Skipping the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve after your 3-year-old targeted it could be a turbulent decision.
After all, it is the most famous and coveted race in the sport.
However, because of the connections between Winstar Farm, Chc Inc., Pantofel Stable and Wachtel Stable’s River Thames, keeping him on the food stall on the first Saturday of May and pointing out the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 17th was not a nasty choice.
“This was a case of us committing pretty quickly. We felt it was the best option for this horse,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “It’s usually hard to resist the temptation to run in the Kentucky Derby, but back then Winster decided that there was Tappan Street for the Derby. Unfortunately, he (he was injured) but I don’t think it changed our plan. After the Bluegrass Stakes, this was the best option.”
The Liberthams, the son of New York-bred MacLean’s music, became second in the Coolmore Youth Stakes. However, after some internal discussion, a decision was made to target Preakness. Thus, in one quick move, the Thames River became one of the favorites of the mid-season gems of the Triple Crown from a long shot of the Kentucky Derby, where he had more rest and a short 1 3/16 miles.
“It felt like he was a high-level horse, and we dropped a lot of horses on him early. He ran three times in seven weeks,” said Elliot Walden, CEO, president and racing manager of Winstar Farm. “We felt there was a lot to ask him to run in the blue grass and come back four weeks in the derby. Giving him the extra week was the right decision.
He wasn’t running in the Kentucky Derby, but the 1 1/4 mile classic was very well reflected on the Thames. In the youth fountain, at his third career start, he was second in the neck to sovereignty.
“I think skipping the Kentucky Derby was the right decision, but the outcome flattened his shape a bit,” Pletcher said. “He just received sovereignty nick in the youth fountain.”
With his sharp tactical speed to get him closer to his early pace, River Thames thinks he’s a perfect fit for Pimlico. There, Preakness’s final three winners were first or second after the opening half mile.
“I think his running style suits Pimlico,” Pretcher said.
The 1-Year-Old sale from the Legacy Bloodstock commission, purchased for $200,000 in 2023, which Fasig-Tipton Saratoga preferred, was impressive from the start, earning his debut on January 11th in a 6-furlong Maiden race with a 4 3/4 length.
“He was one of our top two years old last year. You see him around the barn, and you don’t know that, but you see him looking at the breeze and he really does work. “His ability to show his athleticism and speed and carry it is impressive.”
After his debut victory, the Riverthames charged an optional mile allowance of 6 1/2 length before moving to the Stakes Company. Before the blue grass, Pantofell stable and Wattel stability were purchased by the owner group.
“Everything he did is very impressive. You think about going to six furlongs in his debut, and running a mile and a sixteenth in a young man’s fountain. “He’s come a long way in a short time. He’s always as refreshing as a talented horse and consistent in top-level races.
The No. 1 Thames, bred by CTR stables from the proportions of modest cat mares, earns $261,900.
For Pletcher, Saturday’s $2 million Preakness managed to complete the Hall of Fame trainer’s personal triple crown. The sport’s greatest revenue leader in history, Pletcher has won two Kentucky Derbys and four Belmonts, but in 2000 he’s 0-0 in Preakness, each blasting his best finish.
On Saturday, it’s up to the Thames to end that streak and provide a patient dividend.
“He’s never run a bad race. His shape works pretty well. He was second in sovereignty when he ran a little green. And he made a good effort on the blue grass when he felt that (Jockey Irado Ortiz Jr.) moved too quickly and learned a bit about the colt,” Walden said. “Hopefully he’ll take another step forward with Pimlico and we’ll be in good condition.”
