Proudinsky captures Bay Meadows Derby

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Proudinsky ($3.20) sat behind an easy pace and prevailed in the lane, outkicking Bold Chieftain through the stretch to capture the $100,000 Grade 3 at Bay Meadows on Sunday.

The German-bred colt scored his initial U.S. victory, capturing the about 1 1/8-mile turf race for 3-year-olds by 1 1/4 lengths over Bold Chieftain in 1:48.27. Bedlam Bertie, who alternated on the lead with Bold Chieftain through fractions of 24.84, 48.82 and 1:13.84, held third easily ahead of the filly Illuminise.

Proudinsky was content to sit back early, easing off the rail to assure a clear trip. He angled out three wide on the turn and pulled away late to record his first victory since a 15-length maiden win in his debut in Germany.

"I sensed the pace was slow, and I didn't want to get caught behind anyone so I eased off the rail on the first turn," winning jockey Pat Valenzuela said. "I had a lot of horse turning for home, but I knew (Bold Chieftain) had something left, too. I tapped him a few times so that he kept his mind on business. At the 16th pole, we began inching away."

Proudinsky, who has been stabled in Bobby Frankel's Hollywood Park barn with Frankel's assistant Humberto Ascanio, will likely run next in the Graded 1 Hollywood Derby on Nov. 26 Ascanio said.

Proudinsky earned $55,000 and now has career earnings of $147,864 with two wins in six starts.