Preview of the American Derby: Walsh believes in World War I

(Coach Brendan Walsh / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

From the Churchill Downs Media Team / Darren Rogers and Kevin Kerstein:

WORLD WAR I PENN MILE WINNER FACING BIG COMPETITION IN THE $250,000 IMPROVED AMERICAN DERBY

Qatar race And Hunter Valley Farm‘s three-time winner and youngest hero of the Penn Mile (GIII) First World War returns to Churchill Downs and will compete against an open group of eight three-year-olds who will compete in the 109^th Implementation of the American Derby (Listed) with prize money of 250,000 USD.

The American Derby over 1 1/16 miles on turf is part of a stakes six pack on Saturday’s Stephen Foster Day program. The first start is at 12:45 p.m., with the American Derby being race 9 at 4:58 p.m.

Trained by Brendan WalshFirst World War defeated Aspenite by a nose length three weeks ago in the Penn Mile under world-class jockey Frankie Dettori. Earlier this season, the son of War Front switched from dirt to turf in the Kitten’s Joy (GIII) at Gulfstream, where he defeated seven opponents by half a length. Dettori will return to ride First World War in the American Derby, and the duo will start from the No. 7 starting spot.

Here is the complete field of participants for the American Derby from the inside track (with jockey and trainer):

• Green light (Jose Ortiz, Rodolphe Brisset)
• Moonlight (Tyler Gaffalione, Todd Pletcher)
• Principle of freedom (Luis Saez, José Garoffalo)
• Lagynos (Cristian Torres, Steve Asmussen)
• Agate Street (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher)
• Depiction (Joel Rosario, Cherie DeVaux)
• First World War (Dettori, Walsh)
• Brilliant Berti (Brian Hernandez Jr., Cherie DeVaux)

Saturday’s turf race at Churchill Downs is scheduled to be held on track 1 of the Matt Winn Turf Course.