Cozzetti finally picked up his first graded stakes victory this afternoon at Arlington Park, rallying gamely through a nearly non-existent hole along the rail to win the $200,000 American Derby (gr. II) by a courageous head.
Ridden to victory by Shaun Bridgmohan, Cozzetti got off to an excellent start but quickly settled back into third along the rail as All Stormy set a slow pace of :24.74 and :50.56. Skyring was tracking him in second, while Daddy Nose Best was on the outside three-wide in fourth. Macho Bull and Southern Parkway were next, while Quick Wit and The Pizza Man were the early trailers.
The slow pace continued through three-quarters of a mile in 1:15.74, after which the runners fairly flew home. All Stormy continued to show the way around the far turn and into the homestretch, but Daddy Nose Best was looming a serious threat on the far outside, and Skyring was still in contention as well. But down along the rail raced Cozzetti, desperately searching for racing room. First, Brighmohan tried to split horses, but got shut off. He then tried to get through on the fence, and got shut off. Then he tried again for the rail, and at last, his mount was able to secure racing room. Then, with a burst of acceleration, Cozzetti courageously rallied past All Stormy to secure a head victory, stopping the clock for 1 3/16th miles in 1:57.42.
All Stormy held on to second by a neck over Skyring, while Daddy Nose Best finished another half-length behind in fourth. Quick Wit, The Pizza Man, Southern Parkway, and Macho Bull completed the order of finish. Silver Max and Sachem Spirit scratched.
The winner is owned by the Albaugh Family Stable and trained by Dale Romans.
-Keelerman
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