We obviously won’t know for another month which of the many form-lines from around America will be most relevant in determining the results of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. However, at present it seems fair to conclude that the Florida Derby and Gulfstream Oaks, run at Gulfstream Park on the first weekend in April, both represented high-class form. Several very well-credentialled colts contested the Florida Derby, won by Dialed In, while the Gulfstream Oaks winner R Heat Lightning, a daughter of Trippi, looks a very serious contender for the Kentucky Oaks.
Recent Grey Panels have highlighted several stallions whose full potential was only revealed after they had either been exported from the countries where they started their stud careers, or after they had died. Trippi’s appearance in the spotlight is thus particularly appropriate as his recent glut of good winners has come subsequent to his sale from America to South Africa – while his sire End Sweep presented a real case of ‘if only’, having been exported from America at an early stage of his career and then having died in Japan aged only 11. Read more>
