February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By John Manley
Much attention was lavished on Worldly Manner’s attempt to win this year’s Kentucky Derby after wintering overseas in Dubai. After tussling for the lead in upper stretch, Worldly Manner backed up, and, supposedly, his connections learned something useful for their next try. One man who could fill the role of teacher rather than student when it comes to importing a Triple Crown winner is Dermot Weld, who won the 1990 Belmont Stakes with Go and Go. Although two subsequent tries were in vain, Weld may be taking aim at this year’s Belmont with Port Bayou, winner of Sunday’s Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.
Port Bayou led his four rivals from flagfall to finish over 10 furlongs of ground that was several degrees less than firm. Pat Shanahan brought the colt home in 2:16.0, a length and a half in front of the previously undefeated Tchaikovsky.
Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey, the owners and breeders of Port Bayou, reside in the U.S. and can be expected to offer any encouragement Weld may need to arrange transport. Weld indicated that he is inclined to think the colt will do well here, with his American bloodlines, although the sire, Ghazi, was a grass specialist during his racing days.