Malagacy

MALAGACY (c, Shackleford—Classiest Gem, by Dehere)

'TDN Rising Star' O-Sumaya U.S. Stable. B-John Trumbulovic (KY). T-Todd A. Pletcher. Sales History: $45,000 Wlg '14 KEENOV; $130,000 Ylg '15 OBSAUG; $190,000 2yo '16 EASMAY. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-3-0-0, $616,800.

Last Start: 5th, GI Arkansas Derby, OP, Apr. 15

Accomplishments Include: 1st, GII Rebel S., OP, Mar. 18

Next Start: Possible for GI Kentucky Derby, CD, May 6

Thoro-Graph sheet, Equineline PPs

KY Derby Points: 50

Malagacy's fifth in the Arkansas Derby does not look all that promising until you factor in that he was five wide from the 12 hole, always in the hunt while attending a decent pace three wide down the back straight, and led between calls at three separate points in the race. He did shift and drift late in the lane when hitting an invisible stamina wall, which does not portend well for trying the Derby at 10 furlongs, but this 'TDN Rising Star' was not disgraced in defeat. “I felt a little disappointed about the post; they didn't give me a chance to load the horse,” said jockey Javier Castellano. “As soon as he loaded they broke out of the gate. I think he lost a little of momentum there. I had to use a little bit to get him into position. He gave me a good run. He is a fighter, he fought all the way to the end. I mean I am not disappointed at all, he gave me great effort and I am so proud of the horse.” Trainer Pletcher indicated Malagacy would ship back to Keeneland and wait to see how the colt recovers before deciding on whether the Derby is a go.

VIDEO PPS