Oak Grove Derby day set to showcase Trotting’s rising stars
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel hosts one of the biggest trotting cards of the season this Saturday with the $500,000 Oak Grove Trotting Derby and the $300,000 Oak Grove Trotting Oaks bringing together many of North America’s most exciting harness racing three-year-olds.
The Kentucky oval has quickly established itself as a major player on the Grand Circuit and Saturday’s card looks loaded with emerging stars, powerhouse stables and fascinating tactical battles.
The Oaks has already generated major buzz following the explosive recent performance of Naked And Famous for trainer Noel Daley.
Drawn the coveted inside barrier one for driver Todd McCarthy, the daughter of Six Pack enters the final after smashing the track record in her elimination and immediately stamping herself as one of the elite sophomore trotting fillies in training.
Daley also holds another strong hand with Carve, who starts from barrier four with Andrew McCarthy engaged. The stable appears to have a powerful two-pronged attack heading into the rich final.
The Marcus Melander-trained Setyoursightshigh looms as a major challenger after drawing barrier eight with New Zealand superstar reinsman Dexter Dunn taking the drive.
There is also plenty of depth throughout the field.
Custom has impressed for trainer Per Engblom and gets the services of defending Dan Patch Driver of the Year Jason Bartlett, while the unbeaten Victorians Secret and talented Jailbird Jog add further intrigue.
The $500,000 Oak Grove Trotting Derby looks every bit as competitive as the Oaks with several lightly raced but hugely talented colts lining up.
Barrier one belongs to Spencer Hanover for the Marcus Melander barn and Jason Bartlett. The Chapter Seven colt has shown serious promise and opened as one of the leading chances.
One of the most fascinating runners is Endurance, who has drawn barrier six for trainer Christopher Beaver and driver Andrew McCarthy after a devastating elimination victory.
The Matthew Burkholder-trained pair Silverstein and Requiem both look capable of making their presence felt, while powerhouse conditioner Ron Burke is represented by Ai with Yannick Gingras engaged.
The Per Engblom-trained Kingmen also profiles as a live outsider with Todd McCarthy booked to drive.
Saturday’s card is another major statement from Oak Grove as the Kentucky circuit continues its rapid rise in North American harness racing.
With huge prizemoney on offer and several potential future Grand Circuit stars engaged, Derby Day could prove a defining moment in the development of this year’s three-year-old trotting crop.
For many of these emerging stars, a breakthrough performance on Saturday may launch them towards races such as the Hambletonian and Breeders Crown later this season.
