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Quay circles the field to take Louisiana Derby
"I think he's shown from Day 1 that he's among the best of his generation," Pletcher said. "Today, this was his natural running style -- to run in the back of the pack and come with a late run. He's never disappointed us. He didn't redeem himself as much as the fact that he got a good trip today. He was probably the best horse last time (in the Risen Star). Thank goodness he came out of it in one piece." Ketchikan battled on bravely to finish a clear second, paying $4.20 and $3.60 as the 7-2 third choice in the wagering. The exacta totaled $22.40. "He ran off down the backstretch," trainer Al Stall Jr. said. "He must have gotten a little cranked up. I'm a little disappointed. The talent's there -- we've just got to redirect it." Another three lengths adrift came Zanjero (Cherokee Run), who closed from last to take the third spot, three-quarters of a length ahead of 23-1 longshot Imawildandcrazyguy (Wild Event). The 8-1 Zanjero returned $4.20 while ending the $81.60 trifecta. The 1-2-6-8 superfecta was worth $578.20. Birdbirdistheword (Pure Prize) checked in fifth, followed by Liquidity, Slew's Tizzy and Soaring By (Deputy Minister), who had broken through the gate prior to the start. Circular Quay has joined the ranks of equine millionaires, amassing $1,147,434 from his 7-4-2-0 line. Successful in the Bashford Manor S. (G3) in his second career start, he was visiting the winner's circle for the first time since his 4 1/4-length romp in the Hopeful S. (G1) at Saratoga, but the chestnut had performed admirably in each of his subsequent outings. He was shuffled back on the far turn in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland but rallied for second. In the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), Circular Quay was pinched back at the break, raced in last, and made a huge move on the outside before settling for second to eventual champion Street Sense (Street Cry [Ire]). He demonstrated his athleticism in a different way when recovering in the Risen Star in his sophomore bow. Bred by Doreen Tabor in Kentucky, the winner was produced by 1999 Spinaway S. (G1) heroine Circle of Life (Belong to Me). Her female line traces to *Tir an Oir (Tehran), the dam of 1958 Californian S. winner *Seaneen. Other notable descendants of Tir an Oir include 1999 champion juvenile filly Chilukki, 1977 San Juan Capistrano S. (G1) victor Properantes and English Group 2 winner Doulab. Pletcher mentioned the April 7 Wood Memorial S. (G1) at Aqueduct as his next possible target.
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