With a strong rally near the center of the track, magician overcome a determination Two Phil to win the $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 6 at Churchill Downs.
Campaigned by OGMA Investments, Ramiro Restrepo, Sterling Racing and CMNWLTH, Mage completed the 1/4 mile test in 2:01.57. He was followed home by Two Phil’s and loved angel of the empire . disarm about Wednesday. Mage returned $32.42 to the win.
Son of the 2017 Men’s 2 year old champion and the 2018 Kentucky Derby runner-up good magic , Mage was trained by Gustavo Delgado and rode to the victory by Racing Hall of Famer Javier Castellano. Each earned their first career Kentucky Derby win.
“He was a little pony with a big heart,” Castellano said. “It’s the dream ride for any jockey.”
For Castellano, the Hall of Fame racer, the win gave him his first win in the Kentucky Derby after winning just a third of the first 15 laps.
“I never gave up and worked hard. It took me a while to get there but I’m very lucky to be here,” he said.
It was just the start of Mage’s fourth career, who finished second in the Florida Derby (G1) after Forte morning lover was scratched earlier in the day.
When asked about continuing the Triple Crown sweep mission during the Preakness Stakes (G1) May 20, Delgado laughed and said, “Give me at least a few days.”
Thoroughbred Commonwealth’s Chase Chamberlin said the win is testament to the thrill racing partnerships can bring.
“This is what racing is all about. It is the only sport in the world where an animal can carry a million people or in our case 382 people,” Chamberlin said.
Initial speed is set by Kingsbarns And Verification in progress was fast with fractions :22,35, :45,73, 1:10,11 and 1:36.06.
Get out big brown mare Puca , the Mage was bred in Kentucky by Grandview Equine. He was purchased by OGMA Investments for $290,000 from the Bloodstock Sequel shipment at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.
Eighteen 3-year-olds started Derby, the smallest pitch since 15 started in the 2020 Derby, the tournament was delayed until September and played without fans because of precautionary measures and COVID-19 prevention procedures. 23 horses took part, including three that qualified, but the race saw five horses scratched off the field — including the 2022 Forte 2-year-old male champion.
Four other horses were scratched peeler , Realistic move , Lord Miles And continue .
This story will be updated.
