by Michael Burns

Ivoire (Brz) captured his second classic victory in the Grande Premio Cruzeiro do Sul (Brz-G1) (Brazilian Derby), in track record time on Sunday at Hipodromo La Gavea.

Under Brazilian star jockey Jorge Ricardo, the Know Heights (Ire) colt stormed past pacesetter Realejo entering the straight and held off a late rally from Quatro Mares to score by three-quarters of a length. Ivoire completed the 2,400 meters (11.93 furlongs) on turf rated firm in 2:23.52 to take the third and final leg of Rio de Janeiro’s Triple Crown series.

Ricardo, who entered the day two wins behind Russell Baze’s 9,668 all-time win record, rode his third winner on the card to regain the lead as the world's leading active jockey by wins.

Argentina’s current leading rider, Ricardo recorded his sixth Brazilian Derby victory following wins aboard Sandpit (Brz) in 1993, Vernier in 1998, Gigli (Brz) in 2002, License to Run (Brz) in 2004 and with Heroi do Bafra (Brz) last season. Ricardo has captured 24 riding titles in his native Brazil.

Winner via disqualification of last month’s 2,000-meter (9.94-furlong) Grande Premio Francisco Eduardo Paula de Machado (Brz-G1), Ivoire tallied his second Group 1 victory and fifth win overall in ten career starts.

Bred by Haras São José and Expedictus, Ivoire is out of the Brazilian classic winner Chan Tong, by Hampstead.

Michael Burns is a South America-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent