Up the Backstretch: Looking for the not-so-obvious on the Derby trail

Philadelphia, PA (SportsNetwork.com) – Is there a 3-year-old out there who very few people have heard of that can become a major factor in the run up to the Kentucky Derby.

With the beginning of 2015, attention among thoroughbred fans and insiders turns to the long road that culminates with the 141st Kentucky Derby on May 2.

The three big name contenders early this season are American Pharaoh, Texas Red and Dortmund. They finished 2014 as the three leading 2-year-olds and were the horses with the lowest odds at the close of the first Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

However, longshots are more the norm than the exception in the actual winning of the Run for the Roses. A 3-year-old who didn’t have a stakes race as a 2- year-old but has shown ability is the one to look for as the First Saturday in May approaches.

Maybe such a horse is Serbian Syclone who closed 2014 with an unquestioned victory in an allowance race at Santa Anita the final day of last year.

“This was an impressive way for us to end the year on a high note. He broke sharply, but he doesn’t need the lead and it worked out well. We’ll go ahead and point for the San Vicente,” said trainer Peter Miller.

Serbian Syclone, the 3-2 second choice, was ridden by Elvis Trujillo in Wednesday’s start and immediately went to the lead in the six-furlong race. Owned by Rockingham Ranch, Serbian Syclone cruised to a 2 3/4-length victory and stopped the timer at 1:09.39.

“It was a perfect race,” said Trujillo. “This horse is training so good right now. He broke sharp, he went to the lead and I never looked back. I worked him last week and he worked amazing. I knew he could win today.”

The San Vicente will be an opportunity for Serbian Syclone to begin to stretch out if his connections are serious about going to the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby.

The young colt was eighth first time out in a 6 1/2-furlong race on Nov. 2 at Santa Anita after pressing the early pace, losing to Dortmund by 13 lengths, who was making his racing debut as well. However, two weeks later Serbian Syclone rolled to victory by 6 1/4 lengths at Del Mar and continued with Wednesday’s winning effort.

Serbian Syclone is now a 3-year-old to keep your eyes on as the season progresses toward the Kentucky Derby.

Categorized in: Horses