NEWS
Donativum may try 'win and you’re in' Derby route
Posted: Thursday, October 30, 2008 10:36 AM
DONATIVUM
Benoit & Associates photo
Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Donativum (GB) may use the new Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes on March 18 at Kempton Park as a trial for another trip to North America.
The winner of the 1 1/8-mile conditions race on Polytrack will receive an automatic spot in the 2009 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) at Churchill Downs.
The incentive could be particularly advantageous for the two-year-old by Cadeaux Genereux because, as a gelding, he is not eligible for some major races in Europe. Donativum also has no graded or group stakes earnings, which determine the Derby field if the entry box exceeds the limit of 20 starters.
Donativum earned $961,626 with his victory in the Timeform Tattersalls Million at Newmarket and $610,200 in the Juvenile Turf.
“They have introduced this race at Kempton where you win and you are in [the Derby],” trainer John Gosden told Racing UK. “That is a very attractive option for us and then you can think of going [to America] and having another prep over there.”
