The BEL Derby Invitational – Grade I
1 3/16 Mile Turf Stake Purse $750.000 Open 3 Year Olds.
1st Rearranger Mb Stables Franco M
This gelding, bred by El Primero Rodeo, was struggling just a little on the dirt, so the trainer made this inspired decision to switch to the grass and it paid dividends. His conformation was screaming turf and when he clocked a 1.34 and 3 mile work time on the surface, it was just down to where he was going to explode onto the scene. The trainer chose today to be the day and ridden just a little further back off a very fast pace, he was by far the strongest at the end. This was a great win and puts him firmly back in the three-year-old picture as a top contender as the three-year-olds start to look for BC slots rather than the age division races.
2nd Test The Waters Mb Stables Gutierrez Mario
Set for the lead, he had to really work hard to get the front and that ultimately was the price of victory. He has been a little vulnerable when taken on in the past and once again he was made to run his finish out early and had nothing left when his stable mate challenged. This is one of those horses that is always going to be competitive at any level and on any surface and when the race is run right would be good enough in any grade one.
3rd Way Of The Dragon Fractious Velazquez J R
Went back today as the pace was so strong and made up plenty of ground to take third. He never really looked like overhauling the leader and was third best today, but I have a feeling there is more improvement in him especially as he stretches out over these sorts of trips. A half-brother to the winner, this race was some advertisement for the stallion who was pretty poor as a racehorse but clearly has no problem in passing on his genes.
4th Chaparral Cowboy Nakamura Stables Gallardo A A
Ran into fourth but never looked like being much better placed, He has contrasted his running styles in his last two races on this surface, and I wonder if that was one of the things that led to this flat sort of run or whether he was just beaten by three better horses today. Not a bad effort, and I am certain he will find more black type races as the season moves on.
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
