For many many years, when Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas entered a horse in a 2-year-old stakes race, you had to pay close attention. He seemed unstoppable in all big freshman races.
Lukas had stables at every major racetrack and built an impressive roster of horses. That wouldn't stop him from shipping horses all over the country, which led to the "Wayne off the Plane" handicapping angle.
Now in the later stages of his career, the former basketball coach has a much smaller stable.
But that doesn't mean he's lost the ability to train young horses.
On closing day of the Saratoga meet, Lukas stepped back in time and sent Dublin to a nice two-length win over Aspire in the 105th renewal of the Hopeful.
It was the sixth win in the Hopeful for Lukas but this one might have the most Kentucky Derby promise of his previous five victories. Dublin is a son of Afleet Alex, who also won the Hopeful and went on to capture the Preakness and Belmont. His mother, Classy Mirage, was also a multiple graded stakes winner.
Lukas helped pick Dublin for owners Robert Baker and William Mack at the famous Keeneland Yearling Sale last September for $525,000.
"He has a long, rangy stride," Lukas said. "He’s got a lot of balance to him. He’s pretty gifted. I feel like he’s going to develop. This was my No. 1 pick in the sales. I still haven’t lost my eye in that part. I like to play in the main arena – these 2-year-olds, when they turn 3, that’s the name of the game. Bill Mack and Bob Baker are the reason this horse is here.”
You can be sure we will see Lukas and Dublin in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, another race Lukas used to own. His record there is five victories in 37 entrants.
For now, Lukas will ship Dublin back to his home base at Churchill Downs and two months from now, he could be the trainer people are talking again about when it comes to the Kentucky Derby.
Other horses to keep an eye as they get older are Aikenite, Backtalk and Westover Wildcat.
