Post by SoK Admin on Apr 13, 2005 23:08:38 GMT -5
McLaughlin likes his chances
Marty McGee | Daily Racing Form
LEXINGTON, Ky. - What a difference a couple of weeks makes. Closing Argument, according to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, has shown dramatic improvement since McLaughlin agonized over - then ultimately decided against - running the colt in the April 2 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
"When I was trying to decide about the Florida Derby, the colt was a little dull, his hair coat was a little off, and he was still a little sensitive in the foot where he'd had a bruise," said McLaughlin.
But since shipping north to Keeneland, Closing Argument has returned to full strength and is primed to upset a stellar field of 3-year-olds that will contest the 81st Toyota Blue Grass Stakes on Saturday, said McLaughlin.
"He really does look great, and I couldn't be happier with how this all turned out," he said McLaughlin. "It was just bad timing, having to miss the Florida Derby, but maybe it'll all work out for the best."
In lieu of the Blue Grass, McLaughlin considered the Arkansas Derby for Closing Argument, who won the Feb. 5 Holy Bull at Gulfstream last out, but said the smaller field at Keeneland was among the major factors in his final decision.
"If he'd drawn the 10-, 11-, or 12-post down there, it'd be very difficult to win from there," he said. "I know that the Blue Grass, on paper, is probably the toughest of all the Derby preps. But we're stabled right here, the colt is training very well, and we drew a good post [2], so we'll see how he matches up in this great field Saturday."
In the Holy Bull, Closing Argument dealt the eventual Florida Derby winner, High Fly, his lone defeat from six career starts.
Marty McGee | Daily Racing Form
LEXINGTON, Ky. - What a difference a couple of weeks makes. Closing Argument, according to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, has shown dramatic improvement since McLaughlin agonized over - then ultimately decided against - running the colt in the April 2 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
"When I was trying to decide about the Florida Derby, the colt was a little dull, his hair coat was a little off, and he was still a little sensitive in the foot where he'd had a bruise," said McLaughlin.
But since shipping north to Keeneland, Closing Argument has returned to full strength and is primed to upset a stellar field of 3-year-olds that will contest the 81st Toyota Blue Grass Stakes on Saturday, said McLaughlin.
"He really does look great, and I couldn't be happier with how this all turned out," he said McLaughlin. "It was just bad timing, having to miss the Florida Derby, but maybe it'll all work out for the best."
In lieu of the Blue Grass, McLaughlin considered the Arkansas Derby for Closing Argument, who won the Feb. 5 Holy Bull at Gulfstream last out, but said the smaller field at Keeneland was among the major factors in his final decision.
"If he'd drawn the 10-, 11-, or 12-post down there, it'd be very difficult to win from there," he said. "I know that the Blue Grass, on paper, is probably the toughest of all the Derby preps. But we're stabled right here, the colt is training very well, and we drew a good post [2], so we'll see how he matches up in this great field Saturday."
In the Holy Bull, Closing Argument dealt the eventual Florida Derby winner, High Fly, his lone defeat from six career starts.