Photo by: Benoit

Trainer Gary Stute Jockey Alex Solis Owner Kendall Man Breeder Machmer Hall (Ky) Recent Race History Date Race Finish 11.24.06 Generous (GIII) 5th 11.04.06 Real Quiet 1st 10.08.06 Norfolk (GII) 5th

Starter Analysis

ROMAN COMMANDER's eight starts make him the most experienced in the field. Problem is, it took him five starts to break his maiden, but he did it in a stake at Fairplex. He's been off the board in his two graded stakes races, beaten by several he'll face again Saturday. He did manage to win the Real Quiet when the race kind of fell apart in front of him. Amazingly, he's had seven different riders to date, but Solis does stay aboard for this. Trainer sports a great ROI in stakes this year, but will need several things to fall just right to add to the total. Could add value to the bottom of the super or trifecta.

Pedigree Analysis :: Dark bay or brown colt, 2; by Deputy Commander - Jettin Diplomacy (Roman Diplomat)

ROMAN COMMANDER is by Deputy Commander, winner of the Travers (GI) and Super Derby (GI). Currently standing stud in California, Deputy Commander’s leading money earner is the Japanese runner Grab Your Heart. Closer to home, U.S. racing fans are more familiar with Ten Most Wanted, who also won the Travers; and Deputy Glitters, winner of the Ohio and Tampa Bay Derbys this year. Roman Commander makes the fifth runner from his dam Jettin Diplomacy, who has produced two winners in addition to the subject colt. Roman Commander is the lone stakes winner of the group. Jettin Diplomacy was winless in nine starts. Her full brother, Roman Envoy, won over $630,000 on the turf, topped by the Grade Three Kelso Handicap. Jettin Diplomacy is by Roman Diplomat, a son of the great Roberto, one of the top sires and racehorses of the last half-century. With the likes of Deputy Commander and Roberto as direct male descendants, Roman Commander should relish the longer races.