Krypton
"Super Man" is the middle name my sister wished to give me after being born. Although my parents said no to this, her being almost 4 at the time, My sister adorned me with "Isaac" after the very cool waiter from the hit TV series Love Boat.
My sister has an interesting obsession with Superman, not unhealthy, but noteworthy. So this life long exposure is enough of a reason to fall for this horse. Alas, there is yet another reason - the fact he is by Rock Hard Ten.
Of any horse I have met on the many horse farm tours and open houses over the years, I deem Rock Hard Ten the gentle giant. He is a beautiful horse, dark in color and chilled like a skater. Did I mention massive?
When my co-worker "Marta" followed Rock Hard Ten for our Maiden Watch project, the name Krypton naturally caught my eye. This horse was going to be a special colt. Rock Hard Ten's first crop of Two-Year-Olds were a little slow in developing, but I knew Krypton would get there somehow.
I had the joy of calling him out to Draynay and Jason at Keeneland during the spring meet on April 2nd, 2010. I Suggested they lay some dough on this trackstar. Of course Krypton won and Jason did pick him, so he seemed satisfied that day.
Now, with several races under his belt and a few nice payoffs from the
track, Krypton is a story to exclaim!
Photo: Rick Samuels
Why all the hype? Aside from the sentimental value I have with him, look at his progress. He finished third to two major Stakes contenders in the Virginia Derby. A step up in class and proof he can possibly hold his own with Grade I company on the turf. Watching horses rise through the ranks from Maiden to Stakes and then competing with notable graded competition is compelling.
When examining his race record over the past two years, you can see a clear pattern emerge. Although he is 5 for 10 lifetime, each race he gradually improved. If he was entered in the same level of race, say a Maiden or Allowance, he increased his finish position. If Krypton won a race, he was bumped up to a new level of competition on the track. Competition in either race type (Maiden to Allowance or Allowance to Stakes) or notable horses in the race. The one exception could be his Vision Stakes race from 2009. To me that race was clearly too quick of a move. He went from a Maiden win to a Stakes race. Possibly good experience, but his growth from Allowance to Stakes this year makes much more sense.
Krypton will improve from here and he may be at best a Grade II winner over time, I think he has something to prove among Grade I talent during his career.
Story: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/57956/paddy-oprado-too-tough-in-va-derby
Watch the replay.
Who is catching your eye right now?
That Handicapping Show for the Virginia Derby:
[brightcove videoid="115512246001"]
Caption: Rock Hard Ten with Julia
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Following Photos Courtesy of Melissa
Graeff.
