I Want Revenge tops field for Suburban in 1st race since being sidelined before 2009 Derby

Former Derby favorite I Want Revenge to run again

NEW YORK — I Want Revenge is back.

More than a year after being sidelined with an injury the morning of the 2009 Kentucky Derby, the colt is the 7-5 favorite in a field of seven entered for Saturday’s $300,000 Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park.

I Want Revenge won the Gotham Stakes and the Wood Memorial last year and was the solid Derby favorite before an ankle injury forced him to be scratched hours before the race. The colt eventually had ligament surgery in his right front ankle, and his racing career was thought to be in jeopardy.

But with Rick Dutrow Jr. replacing Jeff Mullins as the colt’s trainer in April, I Want Revenge has gotten stronger in workouts.

“Talentwise, he stacks right up there as far as his training goes,” Dutrow said. “It seems like he’s ready to run. He’s a good one, and he’s supposed to be with these kind of horses. He’s been developing the way you want a 4-year-old to develop. Every day has been a good day with him.”

The field for the Grade 2 Suburban also features Regal Ransom, the 2009 Super Derby winner making his first start this year, Haynesfield, Pictural, Eldaafer, Convocation and Unbridled Danger.

I Want Revenge will have regular rider Joe Talamo aboard for his first start since winning the Wood in April 2009. The colt is owned by IEAH Stables, which entered Pictural in the 1 1-8-mile race as an early pacesetter for I Want Revenge.

“He doesn’t train like he needs a race to show up,” Dutrow said. “If he gets a little tired, that’s OK, not a big deal.”

Regal Ransom, last seen finishing eighth in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic, is the second choice at 2-1. The Godolphin Racing-owned colt was returned to New York after wintering in Dubai.

“It’s not the easiest spot, going nine furlongs coming back off a layoff, but if you had to run one off the bench, he’s the one,” assistant trainer Rick Mettee said. “We know he likes this track as well.”