California-based trainer Phil D'Amato is hoping his first trip to Parx Racing will be a memorable one.
The 48-year-old was on the Parx backstretch Friday morning watching his 3-year-old colt Stronghold gallop over the main track.
Stronghold, owned by Eric and Sharon Waller, is being aimed at Saturday's Grade 1, $1 million betPARX Pennsylvania Derby, the marquee event of the 14-race card.
"He is a horse who is maturing at the right time," D'Amato said. "He seems to handle this track very well. We definitely would not have thrown him on the plane if he wasn't doing well."
Stronghold is the 5-2 second choice on the Pennsylvania Derby morning line and will be ridden by regular pilot Antonio Fresu.
In his last start, Stronghold finished second in the Grade 3 Indiana Derby behind Dragoon Guard, the 9-5 morning-line favorite in the Pennsylvania Derby. Stronghold went off as the 6-5 favorite in the July 6 Indiana Derby.
The Indiana Derby was Stronghold's first start since finishing seventh in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby. The layoff was by design.
"He never really had a true break since he was a 2-year-old," D'Amato said. "The Derby is a grueling race, and it was hot and humid that day. We gave him extra time to regroup and strengthen up again."
Stronghold has won two of four starts this year, the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby being the highlight. He also took the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby.
D'Amato said the Pennsylvania Derby has been a target since the Kentucky Derby. His plan was to run at the Indiana Derby before Parx and then, hopefully, get to the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar in November.
"Antonio has been breezing him every week and he thought he is as good as he has ever been," D'Amato said. "And here we are."
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