Oscar Nominated a Longshot in Kentucky Derby 142

Oscar Nominated a Longshot in Kentucky Derby 142 by Reinier Macatangay: Should Ken Ramsey fail to win the Kentucky Derby (GI) in his lifetime, at least he tried numerous times. Some trainers and owners hope to reach this race once in their lifetime, while Ramsey continually returns with another contender. On Saturday at Churchill Downs, Ramsey attempts to capture the Derby again with Oscar Nominated.

Unfortunately, as a son of Kitten’s Joy out of a Theatrical mare, the Michael Maker-trained Oscar Nominated gives the impression of another misplaced turf horse. He enters the race with three wins and two runner-up finishes out of seven overall starts. Six of those races came on turf, while his big win was on synthetic at Turfway Park.

Sure, finishing in the money at a 71-percent rate is impressive, but those races were not on dirt. His ability to display tactical speed might be useful, but only if he grips the track and does not quit early.

Even ignoring the fact his races were on different surfaces, for whatever reason the previous connections chose to give up this horse on Oct. 16 in a maiden claiming race at Belmont Park. Note the former trainer legendary Bill Mott. If Mott and the former owners gave up so early after two lifetime starts, then something about him was not right.

Nevertheless, Oscar Nominated has delivered results for the Ramseys. On Nov. 20, he finished a credible second in a Churchill Downs turf allowance, before going on a short break and running a close second on Jan. 31 in an ungraded turf stakes race at Fair Grounds. He competed in another ungraded turf stakes on Feb. 27 and won.

Oscar Nominated won again in the Spiral Stakes (GIII) at Turfway, but the race finished in a clumped-up fashion with several horses in contention at the wire. The finish looked reminiscent of, well, an average turf race. Oscar Nominated will likely spend the majority of his career on turf after the Kentucky Derby is done.

This morning, Maker commented this morning on working for Mr. Ramsey.

“Ken’s enthusiasm is contagious — what a fun ride we have had together,” Maker said (they first worked together 13 years ago).

At least, Maker and Ramsey are enjoying the ride? Yesterday, Maker sounded pleased about drawing the seventh post, and he also talked on Sunday about the surface switch.

“I’m pleased, obviously. It’s better than the one-hole that we drew a couple of years ago,” he explained. “No complaints.”

“If he doesn’t win I don’t think the surface will be an excuse, just the competition.”

Most experienced handicappers will remain skeptical, and if Kitten’s Joy is not a true turf sire, then turf sires must not exist because his progeny consistently win the major stakes races on turf in North America.

The press release from last Sunday revealed another interesting fact about the the connections teaming up with a Derby contender sired by Kitten’s Joy. The results so far are not encouraging.

“Maker and the Ramseys have teamed up with two previous Derby starters by Kitten’s Joy –Dean’s Kitten (14th in 2010) and Derby Kitten (13th in 2011).”

Oscar Nominated belongs in the field though and will offer fans a huge price. While choosing the longest shot on the board can be fun, there are no hidden angles that make Oscar Nominated a viable choice. Just think about whether his chances are realistic, or if waiting for him to compete in another turf stakes sounds like a better idea.

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