The $100,000 Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) on April 27 lost much of its luster when one of the likely favorites, Mayakovsky, was scratched due to a sloppy track caused by heavy rains all afternoon. Taking advantage of the wet going was 7-1 shot Sky Terrace, who broke in front, then fought an early challenge by Governor Hickel and a late challenge from 4-5 favorite Cashel Castle to win by two lengths in 1:36.87 for the mile. Ide Be Spencers put in a good run through the stretch to finish third, a length behind the previously undefeated Cashel Castle. Sky Terrace, who is trained by Vickie Foley and owned by Foley, Tom Thieneman, and a cast of others, was coming off a third-place finish in the Lafayette Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland. His best effort this year was a nose defeat at the hands of Easyfromthegitgo in the LeComte Stakes at Fair Grounds. "We loved the rain," Foley said. "When I saw it raining, it was like 'Keep on raining.' This is what it's all about. It's nice to win at home. This is wonderful." Jockey Craig Perret, who piloted Sky Terrace to victory, feels the son of Skywalker is just now beginning to mature. "He's a nice colt and this turned out well," he said. "Since the Risen Star, we've been looking for a one-turn mile and had this race in mind. He's matured a whole lot now. It was just a question of putting him in a spot where he was going to do his best running, and that's one mile." Pat Day said Cashel Castle did not handle the sloppy track. "That's the only excuse I have for him," Day said. "He failed to extend himself." Foley said there's a chance Sky Terrace would be supplemented to the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at a cost of $100,000. "We'll see how he comes out of the race," she said. "Right now, we're just going to enjoy this moment."
(Chart, Equibase)
