2011 Dubai World Cup Runner by Runner Preview: Fly Down

This Nick Zito-trained chestnut colt has been running consistently against the who’s-who of American racing. It’s easy to forget that, with the epic Zenyatta/Blame battle in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic, this talented contender managed to come third when sent off at 20/1. There is no shame finishing behind either of those contenders and Fly Down (Mineshaft) certainly deserves respect.

The issue that I have with backing Fly Down is similar to the one that I have when betting on the talented (and likeable) First Dude (Stephen Got Even) when I’m betting state-side. Neither of them tends to win very often despite putting in some credible efforts. You have to respect connections for not ducking anybody, but he just seems to be outmatched by better horses – the perils of running consistently at the highest level.

Fly Down’s most credible effort has been a score over Drosselmeyer (Distorted Humor) in the Grade 2 Dwyer Stakes - a prep race for the Belmont Stakes that saw Drosselmeyer come back to win and Fly Down finishing second. Since then it’s been a case of too-little-too-late with him hitting the board in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Travers Stakes and the aforementioned Classic.

You can justify him on an each-way if he holds at his current 25/1 price tag but he does look a very credible selection for a place bet. Julien Leparoux retains the mount on Fly Down and he does come in off the Grade 1 Donn Handicap where he finished fifth. Having a race since the Classic adds credibility to his claims but, let’s face it, Fly Down needs to pull off the race of his life to hit the line first.