CARPE D IEM

Todd Pletcher’s top Derby entry among his four-horse contingent commanded a sale price of $1.6 million US as a two-year-old. Winner of the Blue Grass and Tampa Bay derbies, with his lone career loss being a runner-up finish in the BC Juvenile. He prefers stalking the leader and closing strongly. The colt has a history of fractious behaviour when it comes to loading into the starting gate and Pletcher has given him extra tutoring in the hopes of keeping him calm on Derby days. He’ll be ridden by John Velazquez, Derby winner in 2011 aboard Animal Kingdom. Pletcher is seeking his second Derby win; his first was with Super Saver in 2010.