Juddmonte's Dragoon Guard introduced himself as a top contender in the 3-year-old division with a powerful front-running performance in the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis July 6.
Assuming command as the field of seven entered the clubhouse turn, the Juddmonte homebred posted fractions of :23.74, :47.24, and 1:10.77 while pressured by Informed Patriot. With Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Stronghold in hot pursuit in third, the stage was set for a duel down the stretch.
The duel never materialized as Dragoon Guard found more in the tank for jockey Florent Geroux and opened up down the lane. Stronghold was valiant, but checked in 2 1/2 lengths behind his rival. Informed Patriot held for third.
Dragoon Guard stopped the clock for the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.26 and paid $5.80 for his win.
Defeated only on debut, Dragoon Guard has now won three straight and earned $335,360. The Indiana Derby was the son of Arrogate's first start around two turns, and trainer Brad Cox believes he will continue to improve as the distances lengthen.
"If he continues to make progress, he could be right there with the top 3-year-olds, I really believe that," Cox said. "This was just the next step in his progression and I'm happy with what he was able to do today."
Cox was undecided as to when that test against the division's best would take place, but said the colt might join his summer string at Saratoga Race Course. Unsure if he'll race at Saratoga, Cox also mentioned the Sept. 21 Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx Racing as an option.
WATCH: Brad Cox Discusses Dragoon Guard's Indiana Derby Win
Video: Indiana Derby (G3)
Chatalas Battles Back for Second Graded Win
The lead was the spot to be on the dirt Saturday as it also carried Chatalas to the winner's circle of the $200,000 Indiana Oaks (G3), although the victory was more hard-fought.
Getting loose from her five rivals on the backstretch, Chatalas cruised through fractions of :23.72, :47.48, and 1:11.29. Little Jamie approached as they entered the stretch and looked as though she would go by for the win as she headed Chatalas at the eighth pole.
Emboldened by the challenge, Chatalas shook off the dust accumulated from her six-month layoff and battled back to win by a head. Impel, the 2-5 favorite, was third. The 1 1/16 miles were completed in 1:42.93.
Despite being the only graded winner in the field, thanks to her victory in the Chandelier Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park last fall, the bettors left her to pay $23.80 for her win.
Owned by Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners, her breeder Dan Agnew, and William Chatalas, the daughter of Gun Runner was moved to the barn of trainer Grant Forster just a month ago. Trained as a 2-year-old by Mark Glatt, the ownership group wanted to move their star filly east of the Mississippi for the big 3-year-old filly races. Chatalas will likely return to the West Coast and Glatt in the winter.
"Mark's the trainer," Forster said. "We have really high hopes for her. Mark and I worked hand-in-hand with this filly. He helped me with how she is in her training and I've tried to follow his lead."
Forster said the races at Saratoga would be under consideration. Adding that he expects distance to be no issue for Chatalas, the Aug. 17 Alabama Stakes (G1) could be a likely target.
WATCH: Grant Forster Discusses Chatalas' Indiana Oaks Victory
