Pioneerof the Nile Takes on Top Rivals in Santa Anita Derby

by Patricia Woo | Mar 30 2009

Three top-notch Kentucky Derby contenders will go head-to-head on Saturday, April 4, in our race of the week: the $750,000 Gr. 1 Santa Anita Derby. This critical Derby prep race is a 9-furlong test for 3-year-olds which will take place over the synthetic Pro-Ride racetrack at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will feature Chocolate Candy, Pioneerof the Nile and The Pamplemousse in what is likely to be their final appearance before the Kentucky Derby in May.

Unraced since Feb. 14, when he won the $200,000 Gr. 3 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields, Chocolate Candy will face his toughest competition to date in Saturday's race. A Jerry Hollendorfer trainee, Chocolate Candy has been in training at Santa Anita Park and posted a 1-mile workout time of 1:38 3/5 on March 25. "I wasn't satisfied with [Chocolate Candy's March 19 drill at Golden Gate Fields]," Hollendorfer said. "...I started him off too fast up there, and went slower today... He finished up really good, so that's what we were looking for." The son of Candy Ride is a strong Derby contender and is two-for-two in 2009. Along with his El Camino Real Derby triumph, Chocolate Candy also won the $100,000 California Derby in January, also at Golden Gate Fields. Joel Rosario will take over the reins from Russell Baze for the Santa Anita Derby.

After making waves with his first graded stakes victory in the $100,000 Gr. 3 San Rafael Stakes, The Pamplemousse proved he was not just a one-hit wonder when he romped in the $200,000 Gr. 3 Sham Stakes just over a month later. Now he will be facing synthetic specialist Pioneerof the Nile in the Santa Anita Derby, and a third win may be a tall order for this Kafwain colt. One advantage he does have is speed. His Beyer Speed Figures (96 and 103) are both higher than Pioneerof the Nile's (94 and 90), suggesting that this Julio Canani trainee is capable of leaving the competition behind. Jockey Alex Solis, who has been The Pamplemousse's rider for both his wins this year, will again get the mount.

Though it wasn't his finest race, top Kentucky Derby contender Pioneerof the Nile scored his third consecutive victory and his second of 2009 in the $200,000 Gr. 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park on March 14, despite needing several reminders to stay focused in the stretch run. Trainer Bob Baffert said after the race that his charge "won't be like that in the Santa Anita Derby... he'll have The Pamplemousse to deal with. He won't be able to lollygag." Jockey Garrett Gomez, who has enjoyed near record-breaking success at Santa Anita Park during this winter-spring meet, will be given the job of keeping Pioneerof the Nile on task till the wire.

Others scheduled to challenge for the title include Feisty Suances, who was recently nominated to the Triple Crown by owner Jed Cohen; Mr. Hot Stuff, who took third place in the Sham Stakes behind The Pamplemousse; and Gallant Son, who has won five of nine starts.

Who will take the Santa Anita Derby? Bet on horse racing at the Bodog Racebook!