Regal Ransom wires Super Derby

Mary Rampellini,
Daily Racing Form

BOSSIER CITY, La.- Regal Ransom is back. On Saturday he was a winner in his first start since the Kentucky Derby, when he cruised to an easy, front-running win in the Grade 2, $750,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. Regal Ransom won by 1 1/4 lengths over Blame, while it was another 3 1/4 lengths back in third to Massone.

The Super Derby was one of six stakes worth a cumulative $1.2 million on the richest card of the meet at Louisiana Downs.

Regal Ransom ($4.60) broke on top and moved to the lead through an opening quarter-mile in 24.05 seconds. He proceeded to control the race through fractions of 49 seconds for the opening half-mile and 1:13.11 for six furlongs. Blame made a run at favorite Regal Ransom inside the final furlong, but the eventual winner proved much the best, covering the 1 1/8 miles on a track rated fast in 1:49.63.

"My horse was traveling so comfortably and relaxed," said Richard Migliore, who rode Regal Ransom. "I really felt like a winner in the first turn."

Regal Ransom, the winner of the Group 2, $2 million UAE Derby in March who was eighth in the Kentucky Derby, had been training toward a start in the Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont Park in June when some inflammation just below the hock areas of his hind legs sent him to the sidelines. He was scratched from the Woody Stephens.

"He popped a couple of curbs, and we had to back off of him on that," said Rick Mettee, the U.S.-based assistant to trainer Saeed bin Suroor. "He really responded well to the time off. He really trained well up at Saratoga. We're not surprised that he ran a big race. We didn't expect to win maybe this easy. But we weren't surprised."

Regal Ransom, a son of Distorted Humor, gave his stable, Godolphin Racing, their second win in the Super Derby behind Essence of Dubai's victory in 2002. Regal Ransom earned $450,000 for the win, which was his third from seven starts. He has now earned $1,747,200.

Mettee said next-race plans are to be determined for Regal Ransom.

The remaining order of finish in the Super Derby was Soul Warrior in fourth, followed by Red Lead, Uno Mas, and Electric.