IL Derby – Grade III
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $250.000 Open 3 Year Olds.
1st Tragic, trained by Canadian Racing
Now unbeaten in four this ex Mb Stables three year old went a fair way to replaying his new owner the $350.000 they paid for him. Travelling in a loose stalk he dug deep and once again showed his racing heart for a hard fought half length win. Sidestepping the KYD could be the key to later success for this one and it will be really interesting to see how he progresses through the year.
2nd Key To Success, trained by Smokey Stover
Pushed forward by the wide gate speed push he led them a merry dance until giving way inside the final furlong. He kept on gamely though and this was a very nice effort by a horse that was stepping up in grade.
3rd Master Sly, trained by Night Rider Stables
Taken way back which is plan B in the wide gate story at HRP and then made up plenty of ground to be a good third. Previously thought of as a turfer he has run two very nice dirt races now and i think his time will definitely come.
4th Formato Gigante, trained by Jerry Garcia Racing
Kept on at the one pace after holding a good enough position early on, he may need a few confidence boosters before coming back to this level.
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