Contender returns with Strong showing

John C. Oxley's STRONG CONTENDER (Maria's Mon) threw his name into the

Kentucky Derby (G1) picture with a convincing performance in Gulfstream Park's

9TH race

Wednesday, winning the one-mile allowance by 4 3/4 lengths in his three-year-old

debut. Breaking from post 6 in the 11-horse field, the chestnut colt set a

pressured pace in :23 4/5, :45 4/5 and 1:09 2/5 before drawing off through the

stretch under Edgar Prado. Strong Contender stopped the teletimer in a quick

1:34 3/5 over the fast track.

An impressive maiden winner in his lone juvenile appearance, the John

Ward Jr.-trained colt is now likely headed to stakes competition. He defeated

several promising rivals on Wednesday, including runner-up Storm Treasure (Storm

Boot), who was making his first appearance since breaking his maiden by 7 1/4

lengths at Churchill Downs in November. Big Lover (Ecton Park) finished a neck

back in third and was trailed under the wire by the Roamin Murphy (Grindstone),

The Yips (Afternoon Deelites), Ice N Lemon (Acceptable), War God (Ecton Park),

Derby (Touch Gold), Anglers Reef (Suave Prospect), Famous Frolic

(Charismatic) and Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) runner-up High Cotton (Dixie

Union), who showed speed until stopping on the far turn and retreating to last

as the 7-5 favorite. Raggedy Man (Straight Man), Tigervally (Tiger Ridge) and

Money Issues (Outflanker) were all scratched.

Bred in Kentucky by Haras Santa Maria de Araras Sa, Strong Contender was

acquired for $800,000 last April at the Keeneland two-year-old sale and broke

his maiden by 3 3/4 lengths at Arlington Park in August. After receiving a

lengthy vacation, he returned to the worktab in mid-December for Ward and was

ready to roll on Wednesday.

The 2-1 second choice returned $6.60, $4.80 and $4 to his supporters. Strong

Contender is out of the multiple stakes-placed Kopenhagen (Dynaformer).