NEWS
Mambo in Seattle headed for Super Derby
Posted: Thursday, August 28, 2008 5:03 PM
MAMBO IN SEATTLE
Adam Coglianese/NYRA photo
by Phil Janack
Travers Stakes Presented by Shadwell Farm (G1) runner-up Mambo in Seattle will stay with fellow three-year-olds for his next start.
Trainer Neil Howard said on Thursday that the Kingmambo colt will come back in the 1 1/8-mile Super Derby (G2) on September 20 at Louisiana Downs.
"We thought the timing was good, we like the distance, and it'll be a chance to keep him in his own division with the three-year-olds," Howard said. "Provided everything goes smooth, that's where we'll go."
Mambo in Seattle has never run in Louisiana, although Howard is based there in the winter. The Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) against older horses on September 27 at Belmont Park was another option.
"We've been to Louisiana before, we like the track, we like the setup and the facilities and all that," Howard said. "This should be a good spot for him."
Mambo in Seattle had a three-race unbeaten streak snapped in the 1 1/4-mile Travers, where he lost in a head bob at the wire to Colonel John. He has won four times and finished second three times from eight lifetime starts.
Mambo in Seattle returned to the track for the first time since the Travers on Wednesday with a 1 5/8-mile gallop.
"We're delighted with the way he came out of the race," Howard said. "So far, he looks great. One thing I've learned is you can't rush to judgment. Sometimes, these horses have their guard up and they always feel good, and you can't see everything.
"You don't want to make that mistake and say, 'Let's go on to the next rodeo' too soon. I've made that mistake before. Right now, he looks fine and he's doing good."
Phil Janack is a New York-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent
