Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Two Phil's got a perfect stalking trip from stand-in jockey Gerardo Corrales and easily won the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3), the Buckeye State's richest Thoroughbred race, Saturday at Thistledown Racino.
Corrales, substituting for injured regular rider Jareth Loveberry, positioned 3-5 favorite Two Phil's just behind the early pace set by Henry Q, who was pressured by Bishop Bay through six furlongs, and had the Hard Spun colt ready to roll around the far turn as Bishops Bay edged to the lead. In the matter of a few strides, Two Phil's easily took charge from Bishops Bay nearing the home turn and opened a two-length lead in early stretch before drawing away to a 5¾-length triumph.
Trained by Larry Rivelli, Two Phil's returned $3.60 after covering 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.60 on a fast track.
Bishops Bay, the 7-5 second choice in the eight-horse field, hung on for second and was well clear of third-place finisher Hayes Strike, who was another seven lengths back. Lord Miles, who was scratched from the Kentucky Derby, finished fourth while making his first start since taking the Wood Memorial (G2).
Henry Q, Timesatappin, Agnello's Dream, and Last Cookie completed the order of finish.
Two Phil's, who entered off a gallant second, one length behind Mage, in the Kentucky Derby May 6, added a third graded win to his record following his victory last fall at Churchill Downs in the Street Sense Stakes (G3) and the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) March 25 at Turfway Park in his start prior to the Louisville classic. Overall, he improved his record to 4-2-1 from nine career starts. The $300,000 winner's share of the Ohio Derby purse increased his lifetime earnings to $1,283,450.
Two Phil's, who is out of the General Quarters mare Mia Torri, was bred in Kentucky by co-owner Phil Sagan, who campaigns him with Patricia's Hope LLC and Madaket Stables LLC.
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