Horse Racing News Update: Most Wanted Wins Thrilling Ellis Park Derby
“When he broke that sharply I just wanted to make sure we had enough energy left for the stretch,” said jockey Florent Geroux. “In each of his three starts he continued to improve. I think he’s starting to get better. It just took some time for him to figure things out, but the way he won today was very professional.”
Promising Colt Remains Undefeated After Thrilling Victory
In a riveting performance, Most Wanted held off a determined challenge from Not This Boy to win the seventh running of the $260,000 Ellis Park Derby on Sunday. The victory keeps the promising colt undefeated in three starts.
Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florent Geroux, Most Wanted covered the one-mile distance in a time of 1:35.86. Breaking sharply from the gate, the Candy Ride colt quickly established a one-length lead over Not This Boy through an opening quarter-mile in 24.27 seconds.
Turning for home, Most Wanted maintained his position along the rail as Not This Boy pressed him from the outside. Meanwhile, 6-5 favorite Who Dey mounted a late challenge after a slow start. However, Most Wanted refused to surrender, digging deep in the stretch to hold off Not This Boy and secure the victory.
Owned by Gary and Mary West, Most Wanted is a homebred son of Candy Ride out of the Distorted Humor mare Beach Walk. With the Ellis Park Derby win, the promising colt has now earned $279,553 in purse money.
“He’s a little brother to Life is Good, and he’s starting to show that he could be a special one as well,” said trainer Brad Cox. “We’ll have to see how he comes out of this race, but the Kentucky Derby could certainly be a possibility down the road.”
The Ellis Park Derby victory is the latest impressive performance for Most Wanted, who now sets his sights on bigger challenges ahead in the prestigious Triple Crown races. Horse racing enthusiasts will be eagerly anticipating the colt’s next outing as he continues his pursuit of greatness.
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