By Abe Winter
Special to the Weyburn Review
So what’s next for Weyburn, the thoroughbred owned by a former Saskatchewan resident?
Trainer Jimmy Jerkens was quick to say, “I don’t think so,” when asked if Weyburn would run next month in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.
That comment came after Weyburn, owned by Robert Krembil, who grew up in Grenfell, placed fourth in Saturday’s Wood Memorial at Aqueduct in New York.
Weyburn actually had the lead coming down the stretch of the nine-furlong race, but was overtaken by two long shots — 72-1 Bourbonic and 15-1 Dynamic One — and 5-2 second choice Crowded Choice, who placed third.
The winner (Bourbonic) earned 100 points toward eligibility for the Derby. The surprise horse suddenly ranks fourth in points earned.
By the way, a $2 exacta bet — Bourbonic with Dynamic One, both trained by Todd Pletcher — paid a whopping $906. A $2 bet to win paid $146.50. Not even the trainer had winning tickets.
Weyburn, meanwhile, got 10 points to add to his 50 for winning the Gotham Stakes. The 60 points makes him No. 11 on the list for the Derby.
But, as his trainer says, it’s more likely Weyburn will be prepped for the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. That’s not until June.
Meanwhile, Robert Landry, the GM of Chiefswood Stables, which is owned by the Krembil family, was asked for his thoughts on Weyburn’s performance.
“Obviously we hoped for a better result, but all and all he ran well, and was only beaten three lengths,” said Landry, a former jockey. “Maybe with a bit of a different trip, the result might have been different. “I was not that shocked with the long shots. Todd Pletcher is a phenomenal trainer and when you're running at that level you never know. I will wait a few days to see how he took the race before we decide what is next for Weyburn.”
Stay tuned.
