With a powerful three wide move on the turn at Gulfstream Park, Itsmyluckyday put himself in the discussion of top 20 contenders for the 2013 Kentucky Derby, Itsmyluckyday also blemished the unbeaten record of 2012 Juvenile champion Shanghai Bobby.
On paper Shanghai Bobby entered the raced as a solid 4/5 favorite with an undefeated record. With regular workouts, the #1 post and the absence of serious sprinter speed, Shanghai figured to be on the engine and engaged for the lead from the opening bell.
Itsmylucky day and Bern Idenity were seen as the two main contenders on paper who figured to get a good trip and pick up the pieces if Shanghai Bobby faltered off the layoff.
Bern Idenity had a horrendous start getting slammed and losing two lengths at the start of the race. Bern Identity recovered from the mugging and gained position on the rail, saved ground and did not respond going into the turn.
Meanwhile Itsmyluckyday broke clean, established position, entered the far turn while being confidently ridden by Elvis Trujillo on the backside and entering the turn. Itsmyluckyday engaged Shanghai Boby with an 1/8th of a mile to run and pulled away for a decisive victory.
After watching the replay several times. Shanghai Bobby ran “his race” the possibility exists he can improve slightly off this effort. Itsmyluckyday matched his Gulfstream Derby win and with a 104 Beyer speed figure and 106 Brisnet rating both confirm this was a strong effort.
Overall the Holy Bull was a “match” race with 11 lengths to the 3rd place finisher. Usually that is a sign of a strong performance. Coupled with last weeks 11 length win by Oxbow we are starting to see the “cream” rising in this crop.