Gemologist sparkles in Kentucky Jockey Club

"Everyone's been talking about the Derby," WinStar's Kenny Troutt said, "and

it's very exciting to get the 'Derby fever.' This race is a great stepping stone

for us."

Gemologist had gone wire to wire in his first two outings, so the 3-1 second

choice showed a new dimension by rating just off the leaders on Saturday. Ever

So Lucky took up the front-running role from his rail post, but after an opening

quarter in :23 4/5, he was accosted by the maiden Seve. As Seve went clear

through a half in :47 2/5, Ever So Lucky seized the opportunity to come off the

fence and stalk in second. Gemologist continued to track patiently in third,

watching the early developments unfold.

On the far turn, Ever So Lucky and Gemologist made their moves, and Seve

commenced his retreat. Ever So Lucky, who regained the lead when reaching six

furlongs in 1:12 3/5, was already under fierce pressure from Gemologist. The

favorite fought hard on the inside, but Gemologist collared him in midstretch.

The farther they went, the stronger Gemologist looked, and the son of Tiznow

was 1 3/4 lengths on top at the wire. After covering 1 1/16 miles on the fast

track in 1:44 2/5, Gemologist provided $8.60, $4 and $3.60 to his supporters.

"We had a beautiful trip. It was a dream trip. He's a really nice horse.

Today he was very professional. He sat behind the leaders and targeted the

speed. He responded when I asked him. He did it the right way today. I'm very

lucky to ride nice horses like him."

Ever So Lucky salvaged second by a neck from the fast-closing Timely Tally.

Optimizer checked in fourth, followed by Atigun, Africanist, Cyber Secret, Saint

Honore, Seve, Fine and Mr. Prankster.

Gemologist, a $310,000 Keeneland November weanling purchase, has now earned

$145,855. The bay colt rolled to a five-length score in his debut sprinting six

furlongs over Turfway Park's Polytrack. Stretching out to two turns at Churchill

on October 30, Gemologist led throughout en route to a two-length decision. That

entry-level allowance/optional claiming victory came on the "Stars of Tomorrow

I" program, and he duly followed up over the same track and trip in the Kentucky

Jockey Club on "Stars of Tomorrow II."

"He beat a very good field and a very good horse in the Indian Charlie colt

(Ever So Lucky)," WinStar President/CEO and Racing Manager Elliott Walden said.

"He'll get a little bit of a breather and then we'll regroup and see where we

go. I don't know if he'll come back to WinStar Farm (for the winter). We'll have

to figure that out."

Pletcher is envisioning a two-prep plan next year, reminiscent of Super

Saver.

"We'll give him a little bit of a break off that, and I'll get with Elliott,

and we'll come up with a game plan," Pletcher said. "I'd say we'd try to follow

a similar path -- hopefully two starts before the big race, if things go well."

Bred by G. Watts Humphrey Jr. and Louise Ireland Humphrey Revocable Trust,

Gemologist is a half-brother to stakes scorer Clear Destiny. They were produced

by the Mr. Prospector mare Crystal Shard, an unraced full sister to multiple

Grade 2 queen Withallprobability, who is in turn the dam of multiple Grade 3

victress With Ability. This is the family of Grade 1-winning millionaire Summer

Colony and Japanese champion Still in Love, winner of her nation's Filly Triple

Crown.