Good Magic revives Kentucky Derby hopes with Blue Grass win

Good Magic launched his move nearing the completion of the far turn and recorded a 1 ½-length victory in Saturday’s $1 million Blue Grass (G2) at Keeneland, rebounding from a disappointing third in the Holy Bull (G2) at Gulfstream and gaining a much-needed confidence builder in advance of the Kentucky Derby on May 5.

Jose Ortiz was up for Chad Brown and Good Magic scored as the 8-5 favorite among 14 rivals.

Named champion 2-year-old after impressively breaking his maiden in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar, Good Magic notched his second career win and the Curlin colt has now earned $1,855,000 from a 5-2-2-1 record. He’s campaigned by Robert Edwards’ e Five Racing Thoroughbreds and Barbara Banke’s Stonestreet Stables.

Arawak broke forwardly from his far outside post and established an opening quarter-mile in :23.55 while being pressured by 5-1 second choice Flameaway, who advanced to show the way through a half-mile in :47.40 and three-quarters in 1:11.89.

Good Magic stalked the early leaders in fifth, about four lengths back as the field made its way down the backstretch, and advanced sharply while wide on the final bend to seize the lead by upper stretch. After reaching the mile mark in 1:36.87 with a 1 ½-length advantage, he held the margin to the wire as Flameaway never quit trying.

Sporting Chance, who was up close from the start, drifted out suddenly in deep stretch and interfered with Free Drop Billy. He saved third but stewards disqualified Sporting Chance and elevated Free Drop Billy to the bronze medal position. Sporting Chance was placed fourth and Blended Citizen, Kanthaka, Tiz Mischief, Marconi, Zing Zang, California Night, Gotta Go, Machismo, Determinant and Arawak completed the order of finish. Quip was withdrawn in favor of the Arkansas Derby (G1) next Saturday.

Bred in Kentucky by Stoenstreet, Good Magic commanded a $1 million sales price when selling at the 2016 Keeneland September yearling sale. The chestnut is the initial stakes winner out of the multiple stakes-winning Hard Spun mare Glinda the Good.