OCALA, FL (352today.com) – At first glance, Kentucky Derby contender Catalytic did not capture attention in the thoroughbred arena.

A perceived flaw in his body seemed to discourage potential buyers at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale in New York.

But Ocala racehorse partners Tami Bobo and Julie Davies saw – or maybe sensed – something in him.

Tami Bobo, co-owner of Catalytic, says the colt did not have aesthetically perfect looking tendons and that’s why other potential buyers passed on him at auction. Courtesy: Tami Bobo

“For me, I felt the horse was a standout at the sale physically,” said Bobo.

As part of due diligence, Bobo and Davies had an ultrasound done to check his tendons for tears and lesions. Once they confirmed the tendons were intact, and there was no sign of injury or trauma, they moved forward and purchased Catalytic for $125,000 – a significant discount in the world of thoroughbreds.

“In my opinion, this is the way that God made this horse,” said Bobo.

Bobo and Davies partnered with Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association president and Bridlewood Farm general manager George Isaacs to invest in this once overlooked colt and it was off to the races.

Off to the Races

Catalytic won in his racing debut this past fall at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.

But training suffered a serious setback after that race due to a virus that went through the barn at the track.

“The virus kind of knocked our horse back a bit on his heels,” said Isaacs. “It took him a good 90 days to get over that virus.”

It would be five months before Catalytic would make his next start. This time at Tampa Bay Downs. 

“I had a lot of faith in this horse going into the race,” said Bobo.

Courtesy: Tami Bobo
Courtesy: Tami Bobo
Courtesy: Tami Bobo

He showed his determination with a gritty performance to place second after less-than-ideal behavior just before the start.

“So, with him getting upset as he did in the saddling paddock, hitting his head in the gate and kind of completely being all over the place, for him to overcome and do what he did in that race, was the absolute sign of a champion,” said Bobo. “He just absolutely overcame all the odds.”

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Coming off that, the partners decided to take the gamble and enter Catalytic in the Florida Derby just 22 days later. Finishing in the top three of this contest would offer him the opportunity to qualify to run against the best of his generation.

Catalytic placed second.

Catalytic overcame multiple obstacles to get to Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. Courtesy: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

“We were all laughing afterwards, we were joking about the fact that we’ve never been so excited to run second in our lives,” said Davies. “He just ran a big race against some talented horses. It was exciting… we were thrilled of course. Getting the points to go to the Kentucky Derby, that’s what we do this for, it’s for moments like this.”

Though he may be a long shot, Catalytic is converting doubters into believers as he prepares to race in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.