In a strategic move following the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes, Owen Almighty has been taken off the Kentucky Derby trail. The horse's trainer, Brian Lynch, announced that the next race for Owen Almighty will be the Pat Day Mile (G2) at Churchill Downs. Despite showing promise in previous races, Lynch noted that the distance of the Blue Grass Stakes proved too challenging for the colt.

A Strategic Decision Following the Blue Grass Stakes

After finishing sixth in the prestigious Blue Grass Stakes held on Tuesday, the decision was made to redirect Owen Almighty’s focus towards the Pat Day Mile (G2). Trainer Brian Lynch expressed satisfaction with the colt's performance, acknowledging his efforts but recognizing his limitations over longer distances. The Blue Grass Stakes, spanning 1 1/8 miles, marked the furthest distance attempted by Owen Almighty. Previously, he had triumphed in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) with a gate-to-wire victory and also secured a second-place finish in the Iroquois (G2) at Churchill Downs last September.

Lynch explained that while Owen Almighty managed to keep pace with the leader early in the stretch, he lacked the stamina required for the extended distance. Consequently, this led to the decision to bypass the Kentucky Derby and instead prepare for the Pat Day Mile, which aligns better with the colt's strengths.

At the time of the decision, Owen Almighty ranked twelfth on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. Should all three international spots be filled, the next contender in line would be Flying Mohawk, who earned 50 Derby points as the runner-up in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G2).

With this new direction, the team aims to capitalize on Owen Almighty's abilities within a more suitable racing context.

From a journalist's perspective, this decision highlights the importance of understanding a horse's capabilities and making adjustments accordingly. It serves as a reminder that success in horseracing often involves not only talent but also strategic planning and adaptability. Recognizing when to pivot can be crucial in maximizing a horse's potential and ensuring long-term success.