Party Politics wins Golden State Derby from rail post
The 3-year-old gelding Party Politics squeezed past the seven-figure mark in earnings with a nose win in Sunday’s $202,076 Golden State Derby at Los Alamitos, his fourth stakes win.
The Golden State Derby was the first six-figure stakes win of 2023 for Party Politics. At 2, he won the $960,000 Ed Burke Million Futurity and the $1.08 million Golden State Million Futurity to rate among the nation’s leading juveniles.
In the Golden State Derby, Party Politics ($5.80) was sent off favored and broke from the rail in a field of eight. Ridden by Jesus Ayala, Party Politics was fractious in the gate, but was settled moments before the start. Party Politics broke well and led throughout despite lugging toward the inside.
Good Wagon Sa (7-1) was second through the 400 yards, and finished a neck in front of 5-1 Chicks First Flash. Hes Chickless, the 2-1 second choice, ducked sharply to the inside after the start and finished fifth. Hes Chickless was disqualified and placed last for causing interference.
Party Politics was timed in 19.74 seconds.
Party Politics, a winner of 6 of 12 starts, has earned $1,002,368 for trainer Juan Aleman. The gelding is owned by JGA Racing Stables, a small syndicate managed by Aleman for family and friends.
Aleman plans to start Party Politics in time trials for the Los Alamitos Super Derby on Oct. 15. The race has a final on Nov. 5. The winner receives a berth to the $750,000 Champion of Champions at 440 yards on Dec. 9.
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