Derby Remix: Dean Martini dreaming of Derby
Dean Martini wins the Ohio Derby (G3). (Photo by J.J. Zamaiko Photography)
July 3rd, 2020
"Dream when you're feeling blue
Dream, that's the thing to do
Just watch the smoke rings rise in the air
You'll find your share of memories there"
On May 2, what was supposed to be Kentucky Derby Day, roses seemed as realistic for Dean Martini as any memory conjured in those smoke rings in Dean Martin's song "Dream."
Dean Martini tried routes and sprints, dirt and turf, and the barns of Peter Miller and Brad Cox. He hit the board six times, but he never won.
One thing remained to try — a claiming tag. On May 17, Dean Martini went 1 1/16 miles on the Churchill Downs dirt for a $50,000 tag. He led at every call and drew off to win by 6 3/4 lengths.
That day he was claimed to the barn of Tom Amoss. The next month, Dean Martini debuted for his new connections, Amoss and Raise the BAR Racing (Brad Rives and Annie Jessee). He didn't win his first start for them, an optional claimer June 12, but he ran well from the 12 gate. He stalked the pace, briefly led, and held second behind heavy favorite Man in the Can.
It was enough to begin dreaming of Derby points.
Dean Martini returned in the Ohio Derby (G3). Local rider Ricardo Mejias got him away well from the fence, tucked in behind dueling leaders, then made a gutsy inside move to the lead near the half-mile pole. He kicked away from Lebda in upper stretch and had enough left to stave off South Bend
Though Dean Martini's 14-1 odds may have felt like a kick in the head to the bettors who didn't have him, it was a dream come true for his new connections. Dean Martini became the first graded stakes winner for both Mejias and owner Raise the BAR Racing.
Will Dean Martini will improve enough to emerge a top Kentucky Derby prospect? Time will tell. But a dream took him from the claiming ranks to the Ohio Derby, and he has the summer to show his new connections how far he can go.
Derby Remix is a weekly series that crosses the lines of culture and Kentucky Derby contenders.
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