Reach the World

REACH THE WORLD (c, 3, Tapit–Reach The Stars (Ire), by Galileo {Ire})

O-Don Alberto Stable. B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY). T-Bob Baffert. Lifetime Record: 3-1-1-1, $50,080.

Mar. 14 TDN Top 12 Rank: N/A

Last Start: 2nd, Allowance/Optional Claiming, SA, Mar. 9

Next Start: GI Santa Anita Derby, SA, Apr. 8

KY Derby Points: 0

Thoro-Graph sheet, Equineline PPs

Hence won't get mentioned much in the run-up to the Kentucky Derby, aside from the inevitable comparisons to 2009's 50-1 shocker Mine That Bird (Birdstone). The comparisons won't really be accurate though, because even though both share a far-off-the-pace running style, Mine That Bird was based in New Mexico but didn't even win the Sunland Derby (he was fourth), while Hence has previously been stabled at Churchill and shipped in from Oaklawn to circle the Sunland Derby field at 10-1. Trainer Asmussen said on “At the Races With Steve Byk” last week that even though he initially mulled an additional start prior to the Kentucky Derby for Hence, he decided within 48 hours of the Sunland win to give the exertion of the race and the taxing aspects of cross-country shipping the respect they deserve, so instead Hence will settle in at Churchill for a six-week gap between starts. This colt is filling in and muscling up nicely; if he grows into his pedigree's potential, he could have a legitimate shot to take down one of the top four Derby placings.

VIDEO PPS