#14 Chief Wallabee
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Jr. Alvarado
Last Race: Florida Derby (G1) - 3rd
Running Style: Closer
Chief Wallabee has shown top-level talent in a limited number of starts, finishing second to Commandment in the Fountain of Youth (G2) before running third behind Commandment and The Puma in the Florida Derby (G1). The form is legitimate — he's been competing against the best in his crop — but the win has yet to come. Bill Mott has openly noted the light race record as a concern heading into the Derby, and three career starts is thin preparation for a mile and a quarter. Still, the caliber of his efforts speaks for itself.
Why He’s Ranked #14
Placed in the Florida Derby (G1) behind top Kentucky Derby contenders
Runner-up to Commandment in the Fountain of Youth (G2)
Top-level talent evident despite only three career starts
Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott
Consistent form against the best in his division
Pedigree Analysis
Sire: Constitution
Dam: A La Lucie
Grandsire: Tapit
Granddam: Gloryzapper
Other notable ancestors: Medaglia d'Oro, Ghostzapper, A.P. Indy, Seattle Slew, Awesome Again, Forty Niner, Deputy Minister, Sadler's Wells
Chief Wallabee's pedigree is one of the deepest in this Derby field. Constitution, by Tapit, has established himself as a leading sire of classic-distance runners, and Tapit's influence throughout the top of the pedigree provides an exceptional stamina foundation. The dam line through Gloryzapper — by Ghostzapper, a Breeders' Cup Classic winner — adds class and tactical speed, while Medaglia d'Oro further reinforces the profile of a horse built for two-turn, classic-distance racing.
Deeper influences including A.P. Indy, Seattle Slew, Awesome Again, and Sadler's Wells stack this pedigree with generation after generation of proven classic stamina and durability. Forty Niner and Deputy Minister contribute toughness and competitive edge. This is a colt whose bloodlines suggest he will only improve as the distance stretches out — the concern is experience, not breeding.
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