Clockwork Chai (MB Stables) by a nose over Decibel to capture the GR-1 BEL Derby Invitational and remain undefeated in 2017

The BEL Derby Invitational – Grade I (P7)
1 1/4 Mile Inner Turf Stake Purse $1,200.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st Clockwork Chai, trained by Mb Stables
I crowned this one the BC Turf Mile champ when he won the PEN Mile last time but i may have to rethink which prize he will be winning on BC day after he made it six in a row here over a mile and a quarter. Ridden with confidence from the wide draw he hit the front and kept on very gamely to take teh spoils proving once again he is the best turfer in training at the moment. The interesting thing will be which direction he goes now, longer or back to the mile and plenty of trainers will be sweating on Mb Stables decision as they prepare their own horses for a BC challenge.

2nd Decibel, trained by Threshold
This gelding hasnt stopped improving this year and ran the race of his life so far to get within a nose of one of the best horses in training. Just getting second run on the lead he was inching back at the winner but the post came too soon and he had to settle for second. As with the winner it will be interesting as to which direction he goes now but with only five races under his belt there will be plenty left to find out about him.

3rd Darth Andedudu, trained by Diablo Diablo
Taken way out the back off a relentless pace he flew past tiring horses and was looking one of the strongest at the end. This was a lifetime best effort by the son of Z Cars and there are less questions to be asked about where his future lies as he was running on like ten miles wouldnt be too far.

4th Solow, trained by Bushing Meadows
Another who was backed off a very fast early pace he too flew at the end and would have fought out the finish with Darth Andedudu had the race been a mile and a half. There’s plenty of upside with this one who is sure to be fighting out the finishes of top races for the rest of the year.

SUMMARY
The early pace was pretty furious and it was always going to be a war of attrition at the end. Set up for closers the front two just had enough of a break to last home in a  wonderful finish to a vintage running of the BEL Derby.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES