American Derby
1 1/16 Mile Turf Stake Purse $250.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st Central Hawkes Bay Mojica Racing Ortiz J L

This was a great claim for the stable as he took a $10.000 m toaiden claimer just a few months ago and has taken great strides since. Stalking the lead, he went to the front a furlong and a bit out and kept on strongly to a big win. The trainer will be very excited about this prospect who has now won three in a row since taking that cheap maiden claimer and it will be interesting to see if he can take yet another huge step next time.

2nd Back Class TwinTowersRacing Geroux F

Hung in behind them a little bit at a crucial time and though he made ground to the line he was always being held by the winner. A good back up after his nice run in the Pennine Ridge, it won’t be long before he is back in the winner’s circle.

3rd Feared Team 7 Illusions Garcia Mar

Went to the front, and I thought it was all over as he went through the six-furlong mark at just an average pace. Maybe he should’ve kicked on then because the lead was cut down in the stretch and he could only keep on at the one pace for third. Both the first and the third won a CD one win allowance last time and both did it in style and in fast times, so there is plenty to like about this first three going forward.

4th Petranella Man D J C Racing Stables Velazquez J R

Held a good enough position, but the last part of this race was when the pace quickened, and he was caught flat footed and could not make ground down the stretch. Not beaten far in the end, this was a fair effort.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded