Gormley

Gormley won his career debut for trainer John Sherriffs, best known as the trainer of Hall of Famer Zenyatta, before taking a step up in class and winning the Grade 1 FrontRunner Stakes to punch his ticket to the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Gormley finished a disappointing seventh in the Juvenile in his final race asa 2-year-old.

Making his seasonal debut in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park, Gormley returned to top form when he outfinished American Anthem in a thrilling stretch duel to improve to three wins in four starts and pick up his second graded stakes victory.

Gormley made his next start in the March 11 San Felipe Stakes, where he challenged race winner Mastery entering the far turn but tired to finish fourth. 

That put some pressure on Gormley for a big comeback effort in his next race in order to secure a safe spot in the Kentucky Derby, and Gormley rewarded his backers’ support with a game half-length win over Battle of Midway in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 8. His Santa Anita Derby score gave Gormley 100 additional qualifying points for the May 6 Kentucky Derby.

Stakes winner Race to Urga, by Bernstein, is the dam (mother) of Gormley. Stakes winner Miss Mambo, who finished third in a classic race in France in 2004, is the grandam (maternal grandmother) of Gormley.