Blue Devil

With a number of recent high-profile retirement announcements and a very light 2024 campaign expected for the defending Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, the handicap division is one that should offer plenty of opportunity heading into next year. Blue Devil, an up-and-comer by super sire Uncle Mo, is the type of prospect who could be poised for an extremely productive season.

Conditioned by young trainer Jeff Hiles (18% win rate to date in 2023) for Brook Smith’s aptly named and fast-growing Rocket Ship Racing–which will be maintaining an ownership interest in Blue Devil–the 4-year-old came to hand in a big way this summer at Saratoga after switching to the main track following a series of races on turf and synthetic.

He annexed a nine-furlong allowance on July 14 by a dozen lengths, then cleared his next condition over the trying 1 3/16-mile distance a month later. He earned a 93 Beyer Speed Figure for that run and improved further to a 96 next out when finishing third beaten 3/4 of a length in the G2 Lukas Classic S. in September. He was most recently fourth in the prestigious G2 Clark S. under the Twin Spires on Nov. 24th, but broke a bit slowly and got no pace to run at that day.

Given his proven affinity for the dirt and distances of nine furlongs or longer, plus what still seems to be plenty of upside, Blue Devil is one whose path forward should include some exciting stakes starts.

The aforementioned Uncle Mo is responsible for three Grade 1 winners in dirt routes in 2023, including G1 Pacific Classic scorer Arabian Knight. Blue Devil’s dam is a full-sister to MGSW Aurelia’s Belle and hails from the extremely important and productive female family that traces back to Broodmare of the Year Courtly Dee.