Real Story the Real Deal in American Derby

Real Story jumped right to the lead in the American Derby (G3T) July 7 at Arlington International Racecourse, maintained a daylight lead throughout, and held on to win by 1 3/4 lengths over Captivating Moon.

Dubby Dubbie finished third, a neck farther back, and Pont Du Gard came in fourth. Real Story, Captivating Moon, and Pont Du Gard all are potential candidates for the Secretariat Stakes (G1T) Aug. 11.

With jockey Joe Bravo up for trainer Ignacio Correas IV, Real Story started from post 7 in a field of eight, angled over quickly to the fence, and was in command by the time the field hit the clubhouse turn. The Fast Bullet gelding, out of the Lasting Approval mare My Own Story, was never challenged and finished the nine furlongs over firm turf in 1:47.61.

Owned by his breeders, Jeffrey Amling and Merriebelle Stable, Real Story won at first asking Dec. 27 at Tampa Bay Downs. He failed to find the winner's circle in his next three starts but came to Arlington to win an optional-claiming allowance event June 15.

"We knew he was going to go to the lead," Correas said. "The only question was whether he would relax enough."

The trainer said he could run both Real Story and Pont du Gard back in the Secretariat. Of the latter, he said, "He had some trouble in the race, but he made a nice move at the end. The distance (1 1/4 miles of the Secretariat) will help him, too."

Captivating Moon's trainer, Chris Block, said the Malibu Moon  colt also could be a Secretariat candidate. He closed sharply from last in the final furlongs of the American Derby and now has one win, five seconds and one third from his last seven starts.

"It'll be a different group of horses for the Secretariat," Block said. "But I like the mile and a quarter for him."

Florent Geroux, jockey of runner-up Captivating Moon, said Real Story had too little competition early.

"It's hard when you ride a closer like him that doesn't have much tactical speed, so you are really at the mercy of what's happening in front of you," Geroux said.

In the Hatoof Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, Colonia settled at the back of the 10-filly field, came four wide into the stretch, and quickly began passing rivals. In her first start in the United States after five races in France, she flew down the stretch, collared pacesetting Cool Beans, and won by 1 3/4 lengths. Go Noni Go finished third.

Bravo, riding for trainer Graham Motion, scored his third win on the card.

Colonia, a French-bred daughter of Champs Elysees, had one win from five starts in France. She is owned by Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, Maurice Lagasse, and her original French owner, Haras d'Etreham.

Video: American Derby (G3T)