Brother Derek survives foul claim

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Trainer Dan Hendricks, who was paralyzed in an off-road accident in July 2004, scored his biggest victory since that tragic day on Saturday when Brother Derek captured the Grade 1, $407,250 for 2-year-olds at Hollywood Park.

Brother Derek ($9.20) took the lead from early pacesetter Old Thunder as the field moved down the backstretch, then he turned back a stretch bid from favored Your Tent Or Mine to win by one length. He also had to survive a claim of foul by jockey Patrick Valenzuela, who rode Your Tent Or Mine. Steward Darrel McHargue said the three stewards unanimously agreed that bumping at the start between Brother Derek and Your Tent Or Mine did not affect the order of finish.

Bob and John finished third, four lengths behind Your Tent Or Mine. A.P. Warrior was fourth and was followed, in order, by Old Thunder, Jealous Profit, Ecru Egret, and Kobayashi.

Brother Derek, ridden by Alex Solis, was timed in 1:42.02 for 1 1/16 miles on the fast main track.

"He lost his footing a little leaving the gate and went in a little bit," Solis said. "But Patrick's horse came out, too. It was just one of those things that happen at the gate. Especially in the first jump."

The win was the third in five outings for Brother Derek, who won the Norfolk Stakes at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting. He also was fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Belmont Park. This was his first start since going to New York nearly two months ago. Brother Derek, a California-bred colt by Benchmark, was purchased at auction in March by owner Cecil Peacock for $275,000.

The time off agreed with Brother Derek. His coat was gleaming in the paddock, and he was far more becalmed than some of his better-regarded rivals.

"He just matured," Hendricks said. "We're just starting to see him ripple and grow up a little more in a short period of time. I don't know what brought it about, but it is a good time."

Brother Derek, Your Tent Or Mine, and longshot Kobayashi bounced off one another leaving the gate as Old Thunder sped to the front. Brother Derek quickly recovered to take up a stalking position in second as Old Thunder clicked off fractions of 23.78 seconds for the opening quarter and 47.01 seconds for a half. Brother Derek then took over. He passed the six-furlong mark in 1:10.47, and reached the mile mark in 1:35.34.

Bob and John was racing in third, along the rail, as the field moved down the backstretch, then dropped back when passed by Your Tent Or Mine, who moved into a threatening position. Bob and John was then taken to the outside and re-rallied, but lost his punch in the final furlong. A.P. Warrior, the second choice, raced wide most the race and never made a serious impact, losing by a little more than six lengths.

Last year's Hollywood Futurity was won by Declan's Moon, who subsequently was named champion 2-year-old male. The runner-up was Giacomo, who went on to win the Kentucky Derby.