Astrology out of Derby, to target Jerome

Last updated: 4/18/11 4:50 PM

Astrology’s connections are taking a longer-term approach
(Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer Photography)

Stonestreet Stables and George Bolton’s Grade 3 winner ASTROLOGY (A.P. Indy)
will not contest the Kentucky Derby (G1), but will instead head to the April 23 Jerome H. (G2),
his connections announced Monday.

“We feel that running him in the Kentucky Derby (G1) off one prep race is too
much to ask of him at this point,” trainer Steve Asmussen said, according to a
press release issued on behalf of Stonestreet’s Jess Jackson.

Astrology did not make his three-year-old debut until the March 27 Sunland
Derby (G3), where he chased a torrid pace before tiring late for second, beaten
1 1/2 lengths by Twice the Appeal (Successful Appeal).

While the Sunland Derby was held over 1 1/8 miles, the Jerome is contested
around a one-turn mile at Aqueduct.

“We think the Jerome is a nice spot for him coming off the Sunland Derby, a
race in which he ran hard,” Asmussen said.

“We still feel that he will be a major three-year-old this year,” the trainer
added.

The news came following the colt’s half-mile spin in :50 2/5 on a fast track
at Churchill Downs.

Astrology captured the Iroquois S. (G3) at Churchill last fall and concluded
his two-year-old campaign with a runner-up effort in the Kentucky Jockey Club S.
(G2) over the same course.