Making his first start since finishing seventh in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Peachtree Stable's Tawny Port captured the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) Saturday at JACK Thistledown, winning from White Abarrio, the runner-up, and Classic Causeway, third, each also making their first starts since unplaced finishes in the Louisville classic May 7.
Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. in the Ohio Derby, Tawny Port won by one length after settling in fifth of seven runners through Pineapple Man's opening quarter mile in :22.82 as that rival dueled Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner Classic Causeway for command and Curlin Florida Derby (G1) victor White Abarrio raced in third.
When Pineapple Man threw in the towel, Classic Causeway got his head in front for a half mile in :47.08. He opened a 1 ½ length lead through six furlongs in 1:11.08 while White Abarrio got ready to rally to his outside.
Also ready to run, Tawny Port advanced steadily through the far turn and went wide to grab a slim lead in early stretch from Classic Causeway, who was running out steam. He responded willingly when Ortiz asked and knuckled down to easily best White Abarrio. Classic Causeway was another 1 ¼ lengths back.
Tawny Port completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.46 for his third win of the year and fourth overall from seven career starts for trainer Brad Cox. He returned $4.60.
Prior to the Kentucky Derby, Tawny Port won the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes (G3) April 16 at Keeneland and was runner-up in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) April 2 at Turfway Park following a fifth in the Risen Star (G2) in February at Fair Grounds in his stakes debut. After winning his only start at age 2, he opened 2022 with an allowance victory at Turfway January 7.
Tawny Port, by Pioneerof the Nile, was bred Kentucky by WinStar Farm from the Macho Uno mare Livi Makenzie.
A $430,000 purchase by Peachtree's John Fort from Machmer Hall Sales at the 2020 Keeneland September yearling sale, he has lifetime earnings rose to $727,000 with the winner's share of $300,000 of the Ohio Derby purse.
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