Wadsworth Notches First Stakes Win in American Derby
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Photo: Coady Photography
Wadsworth wins the American Derby at Ellis Park
Wadsworth returned to the winner's circle July 1 at Ellis Park in the $225,000 American Derby in defeating grade 3 winner Mo Stash for his first victory in stakes company.
The 3-year-old son of Quality Road started into the 1 1/16-mile turf contest as the 6-5 favorite and was piloted by Florent Geroux, who had his mount stalking the pace through fractions set by Mo Stash of :24.20, :48.49 and 1:11.71. The winner rallied to take command late in the stretch and crossed the wire in 1:40.96 on a "good" turf course.
. @godolphin homebred 3YO Wadsworth, by #QUALITYROAD, earns his first stakes win in the $225,000 American Derby at @EllisParkRacing! #LEStallions pic.twitter.com/vKZKX7A3M0
— Lane's End (@LanesEndFarms) July 1, 2023
"Pretty much how I expected it to be on paper," said jockey Florent Geroux. "He is a nice horse and I think he should win some more like this."
The Godolphin homebred, trained by Brad Cox, paid $4.50 for a $2 win ticket.
Mo Stash held second, finishing two lengths ahead of Desert Duke in third.
Bred in Kentucky out of the grade 1-winning Medaglia d'Oro mare Dickinson , Wadsworth improved his record to 3-1-0 from eight starts and increased his earnings to $295,536. The dam also has a yearling full brother to Wadsworth along with a 2023 Gun Runner filly.