Secret Crush Runs a Rank 4th on Debut

Wow, Secret Crush really ran green today. He was very keyed up before the race. Fought Irad in the warm up (see photo), didn't want to load and apparently unseated Irad Ortiz, was all over the place on the track, fought Irad trying to get him a better path, and still finished 4th and closing. He passed horses late in spite of running so rank. 

He should be better next time, and possibly with more distance, since he started figuring things out late in the race. Sadly, I think the Derby is out at this point. He really needed to make his debut count this late in the game. But that's okay. Plenty of other stakes to point toward. 

Just hoping he came back safe and sound. He was fighting so hard in the backstretch that for a moment I thought he might have been injured, so his on-the-board finish was both a surprise and a relief. 

More photos, race commentary and other info coming soon and this post will be updated. The video of the race in below. 

In spite of his wild run, Equibase posted an E-speed figure of 73 for his debut. Considering his trip, not bad at all!

Secret Crush Race Recap

Secret Crush checked in fourth for his career debut today at Gulfstream Park, beaten by 9 3/4 lengths. Hesitant behind the starting gate, our 3-year-old colt eventually loaded after unseating Irad Ortiz Jr. He walked into the gate with no trouble, riderless, and then behaved well until the break. He broke with the leaders, but was not quick enough to follow the early pace (:22.06 for the first quarter and :44.90 for the half-mile). 

Down the backstretch, he chased the leaders about 6+ lengths off the lead and struggled to get into a smooth rhythm early. Irad did his best to keep him wide early on but had to attempt to save ground into the turn and Secret Crush did not take the kickback well. On a positive note, he made up ground late, finishing on the inside to take fourth.

Irad and trainer Todd Pletcher both reported that Secret Crush was green from the get-go and didn’t love the kickback (dirt in his face) down the backstretch. However, both were positive and feel your colt learned a lot from today’s race and should be more comfortable stretching out in the future. 

We will discuss the race further with the Pletcher barn in the coming days and see how he exited today’s race. We'll report back with any news.

Follow Up Report

Secret Crush exited his career debut on Saturday in good physical order and remained at Gulfstream Park for the time being. He earned a 64 Beyer Speed Figure for his fourth-place finish. As you will hear from jockey Irad Ortiz following the race, Secret Crush needed experience and should only improve from this race. The son of Candy Ride was very green but finished up well in the later stages. We will continue to report back on his progress as he returns to training in Florida.