Jeff Mullins took a big chance shipping I Want Revenge to New York just in time for the Gotham. We noted him as the “x-factor” in the pre-race handicapping selections, and certainly expected a big performance, but I don’t think anybody was properly prepared for how dominating he would be. On Saturday jockey Joe Talamo and the talented son of Stephen Got Even (A.P. Indy) absolutely destroyed what appeared to be a competitive field of 3-year-old rivals, including Haynesfield, Mr. Fantasy, and Imperial Council.
Mr. Fantasy was away quickly and fought to keep a slight lead over I Want Revenge in the early going setting early fractions of :23.76 and :48.45. I Want Revenge refused to back down from Mr. Fantasy and gradually wore him down. At the top of the stretch the two were eyeball to eyeball. Suddenly I Want Revenge let loose and bolted to the wire, opening up to an 8 1/2 length victory in 1:42.65
See, apparently you can go East and win on the synthetics-to-dirt angle. As we continue to absorb the nuances of handicapping synthetic surfaces, one thing seems clear to me. Horses that run competitively on synthetics seem quite capable of running big on the main dirt tracks. We saw this last year with Colonel John, and now we’ve seen it again with I Want Revenge.
The win figures to flatter the Derby prospects of two other California colts; The Pamplemousse and Pioneer of the Nile. Handicappers will have to rethink where they rank these contenders in light of this successful California invasion. It’s not a matter of if, but rather when a “synthetic runner” from California will win the Kentucky Derby. That much is certain.
I Want Revenge returned $8.30 to his backers for the win. Imperial Council was up late for place but never really threatened. Mr. Fantasy held on for show.
Up next for I Want Revenge would appear to be the Wood Memorial (Grade 1) on April 4 . The colt now has 2 wins from 7 lifetime starts and has been in-the-money in all of his efforts.
What a big race for Revenge! Usually the Beyers are slower on the CA non-dirt track. I figurered he would run faster, but not this much better. IC was kept back too far I think in this race. He is usually about two lengths or less back at the 1/4. He was 9 lengths back this time. Almost impossible for him to catch up since the pace was not that quick. Revenge was not worn out at all because of it. I have to see what Revenge does in his next dirt start to see if he is for real or not.
i liked revenge i also liked i.c. he is waking up..look for him to keep improving..
His victory clearly shows the strength of the west coast offering this year going into the KD. Looks like a solid contingent moving east for the big date in May. There appears potentially a great Derby developing, with depth from both sides of the country, contributing to a competitive offering of 3 YO equine excellence. Should be a good one come 5/2/09.
Kevin,
REVENGE was devastating! Let’s see what happens next weekend with PIONEEROF THE NILE in the San Felipe and PAPA CLEM traveling to Fair Grounds for the Louisiana Derby. Personally, I’d have preferred PAPA in the Rebel vs. OLD FASHIONED so naturally I give him a big shot in Louisiana.
Belles,
Does IMPERIAL COUNCIL appear like a stronger Belmont S. contender than Derby contender?
BMC,
I certainly hope that the West Coast horses are strong…my stable depends on PIONEEROF THE NILE winning and PAPA CLEM running at least 2nd.
[...] bath on some of my selections yesterday, including a right good thrashing at the hands of I Want Revenge in the Gotham and a tough loss for Ventura to Gio Ponti in Frank E. Kilroe Mile Handicap. Stardom Bound came [...]
Dominating…Devastating…Brilliant. This colt looked terrific on Saturday. Looks like he’ll be tough to defeat in the Wood.
Could ‘crawl’ faster than the first 3 splits!!! 1/4 in almost 24, half in 48+, 3/4 in 112+—PLEASE. HARDLY RACEHORSE TIME FOR 2 HORSES THAT HAD E-Z LEAD AND BEAT A BUNCH OF RATS!!!
Yes the pace setup figured to be favorable for an on-pace type that needs the lead and gets brave when able to do so. One ought to question the figs since IWR ran exactly the same paceline as his msw win. I gave IWR a 97 for the msw and 103 for the Gotham. Question is, do you think he’s gonna see 48 n/c in the Wood or the Derby?
The wood is possible, although it should be quicker. Fat chance he’ll see that pace in the Derby.
Good to see you, Don! Can’t wait to hear who you like in this Saturday’s races. I should have the posts up by late tomorrow night.
[...] 2009 Four weeks ago, I Want Revenge served notice on the 2009 Kentucky Derby trail by turning in an impressive 113 Beyer figure on his way to an 8 1/2 length victory over Imperial Council, Mr. Fantasy, and others in the Grade 3 Gotham at Aqueduct. This Saturday, [...]
[...] favorite, I Want Revenge, as something of a forgotten man. I haven’t forgotten him. His performance in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 4 is simply too impressive to overlook. With the exception of possibly Quality Road’s [...]