The winner of the 2009 United Arab Emirates Derby (G2), Regal Ransom added another impressive tally to his racing CV with an easy, hand-ridden, win in the 30th Super Derby (G2) at Louisiana Downs. Owned by Godolphin Stable of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, Saturday’s victory was the first start for the son of Distorted Humor since an eighth place finish in the Kentucky Derby.
Over nine furlongs, Regal Ransom broke alertly and willingly advanced to take command under veteran jockey Richard Migliore. Rationing out the speed of this son of Distorted Humor, Migliore guided his mount through pedestrian early fractions of 24.0 and 49.0 while quickening as the race progressed. Blame, a fast-improving 3-year-old closed into the pace to run second, beaten 1.25 lengths. While the winning margin was ordinary and the final time of 1:49.63 was not particularly fast, the way in which Regal Ransom won was most impressive, especially considering the even fractions Regal Ransom unveiled, quickening as the race progressed. The picture below was taken just after Regal Ransom returned from galloping out, alert and fresh.
Godolphin’s victory was the second Super Derby for the boys in blue who annexed the 2002 edition with Essence of Dubai. Regal Ransom was a strong wagering favorite, backed in as the 13-10 public choice after a 5-2 morning line.
“The race panned out exactly as I expected,” said Migliore, who has now landed multiple graded stakes efforts for Godolphin this summer. “We had an easy lead and I knew we would win at the eighth pole, I showed him the whip, but never had to hit him.”
Rick Mettee, North American assistant to trainer Saeed bin Suroor, noted that they might have to rethink their future plans for Regal Ransom. “We all thought he might be tired coming out of this race, it being his first since May, but given how easy he won, we might have to look at some other options.”
One option that does not hold much weight is the Breeders’ Cup. While Mettee does not question Regal Ransom’s ability to go ten furlongs, the synthetic surface at Santa Anita might keep the improving sophomore away. “The worst race in his career was the Norfolk out there, so that would be a concern.” Initially, Mettee mentioned that they collectively thought he would fit the Cigar Mile well, but said that both Migliore and former jockey Alan Garcia both believe the UAE Derby winner can get added ground.
Mettee keenly mentioned that Regal Ransom trained well in Dubai at the Al Quoz Paddocks over the Tapeta surface, which is widely speculated to be the main track surface used at Meydan. The Dubai World Cup will be run over ten furlongs at Meydan on March 27, 2010.
Click below to watch Regal Ransom make all in the 30th Super Derby. Travis Stone had the call.