Stats: age 46, West Grove, Pa.
Kheops Du Quesnay: b. g., 17.3 hands, 11 years, French-bred Selle Français (Quouglof Rouge—Stella du Quesnay), owned by Ann Jones, Coatesville, Pa., and Rebecca Broussard, Whitefish, Mont.
Last year, they finished third in the Bromont CCI*** (Que.), fourth in the Dansko Fair Hill CCI*** (Md.) and ninth in the Jersey Fresh CIC*** (N.J.). This spring, they placed ninth at the Red Hills CIC***-W (Fla.) and fourth in an advanced division at Southern Pines (N.C.).
Jimmy’s Prediction: Phillip continues to try and figure this horse out, however, the answer to the riddle continues to elude him. While the horse is extremely talented, Phillip has yet been unable to produce three good phases. Phillip’s been the victim of his own success this spring. He now runs a large training program, which possibly has affected his ability to produce the best from each of his many horses. Despite all my armchair quarterbacking, I’m sure Phillip will finish in the top 10 with this horse.
The Foreman: b. g., 16.1 hands, 14 years, U.S.-bred Thoroughbred (Across The Field—Four Flora), owned by Ann Jones, Coatesville, Pa.
In 2007, they won the Dansko Fair Hill CCI*** (Md.). This spring in advanced horse trials, they placed third at Southern Pines (N.C.) and fourth at Pine Top (Ga.).
Jimmy’s Prediction: The Foreman has been a solid dependable performer and should certainly finish in the top five. “Chip” has been a delight to watch for many years, and nothing would please his loyal owner, Annie Jones, more than for him to do well at Rolex Kentucky. She’s threatened me with bodily harm if I jinx him, so I’d better stop here.
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Waterfront: ch. g., 16.1 hands, 14 years, British-bred Thoroughbred (Kuwait Beach—Irish Whisper), owned by Richard and Jo Byyny, Boulder, Colo.
Last year with longtime rider Jan Byyny, Waterfront placed second in the Jersey Fresh CCI*** (N.J.), fourth in The Fork CIC*** (N.C.), second in the advanced at Maui Jim (Ill.) and won an advanced division at Morven Park (Va.). They also completed Rolex Kentucky in 2007. Dutton rode the horse to third place in the Plantation Field CIC*** (Pa.) and second in the advanced division at Richland Park (Mich.) last year, and this spring they placed fifth in advanced at The Fork and 13th in an advanced division at Southern Pines (N.C.).
Jimmy’s Prediction: This is a catch ride for Phillip while Jan Byyny is on the mend. He will produce very attractive results in all three phases, but I doubt that Phillip will attempt to make the time across country, and while this is the correct strategy, it will put them outside the top placings.
Woodburn: ch. g., 16 hands, 14 years, New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred (Herewood The Wake—Princess Heights), owned by Acorn Hill Farm, Madison, Va., Ann Jones, Coatesville, Pa., and Mardie Faucette, Columbia, S.C.
In 2008, this pair finished ninth at Rolex Kentucky, and last year they were 12th here. Last year, they
also placed third at the Wits End CIC***-W (Ont.) and the Richland Park CIC*** (Mich.) and took second in the advanced division of the Bit Of Britain/USEA American Eventing Championships (Ill.). This spring they placed sixth in The Fork CIC*** (N.C.), took third in an advanced at Southern Pines (N.C.) and fifth at advanced at Pine Top (Ga.).
Jimmy’s Prediction: Woodburn is one of the most talented horses here, and his best results are ahead of him.
