Dragoon Guard launched himself as a contender within the 3-year-old division with a front-running efficiency within the $300,000 Grade 3 Indiana Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis on July 6.
Assuming command as the sector of seven entered the clubhouse flip, Dragoon Guard, a Juddmonte homebred, posted fractions of :23.74, :47.24, and 1:10.77 whereas going through solely mild stress from Knowledgeable Patriot with Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold in scorching pursuit in third. The stage was set for a duel down the stretch however the duel by no means materialized as Dragoon Guard discovered extra for jockey Florent Geroux and opened up a transparent lead down the lane. Stronghold completed valiantly however settled for second, crushed 2 1/2 lengths. Knowledgeable Patriot was third.
Dragoon Guard stopped the clock for the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.26 and paid $5.80 to win.
Undefeated since dropping his profession debut by a neck, Dragoon Guard has now gained three straight races and earned $335,360. The Indiana Derby was the son of Arrogate’s first begin round two turns, and coach Brad Cox believes he’ll proceed to enhance because the distances lengthen.
“If he continues to make progress, he could possibly be proper there with the highest 3-year-olds, I actually consider that,” Cox mentioned. “This was simply the subsequent step in his development and I am pleased with what he was capable of do as we speak.”
Cox was undecided as to when Dragoon Guard’s check towards the division’s greatest would happen, however mentioned the colt would possibly be a part of his summer season string at Saratoga Race Course. Uncertain if he’ll race at Saratoga, Cox additionally talked about the Sept. 21 Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing as a potential objective.