Obligatory goes last to first in Derby City Distaff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- When it comes to winning at Churchill Downs, Obligatory obliges.

Making her third start over the historic Louisville track, in Saturday's $750,000 Derby City Distaff (G1), Obligatory made a patented last-to-first rally to remain perfect following victories last year in the seven-furlong Eight Belles (G2) and one-mile Chilukki (G3).

The gray Juddmonte Farms homebred, who still trailed the field of eight turning for home, turned in a wide, sustained rally to defeat 16-1 chance Four Graces by three parts of a length under Jose Ortiz. The winning time for seven furlongs over a fast track was 1:22.17.

Although there didn't appear to be as much speed on paper following the early scratch of Lady Rocket, 3-2 favorite Just One Time was sent and beat expected pacesetter Edgeway to the lead. The fractions of :22.36 and :44.95 aided Obligatory immensely.