PREAKNESS PROFILE: FRANCE GO DE INA

france go de ina
France Go de Ina gallops at Pimlico. Photo by Cynthia Longo.

Japan-based new shooter France Go de Ina offers plenty of intrigue. The Kentucky-bred son of Will Take Charge owns two wins, both at nine furlongs, but was a disappointing sixth in the UAE Derby after a flat-footed start and a troubled trip.

This wilL be the first Preakness starter for trainer Hideyuki Mori. Jockey Joel Rosario has no wins from six Preakness starters but has finished second three times.

7. FRANCE GO DE INA (20-1)

  • TRAINER: HIDEYUKI MORI
  • JOCKEY: JOEL ROSARIO
  • LIFETIME RECORD: 4-2-0-0
  • MOST RECENT RACE: 6TH, GRADE II UAE DERBY

GQ SAYS

The trip this Japan-based runner had in the UAE Derby was a combination of KY Derby trips we witnessed from Midnight Bourbon, Rock Your World and Essential Quality. How? When the gates opened he reared-up or hopped in the air then immediately was bumped hard on his left side, throwing jockey Joel Rosario off balance and onto his mounts neck then quickly back onto the saddle. Then was awkwardly (boot out of the iron?) encouraged into the race, only to travel 7-8 wide into the first turn and continue that wide throughout the contest. It’s amazing that he finished ONLY eighteen-lengths behind the winner while getting within five-lengths of the lead at the top of the stretch. That race was just his fourth career effort, first of the year and came over six weeks ago. Stamina should not be an issue for this son of Will Take Charge whose dam is by 2007 Preakness Stakes winner Curlin. Best shot at shocking the world would be to pray for a pace meltdown and come running from the clouds. The fact that Rosario is willing to ride him back here indicates you should strongly consider this one as the price horse to complete your vertical (Trifecta or Superfecta) wagers.

RECENT RACE VIDEOS

France Go de Ina (KY) / T: Hideyuki Mori
O: Yuji Inaida
03/27/2021     6 — UAE Derby (MEY)
[FAG id=72392]

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