Battalion Runner

BATTALION RUNNER (c, 3, Unbridled's Song–Tamboz, by Tapit)

'TDN Rising Star' O-St. Elias Stable. B-Dell Ridge Farm, LLC (KY). T-Todd A. Pletcher. Sales History: $700,000 Ylg '15 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSP, 4-2-2-0, $200,600.

Last Start: 2nd, GII Wood Memorial S., AQU, Apr. 8

Next Start: Possible for GI Kentucky Derby, May 6

Thoro-Graph sheet, Equineline PPs

Battalion Runner didn't have to work too hard to attain the early lead in the Wood Memorial, but if he's to be forwardly placed in the Derby, he's going to have to deal with far more front-end pressure. Yet considering he'd only started three times (and just once in 2017) prior to the Wood, he did show a willingness to push back when prompted by the likes of Irish War Cry, which has to count for something in terms of seasoning. The two sparred spiritedly down the backstretch (with jockey John Velazquez keeping this 'TDN Rising Star' about three paths off the rail), and Battalion Runner hung in determinedly for as long as he could until the winner overpowered him inside the final furlong. Based on performance in the Wood and a pedigree that implies ample stamina, Battalion Runner just might be suited for ten furlongs in the Derby. But trainer Pletcher has repeated through the winter and spring that Battalion Runner benefits from generous spacing between races, and now he's going to have to improve even further in a shorter time frame if he's expected to make a start on Derby Day.

VIDEO PPS