Multiple Grade 2-placed DON’T GET MAD (Stephen Got Even) has been considered
a fill-in candidate for next Saturday’s Kentucky Derby (G1) in case stablemate
Greeley’s Galaxy (Mr. Greeley) can’t make the field as a supplemental
nomination, but the Ron Ellis-trained colt appears likely to make his next start
in Saturday’s $100,000 Derby Trial S., the opening day feature at Churchill
Downs. The bay colt, who placed in the San Vicente (G2) and San Felipe (G2)
prior to a sixth in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) last out, tops a field of eight
sophomores entered for the one-turn, one-mile Derby Trial.
Unbeaten MIRACLE MAN (Yankee Victor) will make his stakes bow on Saturday.
The John Hennig charge exits a 7 1/2-length allowance romp at Keeneland.
Louisiana Derby (G2) runner-up VICARAGE (Vicar) is another top contender. The
Todd Pletcher trainee cuts back to a more favorable distance off a sixth in the
Florida Derby (G1).
The contestants, from the rail with jockeys and imposts, are BIG TOP CAT (Storm Cat),
Mike Smith, 116; Miracle Man, Cornelio Velasquez, 118; Vicarage, Robby Albarado,
116; ULTIMATE
(Double Honor), Rafael Bejarano, 116; SANTANA STRINGS (Wheaton), Corey Lanerie,
116;
GALLARDO (Running Stag), Brice Blanc, 116; CRIMSON STAG (Glitterman), Javier
Castellano, 122; and Don’t Get Mad, Gary Stevens, 116.