Belmont Stakes Contender Profile: Senior Investment

Ken McPeek, trainer of Senior Investment.

Ken McPeek, trainer of Senior Investment.

Senior Investment

Chestnut Colt
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
Jockey Last Start: Channing Hill
Owner: Fern Circle Stables
Breeder: Dixiana Farms LLC

Foaled: March 21, 2014
Sire: Discreetly Mine
Dam, Dam Sire: – Plaid, by Deputy Commander
Auction History: Sold to Kenneth McPeek, agent, for $95,000 at the Keeneland September 2015 Yearling Sale.

Record: 9-3-0-2
Earnings: $372,080
Highest Beyer Speed Figure: 95

Comments: After needing four route tries to break his maiden, Ken McPeek’s charge graduated going one mile and 70 yards at Fair Grounds on December 26 to close out his juvenile campaign. He returned there on January 27 and earned a hard-fought neck score over stablemate It’s Your Nickel only to be disqualified to last for interference near the five-sixteenths pole. Sent to Oaklawn Park for his next start on February 18, the colt easily captured an optional claiming allowance contest. He made his stakes debut on April 1 in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds but was never a factor when sixth behind subsequent Grade 1 Kentucky Derby starters Girvin and Patch. Back on just 14 days rest, the late-running son of Discreetly Mine showed a big closing kick to take Keeneland’s Grade 3 Lexington Stakes on April 15 and set himself up for a Triple Crown try. Dismissed at odds of more than 31/1 in Pimlico’s Grade 1 Preakness Stakes on May 20, Senior Investment was fractious prior to the race and steadied during it but still managed to rally late to earn the show check and his best Beyer Speed Figure of 95. The colt is campaigned by former Reebok CEO Paul Fireman’s Fern Circle Stables. Following the Preakness, Senior Investment shipped to New York and will have two workouts before the Belmont Stakes. Channing Hill, who has ridden him in his last four starts, is expected to retain the mount.