The OH Derby – Grade III
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $500.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st        Just Wanna Blaze        Gdp Inc          Stein J

The wet track changed the complexion of this race completely and rather than a match between Aer and Mb it became a match between the wet trackers. This one wasn’t the most obvious wet tracker but he did handle it in the With Anticipation last time so its clear whilst he may not be just a mudder he is certainly not inconvenienced by it. Traveling just off the pace he went with the other two stalkers down the stretch and came out on top by a half length. He certainly deserved this big ticket win after great runs in the Rebel and SA Derby and will be a force going forward in the all aged stakes.

2nd      Top Of The Crop        Maxmillion Farm        Bocachica A

Having only his fourth start he ran a cracker to be second and was certainly helped by the wet track. We will have to wait for his next start to find out just how good he is but this was a hugely promising effort that bodes well for the rest of his career.

3rd        Illusive Motives         Smokey Stover      Mejias R

The track come up perfect for her but the fillies curse struck again and she just wasn’t strong enough in the final furlong. This was a fair effort and one feels that if the ground conditions are right there could be a big win in her future against her own sex.

4th        Smokin Luka          Mb Stables          Saez L

The favorite went to the front for the first time since his effort in the SAR Special as a two year old and paid the price down the stretch. He was always a sitting duck and fell away pretty tamely in the end but it wasn’t surprising considering the wet track and his wider draw. There will be more to come on a better track.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES