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Fierceness – Sierra Leone – Catching Freedom – Forever Young – Just a Touch
By: John Pinder
How He Got Here
Resilience, much like his name would imply, has not taken the easy route to qualify for this years’ run for the roses. Trainer Bill Mott is commonly known for being patient with his runners allowing them to gain experience as they mature physically and from a speed perspective. We get a firsthand view of that style when we look at Resilience’s foundation of races which consists of six prior starts including his debut last summer at Saratoga. Let’s look at each and summarize, acknowledging positives and negatives.
On Debut: 1 mile at Saratoga; made a strong move in the middle of the race but they were all chasing Locked, who went on to win by open lengths. Positive – broke well away from the gate and showed competitive interest. Negative: was no match for the 3/5 favorite.
2nd Start: 1 mile at Churchill; prominently placed throughout and ran on for a solid second place finish. Positive – broke well from the gate, ran strong in a tight bunch, accelerated when asked to keep pace. Negative: Not much if any
3rd Start: 1 mile at Churchill; was wide into the first turn and had to settle further back as the pace was fast. Rallied strong from last to finish third. Positive: Competitive spirit was on full display. Negative: Does not have blazing early speed.
4th Start, 1 mile and 1/16 at Gulfstream; a maiden no more! Positive: rated well in traffic and when asked for the run he delivered. Negative: His competition was not the toughest group of 3-year-olds.
5th Start, 1 mile and 1/8 at Fair Grounds: The Risen Star has proven to be a key race this derby prep season. As all the top four finishers are Kentucky Derby entrants at the time of this article. After keeping up with a solid pace he finished fourth. Positive: was able to make his own trip, maintaining proximity to the leader, overcoming an outside starting post position. Negative: Did not have enough to catch the leader when the time presented itself.
6th Start, 1 mile and 1/8 at Aqueduct, The Grade 2 Wood Memorial: Derby Ticket Earned. Sitting just off a quick opening half mile he stalked and took the lead during the turn for home to win by 2 lengths. Positive: As in most of his races he was well positioned – this time he was able to finish the task. Did the addition of blinkers help him to focus and finish strong? Negative: His competition was not the strongest.
How He Fits Here
Resilience is a talented colt with a very competitive nature that will no doubt give his all on the first Saturday in May. His speed figures are not the fastest and rank somewhere about 5th or 6th from the top, but other factors such as trip and pace can sometimes equalize speed. A consistent element in all his races has been his ability to make his own trip, which of course in a twenty horse field is a great asset. In his toughest contest the Risen Star, he was beaten by three fellow Derby participants but was competitive throughout on a sloppy track, until being caught late. Following that race his trainer added blinkers and he finished strong winning the Wood Memorial, continuing his pattern of improving speed figures.
Connections and Pedigree
Trainer Bill Mott is hoping that when he wins his second Kentucky Derby that the racing stewards are not involved in the decision; of course, I am referring to when he won with Country House back in 2019. Although he was put up by disqualification, rightfully so, it does not take away from Mr. Mott’s ability to get a horse ready to do his best under the Twin Spires on the first Saturday in May. Country House was not one of the top contenders for the win, but he was ready that day and there is no doubt that the Hall of Fame trainer will have Resilience, the son of Into Mischief prepared to do his best. Into Mischief as a Sire is one of the very best and his progeny are top notch – Based on all of the numerous accolades Into Mischief has earned, none are more telling about his offspring managing the Derby distance more than the fact that he is the first stallion ever to sire back-to-back Kentucky Derby winners: Authentic in 2020 & Mandaloun in 2021. – Nuff Said
Overall Chance
When racing attracts millions of casual fans and their money, many of them are drawn to one horse based on the color of their silks or their post position number and of course potentially their name; sometimes greatly affecting their betting odds relative to their realistic chances. Our subject’s name is very fitting to the type of horse he is and is a little catchy, but I hope that doesn’t happen this year with Resilience because I do believe that his odds will be a part of the payoffs and I am hoping to make a good score by having him on my tickets. 😊 I am a huge proponent of growing the sport but as horseplayers’ we understand how important odds and value are. All that to say I think that Resilience is going to be in a great position turning for the home stretch. IF he continues to move forward, he has a punchers chance to garnish the roses. You should not dare to exclude him from your exotic vertical wagers; he is a must include in trifecta and or superfecta plays.
