Albaugh Family Stables of Ankeny is going to make another “Run for the Roses”.
Free Drop Billy earned a third-place finish in Saturday’s Grade 2, $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, likely allowing him to qualify for next month’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
“So happy to be running for the 3rd consecutive Kentucky Derby,” tweeted Jason Loutsch, co-owner of Albaugh Family Stables, after the race. “Thx to our great team and fans.”
Good Magic, the 2-year-old Eclipse Award winner, took the lead in the stretch and posted a 1 1/2 length victory over Flameaway. Sporting Chance finished third, but was disqualified to fourth after veering into Free Drop Billy’s path down the stretch.
Free Drop Billy, trained by Dale Romans, may not have qualified for the Derby with a fourth-place finish. By moving up to third, he likely has enough points (44) to earn a spot in the starting gate.
This will be the fourth time overall that Albaugh Family Stables has qualified a horse for the Derby. Paddy O’Prado placed third in 2010, Brody’s Cause took seventh in 2016, and J Boys Echo finished 15th last year.
Free Drop Billy has now finished in the money in seven of his eight career starts. He has two wins, three seconds and two thirds.