Old Dominion Derby – Grade III

1 1/8 Mile Turf Stake Purse $500.00 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st        Trojan Horse                  Family Racing               Franco M                         1:45.65

Got right on the front end from the start and was comfortable going just an average pace. The colt started to pick up the pace rounding the bend and had enough left thanks to the lack of pressure to hold on and light up the tote boards. This was a huge win for the stable and this three year old who was bought pre-race as a two year old and has always shown ability. Whether this is a true nine furlong horse remains to be seen, the easy rail run and soft pace certainly played into his hands but he dug deep in the run for home and you can take nothing away from this gutsy, albeit slightly surprising win.            

2nd       Ethereum Hack            Family Racing               Zayas E J                          1:45.74

The more fancies of the two stable runners he was never going to be suited by the slow pace and though he was closer than normal in running he just couldn’t quicken enough against a rival with proven ability. His running style will always throw up these sorts of races but he certainly has the ability to get it right one day.     

3rd        Mr Milchick                    Mb Stables      Husbands M J                              1:46.02               

Stalked the leader but never put any pace pressure on and in the end was one paced in the sprint to the line. He ran nearly a second slower than he did over this same trip last time out so I was surprised when he fell away so quietly at the end but it seems he just doesn’t have that turn of foot at this level.

4th        Gran Coffee Party       Threshold         Esquivel E                                      1:46.14

Sat back off a slow pace and it was all over by half way. He didn’t show the enthusiasm he had done in his last two in the run to the line which may or may not be down to the early pace. It will be back to the drawing board now for him.              

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES