As the 38th place contender, according to the Horse Racing Nation for the 2011 Kentucky Derby, Nacho Saint has not shown himself to be material for a spot in the top twenty as of yet. Though trainer Kelly Breen feels that Nacho Saint has graduated showing strong promise and placing first in the January Aqueduct this year, he has only run once to date which puts him at a disadvantage to the other horses racing.
Next up for Saint is the Aqueduct Gotham on March 5th, after being pulled from the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park a few weeks ago. Trainer Breen feels that Nacho Saint is a good horse and runner but wasn’t up to the high endurance of the Youth. Breen seems to be looking for more from this colt, as he attempts another start on the same track that a 4-½ length lead broke his maiden a few short weeks ago. Pedigree will not help this colt as his sire, Yes It’s True, had less than impressive racing statistics in the 90’s and Nacho Saint is dam Flashy’s first winning offspring of three foals. Although he still seems to be a favorite for the Gotham win, Stay Thirsty holds strong at the top of the list for first.
Trainer Breen was wise in his decision to give Nacho Saint a well deserved break after breaking his maiden after five starts, and in late July 2010 taking second in the Saratoga. His last race in 2010 was in September when he fell to fifth in finishing. Nacho seemed a good bet for his maiden of the season in Aqueduct at the beginning of this year, as a horse coming off a strong layoff.
Dave Litfin, Daily Racing Form's handicapper for New York, says about Saint, “was among the better juvenile sprinters in the Northeast last July, when he was nipped by next-out stakes winner Vengeful Wildcat at Monmouth, before rallying to finish second in the Sanford three weeks later at the Spa; faster than these, sharp works, rail for stretch-out.” It seems as though there is faith in Saint’s performance next week and possibly for contention in the Triple Crown. This underdog may be one to cause an upset on the scene, though perhaps too early a bet only seeing him race once this year.
It seems of all of the underdogs on the circuit right now, Nacho Saint has the attention of many as a favorite to take a spot in the Kentucky Derby. It feels a bit premature in respect to how many races we have seen him in, however, he has come in strong with a first place win out of the gates. Perhaps we will see this juvenile in the Triple Crown, but as for the win?
