McCraken is the Real Deal in Sam F Davis Stakes

Top Kentucky Derby Contenders - McCraken wins Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) — McCraken wins Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3)

With time ticking down towards the Kentucky Derby , it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty! McCraken was the third undefeated horse on the Road to the Roses, and made his three year old debut a winning one, making him four for four!

McCraken’s first three starts all were at Churchill Downs, making most question whether he had the power to overcome. McCraken left no room for doubt at the Sam F. Davis Stakes, where the son of Ghostzapper shattered the stakes record and the track record with 1:42.45 for the 1 1/16 miles.

Despite the record breaking victory, the doubters will surely point to the lack of competition and unknowns running the race. No Dozing, Fact Finder and Wild Shot faile dot be a threat, which will either be based on the Tampa Bay Downs footing or just frankly not showing up to the race. Haters will point to all this as part of the reason for McCraken’s run, however with a record setting race, it should be noted that he ran wonderfully and should be given credit.

At the top of the stretch, McCraken was four lengths of the leaders, and his jockey Brian Hernandez took him four wide to rally, whereas Tapwrit was only a length and a half off the leaders.

This was the most impressive part of the race, going four wide, annihilating the leaders and doing so in a fast pace, even with going out in the turn so far. This is what will win the big races, big races such as..say the Kentucky Derby?! Trainer Ian Wilkes has to be pleased with his colts performance and excited for what is next.

Naysayers may say he is not build for stamina, however, it is proven his sire Ghostzapper was able to have the mix speed and the endurance (he won Breeders Cup Classic), and as he is out of Seeking the Gold mare, the stamina will surely come as McCraken is stretched out over distances.

The Sam F. Davis Stakes could not have played out any better for McCraken, and even with the lack of competition, or however you want to put it, the record breaking run is worth taking this colt seriously!