This is one top contender for the 2011 Kentucky Derby. In fact, many are saying that, despite his graded ranking of 4th this year, Mucho Macho Man is most definitely in their top three for the Derby win. Holding his own in 2010, against some of this year's top contenders and placing five out of five races last year set this colt up to be a shoe-in before the season even started. Mucho placed one first, three seconds and one third in his juvenile season with a second his first maiden start out of the gates. Most impressive is this colt's presence in the face of extremely strong competition, with the likes of To Honour and Serve and Dialed In.
That being said this is not where this 3 year-olds' story ends. He has already come on strong this year with two starts under his belt, more than a lot of contenders can boast at this time. Mucho Macho Man's first start of the season was the Holy Bull at the end of January and though he only placed a fourth in his first maiden of the year, first, second and third place went to Dialed In, Sweet Ducky and Gourmet Dinner respectively. This should still be considered a notch in his belt, as he ran a strong race with some of the top prospects for the Derby.
Next up for Mucho Macho, was the grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds. This powerful colt started strong and finished strong from wire-to-wire, giving Santiva and Rogue Romance a run for their money to take first. Though the competition was not as heavy as was with the Holy Bull, Mucho Macho Man took the first effortlessly. What a win for this colt and trainer, Kathy Ritvo who was elated during training the following morning. "The horse is doing really well this morning, and I slept really well last night."
So where does she go from here with this potential race horse superstar? Well, there are a few options to explore and she is not taking this decision lightly. With the Louisiana Derby fast approaching, which will be the richest Thoroughbred course in history with a one million dollar purse up for grabs, making this decision is not an enviable spot for Ritvo and her team! "We're not sure, yet," said Ritvo Sunday morning. "We'll talk things over for a few days before we decide for sure, but it's certainly possibility."
Winning a purse the size of the Louisiana Derby would surely shoot Mucho Macho Man to the top two, if not the top contender to take on the Triple Crown and ensure his superstar potential. He certainly has proven that he has the presence and stamina to take on Uncle Mo for top ranking going into May. Pedigree is just the icing on the cake for this colt, lending him numerous strengths and wins to take into the preps and, if all goes well, through the entire process of the Triple Crown.
