Tom Pedulla of America’s Finest Racing is 149th on Might 6. Churchill Downs.
This week’s installment options proprietor Mike Repole returning to the Kentucky Derby observe with the 2-year-old male champion. Power It is on the brink of make its much-anticipated 3-year debut on the $400,000 Fountain of Youth Revenue (G2) on March 4. Gulfstream Park For Corridor of Fame coach Todd Pletcher. Repole, St. He’s co-owner of Forte together with his pal and frequent accomplice Vinnie Viola from Elias Secure.
Repole, 54, has skilled the sport’s ups and downs greater than most. The Queens, NY native shed tears of pleasure when she co-owned horses final June. Mo Donegal and mare nest He completed one-two within the Belmont Stakes (G1).
He additionally suffered heartbreak Uncle Mo The two-year-old champion male in 2010 needed to be scratched the day earlier than the Kentucky Derby (G1) with one thing that was ultimately recognized as a uncommon liver dysfunction.
PEDULLA: How is Forte?
REPOLE: It is going nice. We gave him just a little trip in Florida. She’s just a little larger, just a little bit wider she. You by no means know what occurs when a horse turns from 2 to three. However as of at present, Todd and I could not be happier.
PEDULLA: Do it is advisable win the Fountain of Youth to have a profitable day?
REPOLE: He misplaced the second begin of his profession (Sanford Stakes (G3). Saratoga Raceway) and went on to earn three 1st levels. After all, you wish to see him win. However the objective is to high him within the first race of the yr, not the second race of the yr, however his third race on the Kentucky Derby. After which, hopefully, we’re speaking about Preakness (Stakes, G1) and Belmont (G1) stakes.
PEDULLA: Have you ever had Derby fever since profitable the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1)?
REPOLE: To let you know the reality, I can say I’ve had derby fever since I used to be 15.
PEDULLA: Will you at all times really feel that Uncle Mo Derby is a runaway?
REPOLE: The dream of proudly owning a horse in Derby was one in 1,000,000, particularly for a child from Queens. What individuals neglect is that I drew Derby’s favourite Uncle Mo, however nonetheless Get Thirsty within the race. And the way many individuals can say that he drew a Derby favourite in his first Derby however nonetheless had a horse within the race.
PEDULLA: Your one-two end eventually yr’s Belmont Stakes was your greatest second?
REPOLE: I have been very fortunate to have had among the greatest horses, colts and mares within the nation during the last 12 years. Being a New York child, it was at all times his dream to win the Belmont Stakes. I do not assume I’ve ever dreamed of being first and second within the Belmont Stakes this manner. Seeing Mo Donegal take the lead after which observe Nest behind, there was a second once I wasn’t certain if Mo Donegal or Nest would win for possibly an eighth mile. However I knew it will be a Repole Secure horse and that made it very particular.
PEDULLA: In Forte, Vinnie Viola’s St. You might be partnered with Elias Secure. You might have been companions earlier than. Why does this partnership work effectively for each of you?
REPOLE: Whether or not it is household or horse racing, I feel we share the identical values. We’re each Italian cultures. We went from companions to family and friends. I feel whenever you win a race with Teresa and Vinnie and I’ve Maria and my household, that makes it all of the extra particular. I’ve a saying, “Success is greatest when shared.”
PEDULLA: We do not at all times see your loyalty to Todd. Why are you so loyal?
REPOLE: As a result of he is primarily a pal and member of the family and greater than only a coach. It began as a enterprise relationship and has grown a lot bigger. Usually when chatting with Todd, individuals assume we’re speaking about horses. That is most likely probably the most trivial factor we’re speaking about nowadays. We by no means discuss horses once we’re with households. I feel Todd makes use of this to his benefit as a result of it does not matter whether or not he wins or not. He is aware of he has a job for all times with me. Nobody is extra centered. Nobody is extra decided. I respect their work ethic, second to none.
PEDULLA: What wouldn’t it imply when you may win the derby?
REPOLE: It is exhausting for me to get there. As a child from Queens to an immigrant household, I have been very fortunate to have achieved so many unimaginable issues in my life, in enterprise, in racing, having my daughter. Hear, that is one thing I’ve at all times dreamed of. That is one thing I at all times take into consideration. I went to seven derbies. We celebrated the nineteenth, seventeenth and thirteenth locations. We had loads of enjoyable and are completely satisfied. It will be particular, however simply being in Derby is one thing very particular that few individuals can discuss. I’m 7 to 0. Often, you do not brag about being 7 to 0. However being within the seven Derbies is fairly particular.
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