Favorite Trick wears out in the long run

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Sunday, May 3, 1998

BY The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- When it came time for Favorite Trick to pick up the pace, the Horse of the Year was not up to the challenge.

Favorite Trick finished eighth in Saturday's Kentucky Derby, contending with the leaders until he dropped back as the field turned into the stretch at Churchill Downs. The colt is owned by Joseph LaCombe of West Chester.

"When they turned for home, he came up flat," trainer Bill Mott said. "He had position to win the race, a perfect trip -- but he just didn't do it."

For the smallish bay colt, son of the sprinter Phone Trick, the 1 1/4-mile Derby distance may have proved too much.

"It's possible," jockey Pat Day said when asked if Favorite Trick's pedigree worked against him. "He trained well and it was the first time he had not won on this track so the racetrack is not an excuse. I had no excuses."

Favorite Trick hung behind the early leaders, Old Trieste and Rock and Roll, and when favored Indian Charlie moved into contention, Day moved his colt, too. He got as close as fourth at the half-mile pole, and was fifth entering the stretch.

"He was nice and kind but never put his ears up and seemed as comfortable as he had been in some of his races," Day said.

Favorite Trick kept two Derby jinxes alive with his finish. No 2-year-old champion has won the race since Spectacular Bid in 1979 and no Breeders' Cup Juvenile champ has won since that series began in 1984.

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