The Inaugural Running of the G3 Dueling Grounds Derby
Sunday, September 4, 2022
KD Race #1 $750.000
3YOs 122 Lbs 15/16 Turf
Stakes/Course Record-2:05.50 (Certified Yank-2022)
1st: #4 Certified Yank (Mb Stables/J.S. Rocco Jr): Broke alertly from post four and quickly assumed command. Never allowed to get all the way to the rail, but always a length in front by the time he entered the stretch. Asked for his best coming down the lane and proved too tough to get by late. Very game in victory.
2nd: #1 Paco (D J C Racing Stables/Mar. Garcia): Always close to the winner from the rail. Moved out for run while rounding the final bend. Was headed for the place in the stretch, but fought back bravely to secure runner-up honors.
3rd: #2 Boardwalk Empire (Smokey Stover/D.E. Centeno): Reserved at the rear of the compact field early. Moved into contention approaching the turn. Had some brief traffic but had clear run through the lane. Reached 2nd in the stretch, but couldn’t hold it late.
Congratulations to Certified Yank and Mb Stables, the winners of the inaugural G3 Dueling Grounds Derby!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
