The Pamplemousse Demolishes the Sham Field

February 28, 2009
By Profitus Maximus

The Pamplemousse emerged as one of the very top candidates for the 2009 Kentucky Derby after taking the Sham field gate to wire, winning by 6 lengths.

He broke beautifully and went for the lead and was soon tracked by Take the Points, but by the time they made the clubhouse turn, the winner was leading the field by a solid length.

He set an opening quarter mile in a very fast 23.08 and continued the fast pace through a half mile in 46.51, which is at least two seconds faster than the average half mile split for a 9 furlong race at Santa Anita, and in fact was the fastest half mile fraction set this meet among all 1 1/8 mile races run so far this Santa Anita racing meet.

As they approached the quarter pole, Garrett Gomez was pumping hard on Take the Points trying to get to the frontrunner but Solis’ hands were motionless and he still opened up a 2 length lead at the top of the stretch. From that point on he was very confidently ridden to the wire, the jockey giving him just one tap with the stick, and bounding away with huge strides to win by 6 lengths, and firmly establishing him as one of the very top Kentucky Derby candidates.

Take the Points held a clear second while Mr. Hot Stuff got up late for third.

The final time was 147.86, easily the fastest time of the meet so far. He received a Beyer Speed Figure of 103

The $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) at nine furlongs on April 4 is expected to be the next race for The Pamplemousse.

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