Another Derby Victory for Departing

Departing drew away to win the Super Derby on Saturday at Louisiana Downs. (Photo courtesy of Hodges Photography/Lou Hodges, Jr.)
Departing has raced in four Derbys in 2013 and on Saturday he improved to 3-for-4 in those races with a powerhouse performance in the $490,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs.
The War Front gelding launched his winning rally on the final turn in the 1 1/8-mile race, opened a clear lead over pacesetter Ruler of Love in the stretch, and edged away to a 4-length win under jockey Robby Albarado.
Departing won the West Virginia Derby in dominant fashion in his previous start on Aug. 3 and earlier this season won the Illinois Derby. He also finished third in the Louisiana Derby and his connections opted to bypass the most famous of the Derbys – the Kentucky Derby. Sandwiched in between the four Derbys Departing contested was a sixth-place finish in the Preakness Stakes.
DEPARTING WINS 2013 ILLINOIS DERBY

Photo courtesy of Four Footed Fotos
The Preakness is the only time in Departing’s career that he did not finish in the top three. He has six wins and the Louisiana Derby third from eight starts.
Trained by Al Stall for owners-breeders Claiborne Farm and Adele B. Dilschneider, Departing has earned $1,379,500 since he started his career less than nine months ago in December 2012 at Fair Grounds.
Departing is one of three winners from as many starters out of the Pulpit mare Leave, a full-sister (same dam [mother], same sire [father]) to stakes winner Laity and a half-sister (same dam, different sire) to multiple graded stakes winner Trip and stakes winner Joke, the latter the dam of Grade 1 winner Zensational.