The 2009 UAE Derby (G2) winner, Regal Ransom, will make his long awaited return to the races following an eighth placing behind Mine That Bird in the Kentucky Derby (G1). Louisiana Downs will be the host of the Emirati classic winner as Regal Ransom faces a field of six other sophomores looking to land the 30th running of the $750,000 Super Derby (G2).
Godolphin has had success at the Super Derby in the past, winning the 2002 edition with Essence of Dubai and E Dubai finishing a close second the year before. Richard Migliore has been engaged for the ride. While the field size is smaller, Regal Ransom faces Soul Warrior, recent late-charging winner of the West Virginia Derby (G2), and the improving Blame, winner of the Curlin Stakes at Saratoga. Gone Astray was second in that affair over nine furlongs and came back a month later to land the Pennsylvania Derby (G2) by some nine lengths, franking Blame’s form. California shipper Massone always runs a decent race and will be partnered with Garrett Gomez for legendary trainer Ron McAnally.
Overall, Regal Ransom seemingly holds a pace advantage in the field, but one has to wonder about his stamina as the Super Derby will be his first start since the first Saturday in May. A soft tissue injury kept the son of Distorted Humor from starting earlier, requiring assistant trainer Rick Mettee to scratch his charge from an early June sprint, the Woody Stephens (G2). Watch Regal Ransom’s UAE Derby win below.
DubaiRaceNight.com will be at Louisiana Downs this weekend and will report back on the UAE classic winner, with pictures, soon after the race.