Departing won’t attempt to secure a second Kentucky Derby trophy for
Claiborne Farm in two weeks, but might try to earn a first Woodlawn Vase for the
famed Paris, Kentucky, nursery following an authoritative win in
Saturday’s Grade 3, $750,000
Illinois
Derby at Hawthorne.
Conspicuously absent from the new “Road to the Kentucky Derby” points system
instituted this year, the 1 1/8-mile Illinois Derby was re-positioned on the
calendar due to its exclusion as a Derby qualifier and now conveniently sits
four weeks out from the May 18 Preakness at Pimlico. Departing, a gelded son of
War Front, could be a major factor at Old Hilltop based on what he showed
Chicagoland spectators.
Breaking from post 13 as the 9-5 favorite, Departing was kept outside and in
the clear by jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. entering the first turn, and then
shifted out to race six wide all the way down the backstretch. Meanwhile, second
choice Ground Transport set an opening quarter of :23 before yielding the lead
to Taken by the Storm, who held a half-length advantage through a half-mile in
:47 3/5 and six furlongs in 1:13.
Around the far turn, Taken by the Storm came under pressure as 23-1 chance
Fordubai and third choice Abraham began to make their bids. Also closing while
racing very wide was Departing, who was four deep entering the stretch and
swiftly made the lead approaching the eighth pole. Two lengths up with a furlong
to go, Departing extended his margin to 3 1/4 lengths at the line and completed
nine furlongs on a fast track in 1:50 3/5.
Departing, who races in the famous Claiborne orange silks but is co-owned by
co-breeder Adele Dilschneider, paid $5.80, $3.60 and $3. Al Stall Jr. trains the
winner.
Fordubai, who was making his stakes debut for Kentucky Derby-winning owner
Jim Tafel, bore out badly in the final furlong but was cleared of any wrongdoing
following a stewards’ inquiry. He held second by a neck over deep closer Siete
de Oros, with Abraham another length back in fourth. The order of finish was
rounded out by Street Spice, For Greater Glory, Narvaez, Dewey Square, Ground
Transport, Bells Big Bernie, Show Some Magic, Stormin Monarchos, Taken by the
Storm and Dakota Mac.
The Kentucky-bred Departing broke his maiden at first asking December 22,
scoring by 2 1/4 lengths over six furlongs at Fair Grounds. He was even more
impressive taking a February 1 allowance over the same track, crossing the wire
4 1/2 lengths clear at the end of one mile and 70 yards.
A 2 3/4-length victor in his stakes debut, the $50,000 Texas Heritage at Sam
Houston at one mile on March 2, Departing was a solid third in his most recent
outing, the 1 1/8-mile Louisiana Derby back at Fair Grounds March 30. His record
now stands at 5-4-0-1, $628,000.
Departing was produced by the Pulpit mare Leave, a full sister to stakes
winner Laity and a half-sister to multiple Grade 3 winner Trip and stakes winner
Joke. All were produced by the stakes-winning Tour, whose descendants also
include multiple Grade 1 winner Zensational and stakes winner Passport.
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