Stidham: Thank you.
Operator: Again, if anybody has questions, please press “star”, “1” on your telephone keypad. I do have another question from Jay Privman. Your line is open.
Jay Privman: Hey Mike, I wanted to wait until everybody was done with Louisiana Derby questions and not jump the line, but I actually wanted to ask you about one of the undercard races. I’ve got to do the preview of the stake Roadster’s in, and I just wanted to get your thoughts on how he’s trained since you’ve had him in your care?
Michael Stidham: Well, I’ve had the horse now, in my barn, for a few months and Bob sent him to me in good – in really good condition. The horse has had a history of quarter crack issues, actually in all four of his feet. Right now, all those problems with his feet are really under control. You can see by his work schedule, he’s had three – six furlong works in a row.
He really has come out of those works in great condition. Feet are good. The horse is – according to Bob and Marette Farrell who helps manage the horse for Speedway Stable. The horse has always been a horse that’s been hard to keep weight on and he would tend to lighten up when Bob had him as a three and four year old. He looks like a picture now, he’s carry good weight.
I think probably, based on what I know from Bob and Marette, that he’s probably in the best shape and best condition he’s been in his whole career. So, the mile in an eighth, I know he won the Santa Anita Derby. I think, probably, the distance is our biggest obstacle. I think he – class-wise, he’s certainly good enough, but the question will be is he ready off a year layoff to get the mile and an eighth into grade 2.
Jay Privman: Great. No, thank you. That was nice and comprehensive, I appreciate it. Good luck this weekend.
Michael Stidham: Sure, thanks Jay. Good talking to you.
Jay Privman: You too. Thanks.
Alicia Hughes: And Michael, before we go ahead and let you go here, I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you about Mystic Guide, who you have sent for the Dubai World Cup coming up. This seems like a horse where patience has really kind of paid off with him. You could’ve taken a swing at trying him to make the derby last year.
What did you see from him before the Jockey Club Gold Cup and before the Razorback that let you know he was really kind of ready for that next step up?
Michael Stidham: Well, again, like you said, we took our time with him last year as a three year old. We spaced his races. We didn’t jam him into spots that he wasn’t ready for, like the derby or the Preakness. And we waited till the time was right and he was telling us that he’s ready to step to the grade 1 race, and he ran a big race in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
The little bit of time off that we gave him, and when I say time off, we didn’t turn him out, but we just lightened up on him a little bit, let him mature and make it through to his four year old year. He really trained great, and I think just the whole picture of letting him develop has put us in the spot we’re in right now.
And when he came out running the 108 (inaudible) Razorback, it was the obvious move to think about the Dubai World Cup. And he left yesterday out of New Orleans. He’s in – at Gulf Stream right now, and he’s going to be getting on the plane to Dubai later this afternoon. So he’s doing really well.
Had a good 5/8ths work since the Razorback, and I just hope he shifts well, and we’re going to give it a go.
Alicia Hughes: Sounds good, definitely. He’s certainly an exciting horse in the handicap rings this year. So, Michael, again want to thank you for taking the time out to join us this afternoon. Thank you, again, for everything and continued best of luck for this weekend and moving ahead.
Michael Stidham: Thank you so much, Alicia. Thanks for having me on.
Alicia Hughes: Thanks again.
Michael Stidham: All right, bye.
Alicia Hughes: Bye. Next up, we are going to check in with Jockey Joe Talamo, who is set to ride Midnight Bourbon in the Louisiana Derby and will also be aboard Clairiere in the Fairground Oaks. Joe piloted Clairiere to victory last time out in the Rachel Alexandra, besting favor Travel Column. Joe, thank you so much for joining us today.
Joe Talamo: My pleasure. How are you guys doing?
Alicia Hughes: I’m doing well, good to have you on here. Well, actually, going to start off with your Philly, with Clairiere, she’s one – I know you rode against her when you were in the Goldenrod aboard Coach, though. You obviously had an idea about her level of class. What kind of impressed you about her most time out with the way that she performed in the Rachel Alexandra?
Joe Talamo: Yes, I mean in the fashion that she won last time, it impressed me the most. She broke a little bit slow, but Steve, and honestly before the race he gave me all the confidence in the world (inaudible). If she happens to get away a little bit slow, it’s not like that she’s doing unbelievable, just kind of ride her with confidence. And I did just that.
I tried to just be a good pilot around there. It was fortunate everything kind of opened up the way they did, and really had a nice turn of foot that left port when I was able to get around and really leveled off nice the last eighth and I galloped out really good.
So I think the further, the better with her. And, again, that’s only her third start, so I definitely think the – she has a really, really bright future.
Alicia Hughes: And also, speaking further, the better, I know with Midnight Bourbon, you’re a horse who – he’s a horse that you also believe – you think that the added distance will help kind of bring out the upside in him. I think you said after the risen start that what impressed you the most about him was how much he kept fighting on, even after he got passed that day.
Joe Talamo: Yes, he really did. I mean, even when Mandaloun and Proxy went by him, I mean even if – (if he was that race when he galloped out here), he was actually kind of coming on again after. So, that – I really think that added distance is only going to help him. And he’s – he’s a big horse, but he’s very, very athletic.
Normally a horse like that, it kind of takes him a stride or two to get going, but he’s on – it’s really amazing how good of a gate horse he is. I mean, he breaks really, really sharp for a horse that’s on – that’s that big. And like I said, just very athletic, really, really smooth to ride.
I mean, again, you just want to know sources, you try and just be a good passenger on and let him do the rest.
Alicia Hughes: Yes, I love what you said after the (risen storm), you said I had a smile on my face the whole way around there.
Joe Talamo: Yes, absolutely. And I mean we – obviously into (inaudible), we had a really good trip. He was able to get out on a pretty easy lead that day in (wire). But in the (risen spot), I was real happy to see him (inaudible) is going to be in the Louisiana Derby this time too, but I really, more than anything.
I love his posts too because, again, if someone goes out there, he’s definitely pretty content (laying) second or third, so, again, it’s just going to be one of them races, hopefully, we can just get a good trip and take it from there.
Alicia Hughes: Sounds good, I said and with that Joe, I said I will throw it back to our operator now, who will check in with the media and see if they any questions for you today.
Joe Talamo: OK, no problem.
Operator: If anybody would like to ask a question, please press “star” “1” on your telephone keypad, again that is “star” “1” on your telephone keypad.
Again, that is “star” “1” on your telephone keypad.
We have a question from Danny Brewer, your line is open.
Danny Brewer: Hey, Joe, how you doing today?
Joe Talamo: I’m good, how are you, Danny?
Danny Brewer: Great, fantastic, you know, we had talked about your move from the west coast coming back east, have you ridden enough here to get a feel for these tracks where you almost have a home track advantage of sorts? Or is that even a factor for you jockeys?
Joe Talamo: I think it definitely helps a lot, that – especially for a track like the Fair Grounds, that’s a – that’s a track – I’ve grown up going there since I was six, seven, eight-years-old with my dad in the morning, watched thousands of races there as a little kid, fortunately, rode there when I was an apprentice.
That’s a – that’s a track – even though I was based on the west coast for quite a long time, that’s a – that’s a tack I’m very familiar with and then also, just moving back here – towards the Midwest, you do travel to plenty of tracks a lot so I think it – I think it is an advantage traveling a lot and going to different tracks, just being – just being able to be accustom to them and just know different variants of it.
Danny Brewer: You’ve been able to have quite a bit of success and pick up some really good mounts, obviously, you’re feeling pretty blessed, especially the two that you’re going to be on, on Saturday?
Joe Talamo: Yes, without a doubt, anytime you get opportunities like that, it – definitely very blessed and humbled that – especially to be in a position like that, very live oaks and derby horse like that, it’s really – a really good spot to be in.
Danny Brewer: Joes, I appreciate man, I wish you the best of luck.
Joe Talamo: Yes, sir, thank you, Danny.
Operator: And your next question comes from Paul Halloran, your line is open.
Paul Halloran: Hey, Joe, Paul Halloran from the Saratoga Special, how are you?
Joe Talamo: I’m good, how are you, Paul?
Paul Halloran: Good, Joe. Joe …
Joe Talamo: Very good.
Paul Halloran: … you’ve obviously hooked up with Mandaloun twice and split, can you just talk a little bit about what you think has to – how the race has to go for you to get the better of him again? And who else in the field in looking at it are your primary concerns?
Joe Talamo: Yes, actually (inaudible), I’m really looking at the race and watching replays, it almost seems like it could possibly be the exact same set up as the Risen Star, right (adjust me) and no secret he’s a pretty quick horse, I’m sure he’ll be in front, and I’ll – unless something happens and no one goes to the lead, I’ll definitely take advantage of that but if not I’ll definitely be content just to trek him.
And I’m sure Proxy, Mandaloun, and even Hot Rod Charlie who’s coming in from the west coast now, I’m sure they’ll all be in the mix. So, this is going to be one of those races, I think whoever gets to the right trip, and then from the – from the quarter pole home, we’ll see who’s the best. But I definitely – I – more than anything I really think the distance is really going to – going to suit Midnight Bourbon.
Paul Halloran: Kind of a similar situation in the – in the previous – in the Oaks where you – Travel Column – Clairiere has hooked up with Travel Column twice, I know you only rode her the last time but talk a little bit about that match up?
Joe Talamo: Yes, same thing, it could definitely play out the same way it did as Rachel Alexandra, I know that’s a couple fillys coming in there, I know Todd Pletcher’s filly, I watched her (re-place) last night, she’s two for two, hasn’t done anything wrong.
Bill Mott’s horse, that was a pretty impressive racer, maiden win at Gulf Stream, and even Tom’s filly Li’l Tootsie, her – that was her first time (routing) last time, that was pretty impressive too. It’s – by no means do I think it’s just myself and Travel Column but again I definitely think Clairiere, again, that was only her third start last time. It was very impressive and I just really think she’s going to even move up from there.
Paul Halloran: Thanks, Joe.
Joe Talamo: Thank you.
Operator: I have no further questions in queue.
Alicia Hughes: Well, Joe, before we (let you jump off), oh, I, actually, I think we have one more that just chimed in.
Operator: We do. Jay Privman, your line is open.
Jay Privman: Hey, Joe, I didn’t want to jump the line because I didn’t – I wanted to ask you about another race on the card.
Joe Talamo: Oh, how you been, Jay?
Jay Privman: Good, Joe, we miss you out here. You made the right move but we miss you.
Joe Talamo: No, miss you guys.
Jay Privman: Wanted to just know what you learned about Sonneman when you rode him in the Mineshaft last time?
Joe Talamo: Hey, I actually really like him a lot too this weekend. I – he’s a pretty straightforward horse, again (Steve) really didn’t tell me too much, he just said he’s does everything right. One thing about that race I’m really – I really don’t see a true speed horse in there and I know Sonneman’s a – pretty much stalker, kind of a second (slight) type of horse so, unless Roadster, maybe Owendale.
I’m sure we’ll find out when the gates open but it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s definitely laying a lot closer than his previous races depending on how quick or how slow the pace is. But really on this horse, obviously Maxfield, he ran a heck of a race that day – was obviously going to be tough to beat but he definitely fought hard.
I think the – definitely think the mile and 1/8, an extra 1/16 is going to help him a lot too, so, looking for him too this weekend and should be on – should have a really good shot in there.
Jay Privman: Great, thank you, and good luck this weekend.
Joe Talamo: I appreciate it, thank you, Jay.
Operator: And we do have one more question from Jennie Rees, your line is open.
Jennie Rees: Hello, I just want to ask you about your association with Steve Asmussen, how much in the past until this current group of horses have you ridden for him?
Joe Talamo: Actually, here and there, he’s always given me some opportunities over the years. And when I was an apprentice at the Fair Grounds, I rode a little bit for him and then, obviously, being on the west coast he never did send too, too many out there but I – I’ve been very fortunate since I – since I’ve moved back here he’s definitely giving me some good opportunities the last couple years.
Jennie Rees: Yes, and wasn’t there a story with one of these (three-year-olds) you’re riding for him that it may be another rider was named originally if something happened?
Joe Talamo: It was, actually, on Midnight Bourbon, Ricardo Santana was named on him in the Lecomte and I was actually there that day to ride a horse (inaudible) for Norm Casse, he ended up scratching out of the Lecomte and I was fortunate enough to pick him up so – like they say, timing’s everything in life, that was – that was certainly the case that day.
But, again, fortunately, he won that day and Steve was very nice to keep me on him and put me on Clairiere who’s a really, really nice filly, and few others that day and prior, so very grateful for that.
Jennie Rees: And final question, just, like you say, you practically grew up at the Fair Grounds, the idea of maybe winning these marquee races for your – what’s really your birth track …
Joe Talamo: Oh, absolutely, Fair Grounds – some of them – my earliest memories as a kid was when my dad would take me out to the track for Louisiana Derby day, that was – that was like Kentucky Derby day for me. I – actually, I can remember Fifty Stars when he won with Steve Asmussen, and Donnie Meche, Repent with Kenny McPeek, Jerry Bailey.
I still have those programs in my – in my dresser at my parents house when I was a kid, when I was 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 watching all those races, so – as a kid you always dreamed about winning those races so I still feel that way as well.
When I – when I go to the Fair Grounds, that’s pretty much where my career started and where I knew I wanted to be a jockey so it’s always special to go back there and have a – have good opportunities like I – like I do coming up to compete and hopefully win those kind of races.
Jennie Rees: Great, thanks, Joe.
Joe Talamo: Thank you, (Ms. Jenny).
Operator: Ok, I have no further questions in queue.
Alicia Hughes: Well, Joe, (Ms. Jenny) asked you what I was going to ask you about, (about your roots) down at – in New Orleans and everything. So with that, I (think) I will let you hop off here and go about the rest of your day. But I do want to thank you again so much for coming on and joining us this afternoon.
Joe Talamo: Oh, my pleasure. You guys have a good day.
Alicia Hughes: Thanks again, Joe. Best luck this (weekend) and stay safe out there.
Joe Talamo: I appreciate it. Thank you.
Alicia Hughes: You take care. Next up, we are going to keep this Midnight Bourbon train rolling. We are going to go to David Fiske of Winchell Thoroughbreds, owner of Midnight Bourbon. Winchell Thoroughbreds’ purchase of Midnight Bourbon for $525,000 at the 2019 Keeneland September sale – and the son of Tiznow has not been worse than third in his six career starts. David, thank you so much for joining us today.
David Fiske: Oh, you’re welcome. It’s great to be here.
Alicia Hughes: Thank you, as always, for coming on. With Midnight Bourbon, he’s already …
David Fiske: Excuse me?
Alicia Hughes: … a pretty …
David Fiske: Oh, go ahead.
Alicia Hughes: Oh, I just – are you still there, David? Can you hear us?
David Fiske: Yes. Yes, still here.
Alicia Hughes: OK. I said with Midnight Bourbon, this is a horst who – he’s already pretty seasoned compared to his classmates, having already made six starts at four different racetracks. Is he one who kind of gave you any – the indications early on that he had that kind of good mind to go along with his physical prowess?
David Fiske: Well, sure. That’s why he made the number of starts he did last year and was reasonably successful. But he just really hadn’t put it all together in some of those races like the Champagne and, (late in his 2-year-old year or so), we thought he could benefit from a rest and a little time to grow up.
So came back kind of bigger, stronger. He’s always had a good mind. He’s always had a good disposition. He’s a good mover. He’s just great to have around.
Alicia Hughes: And when you all were shortlisted horses at that – at that September sale, what were some of the intangibles that you saw on – about him that kind of made him a must-buy for you guys?
David Fiske: Typically, our procedure is (Steve) has some input, I have some input. Dr. David Lambert and his team have some input. Of course, Ron has some input – he signs the check.
But he was one of several. We brought – bought several that year that we had – we had big hopes for, Whiskey Double, Midnight Bourbon, Calibrate, and they all kind of slotted into the list for one reason or another, whether it was something (Steve) liked or I liked or everybody liked. But it’s kind of a collaborative effort.
Alicia Hughes: Sounds good. I said, with that, David, I will throw it back to our operator and she will check in to see if the media has any questions for you today.
David Fiske: All right, thanks.
Operator: At this time, if anybody would like to ask a question, please press “star” “1” on your telephone keypad. That is “star” “1” on your telephone keypad. We’ll just wait a moment to compile a Q&A roster.
And we have a question from E.J. Clark, your line is open.
E.J. Clark: Hey, David, good morning. This is E.J. Clark from the Kentucky Winner’s Circle radio show. How are you?
David Fiske: I’m doing well, doing well.
E.J. Clark: I just want to follow-up on what was just said a little bit ago, back to the Iroquois, you ran second to Sittin On Go. What did – what were you looking forward to after that race as far as your thoughts to Go and to run in the Champagne, where it was third against (stablemate) Jackie’s Warrior? Can you talk about that a little bit (from) …
David Fiske: Well, before that race, we were looking for him to win. I still have a hard time believing he got rundown in the stretch. And then, it just seemed like taking him to New York and the bigger, expansive term – turns at Belmont – and he’s never run less than a mile, as I recall. So it was – it was an opportunity to run him and then put him away for the year.
E.J. Clark: So had there been any thought about the Breeders’ Cup (rather) than going to New York for his race after the Iroquois?
David Fiske: It was – it was probably kicked around a little bit, probably discussed a little but I think we were of the opinion at that time that he just wasn’t a legitimate Breeders’ Cup horse at that point.
E.J. Clark: And looking to the Louisiana Derby, a lot (is in) this race. How do you see the race setting up for Midnight Bourbon?
David Fiske: I expect him to be forwardly placed. I like his draw, kind of, toward the outside, one horse outside of him.
I think that Midnight Bourbon, and Mandaloun, and Proxy are really difficult to separate. I think whoever gets the trip that’s most beneficial to themselves is going to prevail. It’s just hard to separate those two – those three. I think they’re all really quality horses. They’ve all at least (buyer) figures that are comparable with anybody in the country except for the possibility of Life Is Good, who seems to be freakishly fast.
But it wouldn’t surprise me if the first three from the Lecomte and the Risen Star are not the first three across the line in the – in the derby.
E.J. Clark: I’d like to ask this question, with these young horses, 2- and 3-year-olds, give us some qualities that you see in this horse and what you like about him.
David Fiske: Well, they have to be able to – I mean, obviously they have to be able to run. But mentally, they have to be able to take the pressure of training and competing – and, I mean, I think that’s a big thing, especially for young horses.
You often have them that just – I mean, we’ve had numerous 2-year-olds in the past that after a couple starts, I mean, they have practically lost their minds. I mean, they just get hard to handle. It just – it just – it’s just too much for them to deal with. So you have to back off (a little) and give them some time. Hopefully they pull it back together.
But it seems like the easier it is for them to run, the easier the races are for them. That seems like a pretty obvious – but a lot of the good horses, not just ours but any of these derby horses that are able to compete at a Grade 1 level, they’re so efficient that it’s hard to get them totally fit in the morning. And so, it – a lot of times, it takes them two or three starts to really – sometimes even five starts to get totally fit. But the easier it is for them to do that, the more mentally sound they stay.
E.J. Clark: All right, thank you, David. Appreciate it and good luck.
David Fiske: All right, well, thank you.
Operator: Again, if anybody else has a question, please press “star” “1” on your telephone keypad. We do have one from Jennie Rees, your line is open.
Jennie Rees: Hey, David. I’m just wondering if – there’s got to be a good story behind the name, especially when you mentioned Whiskey Double. Were they named at the same time? And like, what all was going on when you named these horses?
David Fiske: I don’t even want to talk about names. We typically wait until the absolute last minute, which is usually midnight on January 31st. And then, it’s a collaborative effort a lot of times between Ron and myself. If we can get some names that we like, he’ll ask other people. See how they like them and whatever. But typically, it’s like a last-minute deal.
And I think Ron, being a restaurant and bar owner has a lot of – I don’t know, a lot of experience with brown liquors, I guess. And so, there have been some others that have been whiskey named.
And then, we named a few Willis Horton partnership horses. And Willis is a – is a big fan of whiskey. And so we – (it), in fact, I think is the call sign on his plane is, like, (Whiskey Papa) something. So we kind of went down that route for a few years with some of the Horton horses. And I think some of them have just, kind of – like I said, Ron owns a bar. He’s around that stuff all the time.
Jennie Rees: And finally, not to compare the two horses really in any way, but they were both yearling purchases. But comparing them to Gun Runner, who was a horse that obviously got better as he got older – and I mean, I think you’re looking at these pedigrees with the idea of, like, a mile and a quarter, (so just sort of) in that frame, talk about Midnight Bourbon.
David Fiske: Well, Midnight Bourbon has the added weight of the thoughts and prayers of a grateful nation. He seems to be, at least according to Sid Fernando, the last best hope of the Man O’ War/Godolphin Arabian line. There hasn’t been a (derby winner from) that sire line since 1937, when (War had) won.
So (I mean), that’s, kind of, not exactly something we looked at, but we do look at the pedigrees hoping to get horses that’ll go (two turns).
Jennie Rees: OK, thanks. Good luck.
David Fiske: OK, Jennie. See you.
Operator: I have no further questions in queue.
David Fiske: All right.
Alicia Hughes: David, as – David, as always, thank you so much for taking the time out to join us today. Continued best of luck for both this weekend and with everything else, going forward. It’s always a pleasure to have you on.
David Fiske: All right, thank you, pleasure to be here.
Alicia Hughes: Take care. Thanks.
David Fiske: Bye.
Alicia Hughes: Bye. And last but certainly not least, I believe we have connected with our reigning defending Eclipse Award champion trainer Brad Cox. Brad, are you with us today?
Brad Cox: Yes, ma’am. How you doing Alicia?
Alicia Hughes: I’m doing well. Thank you so much for carving out some time. I know you’re trying to balance the sale and everything else – and everything else, so much, much appreciated. Like, I said, we’ll dive right into it.
You’ve got Mandaloun set for the Louisiana Derby this weekend. I know this is a horse that you’ve been high and on and you maintained that confidence in him even after his loss in the Lecomte Stakes. You added the blinkers for him last time out with the Risen Star. How much do you think that that, kind of, helped make a difference in that or how much was it maybe a combination of that plus some added maturity on his end?
Brad Cox: I mean, (it’s) both things for sure (just – and probably) just racing (him). He got out of his first two races. But first time two turns, it always – you can train him as much as you want but there’s nothing like the experience of going two turns. So he got a lot out of it at the Lecomte.
And then obviously the blinkers, I think, propelled him forward as well in his second start. And just more experience, it was the fourth start of his career. He’s a very accomplished horse with only four starts – and just looking forward to Saturday and hopefully another move forward.
Alicia Hughes: And you’re obviously coming off a career year with your fist Eclipse Award for outstanding trainer. You’ve got multiple champions in the (shed right now). You’ve now positioned yourself to potentially have multiple Cox contenders and what would be your first derby starters. How does the pressure and expectations of being on the derby trail compare to maybe the pressure bringing horses like Monomoy Girl along for their top races?
Brad Cox: Well, there’s a lot that goes into this derby. Obviously, I think it’s – I think it’s more because not only are you watching your horse, you’re watching horses throughout the country, really. You’re watching every impressive horse that (breaks his maiden) that – you wake up the next morning and you see a TDN Rising Star on your e-mail. And obviously, the first thing you do, you want to click and watch the replay.
And it’s definitely more to it – the Kentucky Derby, the derby dream, just given the fact that it’s the biggest race in North America. And it’s so many horses. It’s so many people’s goal. And it’s just the – every region – you’ve got to pay attention to every region.
So I wouldn’t call it pressure. I enjoy it. I mean, this is – this is fun. I was telling Jimmy Bell this morning, we were both talking on the phone, and I told him that this is – this is what it’s all about. Watching other horses run in prep races and comparing your horse to them and how you think you’ll stack up.
So I wouldn’t use the word pressure. I would use fun, and we’re enjoying it. And obviously it’s my first, I feel, like, serious run at the Kentucky Derby with what I would call horses that are contenders to win it, not just be in it.
Alicia Hughes: Absolutely. I think there’s a saying that pressure is a privilege. And if that’s the case, you are certainly blessed to say the least there.
Brad Cox: Yes, I agree with that.
Alicia Hughes: So, I said – Brad, like I said, I know we’ve got a full slate of media on. So with that, I will throw it to our operator and check in and see if they have any questions for you today.
Brad Cox: OK.
Operator: Again, if anybody has a question, please press “star” “1” on your telephone keypad. That would be “star” “1” on your telephone keypad. I do have a question from Paul Halloran. Your line is open.
Paul Halloran: Hey, Brad. Paul Halloran from the Saratoga Special. How are you?
Brad Cox: Great, Paul. How are you?
Paul Halloran: Good. Brad, can you talk – you did talk about the derby, how this race in, what you hope – you obviously want him to move forward. But do you – are you at this point looking at this as a two-race sequence? And what you hope to get out of this one to put you in the best position on derby day.
Brad Cox: As far as Mandaloun?
Paul Halloran: Yes, Mandaloun.
Brad Cox: Yes. Yes, I mean, this is – yes, I think this is – he was four weeks back to the Risen Star off the Lecomte. We’re coming back in five weeks to the Louisiana Derby now. If all goes well, we’ll have six weeks before the Kentucky Derby. So I think he’s continued to move forward in every star. We’re looking for another move forward.
And I’m good with six weeks between. He’s a good workhorse. He gives you what you need and what you want to see (in the morning) to feel like you’re fit when you let him over there. And I feel like, at the end of the day, he’s cut out to be a mile and a half horse, especially with the Empire Maker on the (bottom side).
So I feel very confident that as long as we can (show up) and do what we need to and take care of business on Saturday, that we’ll hopefully be able to propel, move forward into the Kentucky Derby.
Paul Halloran: You talked about, Brad, watching those videos. Have you spent a lot of mornings watching (Baffert) replays? And are you ready to take on his multi-headed monster?
Brad Cox: Yes, the horse has been very impressive. He obviously has been down this trail for several, several years. And yes, no, it’s – excited about the challenge. I mean, obviously weren’t quite where we needed to be Saturday with Caddo River. But hopefully we can make some adjustments there and we’ll be back on the right track in the Arkansas Derby.
As far as the other two colts, I mean, I feel like they’re top colts, Mandaloun and Essential Quality. And we’re in a good spot with both and I’m looking forward to the challenge in the near future.
Paul Halloran: Thank you.
Operator: Again, if anybody else would like to ask a question, please press “star” “1” on your telephone keypad. Your next question comes from E.J. Clark. Your line is open.
E.J. Clark: Hey, Brad. E.J. Clark again from the Kentucky Winner’s Circle. Good to talk to you. Could you – could you talk about – you said you’ve been watching a lot of horses, watching a lot of (tape). Within your barn, you’ve got three legitimate Kentucky Derby contenders. Can you talk a little bit about some of the similarities between the three and/or maybe some of the differences between the three?
Brad Cox: Well, yes, I mean they’re all different in regards to maybe really how they want to be – how they – where they want to sit in a race. I think obviously we (sit) – Caddo River showed that he wants to be very close. And probably the longer the distance, a mile and an eighth and beyond, he would even be more forwardly placed. So like I said earlier, hopefully we can get him back on track in the Arkansas Derby.
As far as the other two colts, they have a similar running style. Maybe Mandaloun may be a touch more forwardly placed. But both horses are – have nice tactical speed, showed enough talent early on to win going three quarters and set right off the pace.
So those two horses, Mandaloun and Essential Quality, show a lot of similarities as far as their running style. Obviously, they’re both very classy colts to deal with. They’re probably more alike than Caddo River, being maybe a touch more aggressive early in his races and wanting to go, as opposed to those horses showing the ability to be able to (stalk) or set off the – set off the pace, but obviously having enough speed to be up close or on the – (on lead) if the pace is where it needs to be.
E.J. Clark: And Brad, for Mandaloun, his third stakes race over the Fair Grounds track, this is going to be a race that I think is (going to require speed). Do you expect maybe a little bit more speed out of Mandaloun (inaudible) (the other horses you’d like to go forward)?
Brad Cox: Yes, and a mile 3/16 you’ve got a long run to the first turn so I would (suspect) him to be forwardly placed. I mean, not necessarily on the lead but very close. He’s – like I said he appears to have enough speed or talent to put himself where he needs to be early on in a race and then finish with the stamina he has, and his pedigree, and what he displays training. So I think we should get a good setup with our post and everything.
E.J. Clark: How much confidence do you have with Mandaloun, (by one of the hottest buyers) going right? (Inaudible) …
Brad Cox: I’m sorry E.J. – E.J., I’m sorry I’m having trouble hearing the second part of the question.
E.J. Clark: Oh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I was just asking you to talk about how much confidence you have with Mandaloun going in to this race, in to the Louisiana Derby being, Into Mischief one of the hottest (inaudible) out there right now and stretching out for the derby distance as you’ll go a mile and a quarter in the derby?
Brad Cox: Yes, he’s (out of an empire maker mare) so he’s given us enough confidence with his physical makeup. He’s got plenty of leg, he’s got a beautiful stride, he stays on in his work, has great gallop out. So I really don’t think distance is going to be an issue. Obviously the derby winner last year was Into Mischief and he’s certainly acted like the further he goes the better he could get.
I was – (flash race) was a mile and 1/8, and for a colt to be able to go a mile in an eight – a three year old colt to be able to go a mile and 1/8 in February, I think says a lot. And the way he finished that race I thought was impressive. The last four or five jumps I thought (inaudible) grabbed a hold of him and galloped out on top. I think he sees a colt – the distance isn’t going to be an issue for him at all.
E.J. Clark: All right, Brad. Thank you. Best of luck on Saturday.
Brad Cox: Thanks E.J.
Operator: And your next question will come from Danny Brewer. Your line is open.
Danny Brewer: Bradley, how are you?
Brad Cox: Great. Danny, how are you doing?
Danny Brewer: Good man, real good. So just touching on something that Alicia in the opening said. The Brad Cox barn can win any race, anywhere, at any time – man, you’re like ZZ Top, your bad, you’re nationwide. But all that brings more expectations and pressures – all that stuff. So how tough is it being Brad Cox right now?
Brad Cox: Well, I enjoy good horses, and you know, that’s why you get up and do this every day, and go to horse shows, and get up at 4:30 in the morning everyday pretty much. So it’s what we worked for several years to be in a position to do. So, very thankful for the great clients that have trusted us with such well-bred horses such as Essential Quality, Caddo River, Mandaloun.
I mean, these are all – those particular horses are home-breds that were highly thought of before they arrived to us, so it means a lot. And we work extremely hard, our assistants, our whole team to be a position to accept very good horses. So I have a lot of great help, it’s a lot of work but we have a lot – we have a great staff in place and I – it’s good to be me right now. Very fortunate and happy, and looking forward to trying to get to the Kentucky Derby.
Danny Brewer: The mile and 3/16 at the Louisiana Derby, that – it’s the longest of the prep races. Good news, bad news – your thoughts on that?
Brad Cox: Last year, to be 100 percent honest I was really taken aback by it. And I didn’t like the idea, honestly of a mile and 1/8 in February, and I didn’t like the idea of a mile 3/16 in March, and we won both races with two different horses.
So, Mr. Monomoy won the Risen Star, and obviously Wells Bayou won the Louisiana Derby, but I thought it was very odd, it was different. (And anytime) there’s change in this game as far as distance changes, sometimes it takes a little while to get used to it.
We – it worked out well last year, it worked out well in the Risen Star, and we’re hoping it works out well in the Louisiana Derby. It is a lot, but you know, I think we definitely have a colt this year that’s capable of getting the mile and 3/16, and looking forward to the challenge on Saturday.
Danny Brewer: Last one from me. Knicks Go, what’s next for him?
Brad Cox: Knicks Go just returned to the track yesterday, some light training at Keeneland. I think towards the end of the month we’ll start doing a little more with him, not sure when he’ll (breeze), but we’ll start doing a little bit more with him each day and kind of let him tell us when he’s ready to run.
I think it’ll be at some point this spring. He’s really come out of the (Saudi) race in great shape. He was in quarantine for seven days. I think he stayed in (Saudi) for four or five days after the race, and then seven days in Chicago in quarantine. And he shipped to Keeneland, so he’s enjoyed the cool weather, I think he’s rebounded well, and looking forward to getting him back on track this spring.
Danny Brewer: Bradley, as always, you know I wish you the best luck, man. And congrats on Shedaresthedevil.
Brad Cox: Thanks Danny, I appreciate it.
Operator: I have no further questions in queue.
Alicia Hughes: Listen – oh, I think we got one more that just popped in.
Operator: Yes. Jay Privman, your line is open.
Jay Privman: Thank you. Brad, I just wanted to ask you about one of the undercard races on Saturday, specifically with Owendale – how much you think he’ll move forward off the comeback race – or the razorback, and I’ve got a follow-up after that, please.
Brad Cox: Yes, I thought his race in Arkansas was decent. Maybe if it worked out a little better it could have been out in the middle of the track. I mean, it just – the way the race unfolded. But it kind of seemed to be the part of the track he wanted to be in that day, and he was kind of down in there (inaudible), I couldn’t really get him out where he needed to be and he would have lost too much ground in time.
But he ran a credible race, he rebounded him well. Running him back on short rest. He does like the fairgrounds, he’s had some success there as a three year old with having won a first level (allowance) (inaudible) a good group of horses that year. So we’re looking forward to getting him back down there.
He’s there, he worked this past weekend and it’s a little bit of an odd race on paper, there’s not a lot of speed. He can kind of sit wherever he needs to be, I think the mile 1/8 is definitely his preferred distance. (Inaudible) Bernardini mare, and I think that shows up on the mile 1/8 distance for him. So, looking forward to getting him back on track Saturday.
Jay Privman: Yes, that was going to be the follow-up I was going to ask you was just, it doesn’t look like there’s much pace, and he’s been able to be on the lead in slow-paced races, so I just wondered if you thought that might be a possible scenario in this specific spot?
Brad Cox: Yes, I do. I think it’s very possible we’ll have to – hopefully in end of the day that’ll be a (inaudible) we’ll kind of maybe watch the track as the day goes on and try to get a feel for what’s happening with the route races on the dirt. But maybe where the best part of the track is, it seems to be on those big days it’s tight and the inside’s good. So if that’s the case we’ll try to take advantage of that, but it is – it does look like somewhat of a paceless race for sure.
Jay Privman: