DEAN MARTINI LOOKS TO SHAKE THINGS UP AT ELLIS PARK
One of the most popular thoughts when thinking Martini is “shaken, not stirred”. That’s the philosophy of a brilliantly named Thoroughbred when it comes to the Ellis Park Derby.
With a re scheduled Kentucky Derby slated for September 5, there has been an all new slate of prep races on the road that leads to the roses. Now included is the Ellis Park Derby, which is of course run at historic Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky. Home to Thoroughbred racing since 1922, this race puts the track in the spotlight on Sunday, August 9 as some very talented three year-olds line up with immortality in mind.
One of those planning to toe the track is the smooth running Dean Martini. Fresh off an intoxicating win in the Ohio Derby on June 27 at Thistledown, this son of Cairo Prince will be looking for his third career win and second since coming under the care of trainer Tom Amoss.
Always a player that seems to be in the party, Deano has finished in the top three in nine of ten previous career starts (2 wins,4 seconds,3 thirds). Much like his legendary namesake, he has also gotten around a bit with starts at seven different tracks. Amoss is the third conditioner with California stalwart Peter Miller serving up the first four races and Kentucky kingpin Brad Cox pouring the next four.
Having long been a master at claiming horses and enjoying much success, Amoss saw him run a good second in an allowance race at Churchill Downs on June 12 in the first start out of his barn. The second shot was a real double olive dirty drink as he scored in the Ohio Derby.
Dean Martini will have to bring it even bigger if he hopes to croon his way to the winner’s circle at Ellis Park. Making his second start there, Amoss’s charge will face eleven other talented runners including one of the top Kentucky Derby contenders in Art Collector (4 to 5 favorite on morning line). Shared Sense ( 9 to 2) is another major contender and is coming out of former Martini trainer Brad Cox’s barn. The water will no doubt be a bit deeper for Dean at this track nestled next to the Ohio River.
“We think he deserves a chance here,” says the intuitive Amoss. “We will see if he can validate the Ohio Derby win against some much tougher competition.”
The goal for Dean Martini will be pretty simple as he looks to shake things up with a big performance and maybe stir up some Kentucky Derby conversation. Currently listed at 10 to 1 on the morning line, James Graham will be in the irons.
The Ellis Park Derby will be a mile and an eighth run on the main track and goes off as the anchor leg of a ten race card. There are a total of five stakes races on the schedule August 9 with first post being 12:50 central. Estimated post time for the headliner is 5:10.
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