WHO IS IMPROBABLE LUCK’S COMPETITION?

If Improbable Luck is going to be the best, he is going to need to beat the best. 

Let’s start this strategic conversation from the most common reference point in thoroughbred racing, the Kentucky Derby (also known as “The Run of the Roses”), which is run on the first Saturday in May every year. The Kentucky Derby is only open to three-year-olds. Starting at two-years-old, horses can qualify for the Derby by winning points through a series of challenge races. Improbable Luck is now two years old, so come along for the ride on his hopeful journey to qualify for “The Run for the Roses.”
 
So, who will Improbable Luck be facing in the qualifying races? Here are what we think are the top 5 contenders in the 2-year-old category.

#1 FEROCIOUS
Mama Mia! Talk about a ferocious debut! This $1.3 million son of the late stallion Flatter won his debut race by 7 3/4 lengths. Before he ever raced, this horse was known for his incredible maturity and confidence, and his team believe he might just be something special. His debut was ferocious, and his future looks bright.

#2 GETAWAY CAR
This well-oiled machine of a racehorse stopped the clock in his debut race at Del Mar in :57.43 for 5 furlongs, which was only a second slower than Del Mar’s track record. Trained by Bob Baffert and bred to run all day, this horse has all the makings of a serious player.

#3 MENTEE 
This horse actually broke a track record that stood for more than 60 years in his debut. A full brother to Fierceness, last year’s champion 2-year-old, Mentee might be a star. His next start will be in the Hopeful Stakes. That race could be one of the deepest 2-year-old preps in New York this decade. Three of our top five are headed there.

#4 MO PLEX
Mo Plex won the Sanford Stakes at Saratoga, which is one of the first major 2-year-old races of the year. In his first two starts with only 23 days between the races, he’s won by a combined 11 lengths. He has loads of potential and loads of questions. Stay tuned for the answers. Fun fact: Improbable Luck and Mo Plex share the same damsire, Uncle Mo. This technically makes them cousins.

#5 CHANCER MCPATRICK
If you want to see a mind-blowing performance, search for Chancer McPatrick’s Maiden Special Weight win on July 27th, 2024. At the top of the stretch, he appears to have no chance. Then suddenly, the talented son of McKinzie finds another gear, turns on the burners and ends up winning by a length. I still don’t know what I saw, and you won’t either. Owners Flanagan Racing might have the luck of the Irish on their side, because this is what a top 2-year-old looks like.
 
If Improbable Luck is going to be the best he is going to need to beat the best. So far, these five racehorses have caught our eye. There is so much more to come, and this list will shift. Stay tuned …