Dragoon Guard launched himself as a contender within the 3-year-old division with a front-running efficiency within the $300,000 Grade 3 Indiana Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis on July 6.
Assuming command as the sector of seven entered the clubhouse flip, Dragoon Guard, a Juddmonte homebred, posted fractions of :23.74, :47.24, and 1:10.77 whereas going through solely gentle strain from Knowledgeable Patriot with Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold in sizzling pursuit in third. The stage was set for a duel down the stretch however the duel by no means materialized as Dragoon Guard discovered extra for jockey Florent Geroux and opened up a transparent lead down the lane. Stronghold completed valiantly however settled for second, crushed 2 1/2 lengths. Knowledgeable Patriot was third.
Dragoon Guard stopped the clock for the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.26 and paid $5.80 to win.
Undefeated since shedding his profession debut by a neck, Dragoon Guard has now gained three straight races and earned $335,360. The Indiana Derby was the son of Arrogate’s first begin round two turns, and coach Brad Cox believes he’ll proceed to enhance because the distances lengthen.
“If he continues to make progress, he could possibly be proper there with the highest 3-year-olds, I actually imagine that,” Cox stated. “This was simply the subsequent step in his development and I am proud of what he was capable of do at present.”
Cox was undecided as to when Dragoon Guard’s check towards the division’s finest would happen, however stated the colt may be part of his summer time string at Saratoga Race Course. Uncertain if he’ll race at Saratoga, Cox additionally talked about the Sept. 21 Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing as a doable purpose.
