HorseRacing
Barn Tour: Harty's 2 Kentucky Derby Contenders in Early Running
2024-12-11
Eoin Harty's journey in the horse racing world has been an interesting one. With two promising colts in the early running after significant victories, he shares his insights and plans for their future.

Unveiling the Potential of Eoin Harty's Derby Hopefuls

First Resort: A Talented and Laid-Back Colt

Since winning his debut at Ellis Park in July, this Uncle Mo colt has shown remarkable progress. After finishing second in the Saratoga Special (G2) and fourth in the Summer (G1), he claimed victory in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club. As Harty mentions, "He's a great, really nice horse. He's obviously very talented, and he's got a great mind. He's a very gentle, kind horse and has been that way since day one." His ability to stretch out and perform well on different tracks is truly impressive. Whether he runs at Turfway or elsewhere, his talent is undeniable.Another aspect that stands out about First Resort is his gentle nature. His mother, Fair Maiden, was quite highly strung, but he doesn't have that tendency. He enjoys training and socializing, making him a joy to be around.

Poster: A Big and Attractive Later Foal

The Munnings colt has been on a winning streak, winning 3 out of 3 races after his Remsen win. He is a May foal, a bit later in development compared to some of his peers. Harty describes him as "a big, attractive horse. He's just a little bit immature mentally, more so." However, he emphasizes that Poster is a very gentle horse with no malice in him. He can get a little goofy at times but is a pleasure to have around the barn. Harty also considers running him back at Aqueduct and taking the Withers route to the Derby.

She's All Charm: A Precocious Filly with Promise

This 2-year-old More Than Ready filly has shown great potential with 2 wins out of 3 starts before finishing eighth in the Tepin Stakes at Aqueduct. Harty describes her as "a beautiful filly. She's always been very precocious. She was one of my first runners, and a ton of talent." Unfortunately, she had a terrible trip in that race, breaking badly and getting stuck behind horses. But she is now set to make her next start at Turfway on Jan. 1 in the Gowell Stakes, ready to showcase her abilities.

Very Bold: A Colt with Potential in Different Conditions

This 2-year-old colt by Union Rags has shown promise with a maiden win in November and a sixth-place finish in an optional-claiming allowance. Harty believes he might be better on the main track and is considering different options for his next race. He could be sent somewhere else to run or backed up in distance to see how he performs. His potential is still being explored, and there is much to look forward to.

Pretty in Pearls: A Horse with Pedigree and Potential

Owned by Casner Racing and bought for $10,000 last year, this Hard Spun 2-year-old is entered in a maiden special weight at Turfway. Despite finishing fourth in her debut, she has pedigree and potential. Harty hopes to make the most of this opportunity and break her maiden in the upcoming race.

Golden Sunshine: The Best Filly Yet to Break Her Maiden

This 2-year-old Godolphin homebred by Medaglia d'Oro is yet to break her maiden but has shown great promise. She ran well in her recent race, finishing second with a wide trip. Harty is confident that she will perform well in the next maiden race.

Verity: A Green but Promising Nyquist Filly

Another 2-year-old Godolphin homebred, this Nyquist filly showed great potential in her debut at Churchill Downs, finishing second by a head. She is a bit green but has the talent to improve. Her next start could be at Turfway on Dec. 26, but there is no guarantee.

Beehavin: A Calumet Farm Homebred with Potential

This Hightail homebred filly finished fourth in her only start at Presque Isle in October. She has now shipped to Santa Anita and is training well. Harty believes she has the potential to do well and is looking forward to seeing her in action.

Finster: A 3-Year-Old with a Comeback Story

This 3-year-old Godolphin homebred by Sky Mesa had a successful debut in August 2023 but then faced some setbacks. He got bone bruising and had to take time off. But with the help of Johnny Burke at the Godolphin farm, he came back ready and won at Ellis. He showed great potential but had a tough race at Churchill Downs due to a fast pace. He is now at Turfway and is expected to perform well.
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