Black Forza (Complexity), the 5-2 morning-line favorite for Sunday's $1 million National Thoroughbred League Juvenile Sprint Stakes at Kentucky Downs, had some new visitors Saturday morning at the barn area at Kentucky Downs. Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle and owner Eleanora Kennedy were there to fetch a look at the colt, who has won two of his first three starts – the first two in Ireland and the third, the G2 Markel Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.
Lauren Faulkner, assistant to trainer Michael O'Callaghan, has been with Black Forza since he got to the United States last week. O'Callaghan's first day here was Wednesday. Kennedy flew in from Ireland Friday; Browne McMonagle was on the ground Saturday morning after flying from Ireland after riding there Friday.
“Every day has been better and better for him,” O'Callaghan said about Black Forza.
Browne McMonagle, 21, rode Black Forza for the first time in the Richmond Stakes.
He was on Black Forza for his Saturday morning training session at Kentucky Downs.
“Just a little canter,” Browne McMonagle said. “He is moving good, and he seems fresh. All roads lead to tomorrow.”
This will be the second time that Browne McMonagle has ridden in the United States. He rode three horses in last year's Breeders' Cup, the best finish being a second in the Juvenile Turf with Mountain Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never) for trainer Aidan O'Brien. His main client to ride for in Ireland is Joseph O'Brien, Aidan's son.
“He is not an up-and-coming rider anymore,” O'Callaghan said “He is one of the main jockeys in Ireland. He has won several Group 1 races and has ridden several winners for us. World-class. We are delighted to be able to get him to come out and ride Black Forza because he knows him.”
Browne McMonagle, like many who have come to Kentucky Downs from Europe, raved about the turf course, saying it reminded him of tracks back home. He smiled and shook his head when the lucrative purse structure at Kentucky Downs is brought up.
“It's crazy,” he said. “I think in the future, there will be a lot more European horses coming over and trying to take some of it. It's huge.”
O'Callaghan and Browne McMonagle spent part of Saturday morning walking the Kentucky Downs course. The trainer said there would be no further instructions to the jockey before Black Forza takes his swing in the Juvenile Sprint Stakes.
“At this level, if you ask them what they are thinking, 99 times out of 100, it's what you are thinking,” O'Callaghan said. “You leave it up to them. It gives them a bit of freedom and takes a little pressure off when the gates open. This is a different kettle of fish. They are race jockeys, and they have to use their experience and decide in a blink of an eye what they are going to do. You can't tie them down with instructions.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
