The 14th Running of the G3 ONT Derby
Sunday, October 23, 2022
WO Race #3 $150.000
3YOs 123 Lbs (plus penalties) 11/8
Course Record-1:47.13 (Hint Of Mint-2012)
Stakes Record-1:48.04 (Savannah Ruler-2021)
The first time he passed the wire at WO in Sunday’s G3 ONT Derby, Pennine Way was a length in front. The Hippyheart runner made sure the view never changed for his seven rivals as he cruised around the WO oval to secure his first graded stakes victory. Completing the nine-furlongs in 1:48.14, Pennine Way now has four wins from ten starts with $300.400 in earnings.
Breaking from stall four, Pennine Way went immediately to the front and dictated the terms of engagement. The Hippyheart-trainee was nearly three on top as he completed a half in :47.05 with Changing Times, Uranus, and Angel Dust giving chase. Eventual runner-up Magz was in eighth and about six-lengths back as Pennine Way continued unchallenged as he approached the final bend.
The homebred colt posted three-quarters in 1:10.74 as Uranus moved to be a clear 2nd, still a bit more than two lengths behind. Still with only one horse beat, Magz had yet to be asked for his best. Uranus moved all-in at the five-sixteenths pole, but Pennine Way was still finding more on the front end. The leader maintained his advantage after the mile went in 1:35.27 as Magz moved-up to be 4th and looked to be moving the best of those behind the Hippyheart-trained front runner. Magz would pass Uranus late to be 2nd, but there was no doubting who was best on the day. Running strongly every step, Pennine Way won by a length and completed the nine furlongs just as he started it, in front. Uranus would hold for the show with Strategic Ruler almost another length back in 4th.
Congratulations to Pennine Way and Hippyheart for their victory in Sunday’s G3 ONT Derby at WO!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
