Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted July 7, 2018 Journalists Share Posted July 7, 2018 The GI Belmont Derby finish gave viewers a sense of deja vu as it was a replay of the GIII Pennine Ridge S. with CATHOLIC BOY (r, More Than Ready–Song of Bernadette, by Bernardini) re-rallying in the dying strides to score the narrowest of victories over ‘TDN Rising Star’ Analyze It (Point of Entry). Sent off at 5-1 with Analyze It favored at 2-1, Catholic Boy pressed the issue from a close second as the chalk clocked an opening quarter in :24.47. Seizing the lead at that point, the ridgling edged clear through a :49.20 half-mile and Analyze It closed in as they hit 3/4 in 1:13.38. The duo went stride-for-stride in the lane just as they did in the June 2 Pennine Ridge with Analyze It sticking his nose in front only to be collared by a determined Catholic Boy in the shadow of the wire. It was the first Grade I victory for trainer Jonathan Thomas, a former jockey and assistant to Todd Pletcher who is also the farm trainer for Bridlewood Farm. The Aidan O’Brien-trained Hunting Horn (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) was the only runner making any attempt to take down the top two in the lane, but never seriously threatened, finishing third. The final time was 1:59.28. Winner of the grassy GIII With Anticipation S. last term, Catholic Boy made an attempt at the GI Kentucky Derby trail after a decisive score in the GII Remsen S. in his first try on dirt in December. Second as the favorite in the GIII Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa, the bay was a non-factor fourth in the GI Florida Derby Mar. 31 prior to his Penning Ridge score last time. Lifetime Record: 8-5-1-0. O-Robert LaPenta & Madaket Stables; B-Fred Hertrich & John Fielding (KY); T-Jonathan Thomas. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.