NEWS
Reb takes American Derby in stakes debut
Posted: Saturday, July 11, 2009 6:02 PM
by Ron Parker
Ashbrook Farm’s Reb won his stakes debut in the $300,000 American Derby (G2) at Arlington Park on Saturday, closing with a rush to complete a last-to-first rally (video)
Seven three-year-old males lined up for the American Derby, with Arlington Classic Stakes winner Giant Oak starting as the 7-to-10 favorite in the 1 3/16-mile turf contest.
Vacquero took the early lead but was soon replaced by No Inflation, runner-up to Giant Oak in the Arlington Classic, and the Repriced gelding entered the stretch with a two-length lead and looked to be on the way to his first stakes victory.
Reb, who was last turning for home, mounted a furious charge down the lane under jockey Julien Leparoux and pushed his nose just past the leader for a head victory while covering the distance in 1:56.09 on the firm turf course. No Inflation held second by a half-length over a late run by Proceed Bee.
Giant Oak, who trailed the field early, made a bold outside move turning for home before lugging in, bumping a rival, and flattening out to finish fourth.
Reb began his career at Gulfstream Park and after losing two maiden race, trainer Rusty Arnold sent him to Keeneland Race Course where Leparoux acquired the mount and started a string of exciting finishes.
The pair closed late to win a maiden race at Keeneland by a head, then won an allowance race on may 29 at Churchill Downs by a nose before shipping to Arlington for their latest last-second triumph.
Bred in Kentucky by Ken and Sarah Ramsey, the Stormy Atlantic colt is the first starter out of the Kingmambo mare Sweet Baby Jane. He improved his record to three wins in five career starts and increased his earnings to $245,160.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Ron Parker is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer
