I'll Have Another stamped his ticket to the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) four weeks from today when he defeated heavily favored Creative Cause by a nose in the 76th running of the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) this afternoon at Santa Anita Park.
Ridden to victory by Mario Gutierrez, I'll Have Another settled into the second position early on as 40-1 shot Blueskiesnrainbows set a good pace of :23.11 and :47.11. Senor Rain was racing in third on the outside, followed along the rail by Longview Drive. Paynter and Creative Cause were next, while Liaison, Midnight Transfer, and Brother Francis were the earlier trailers.
Rounding the far turn, Blueskiesnrainbows kicked on for home, opening up a 2 1/2 length lead as the field approached the homestretch. In the meantime, Creative Cause was making a bold run along the rail, getting a perfect trip to challenge for the lead as the field turned for home.
However, I'll Have Another was also right in contention, and charged for the lead in unison with Creative Cause. Those two gamely ran down Blueskiesnrainbows in deep stretch and hit the wire together with little between them. However, the photo finish revealed I'll Have Another as the winner by a head. The final time was a quick 1:47.88,
Blueskiesnrainbows held on very, very well for third, while Paynter completed the superfecta. The winner is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O'Neill.
-Keelerman
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