Shamundi dominates Oregon Thoroughbred Breeders Derby

PORTLAND, Ore. - Shamundi ($7.60), making his first start around two turns, sat in a perfect stalking position before pulling clear in the lane to with the $39,750 Oregon Thoroughbred Breeders Derby on Monday at Portland Meadows.

Shamundi, who won the Bill Wineberg in December, chased front-running Papa's Flying Angel to the quarter pole in the one-mile Derby. Jockey Juan Gutierrez ask the Secret Shamus colt at the quarter pole, and he quickly moved up and went past his rival into the lane, pulling clear to win by 4 1/4 lengths, winning in 1:40.78.

Papa's Flying Angel was second with Midda's Gold Touch third another 1 1/ 2 lengths back. Odds-on favorite Tomcat Jake was eased through the lane.

The victory was worth $21,863 for owners Margaret Root and Dean and Lois Vogt, doubling the career earnings of the Ben Root-trained colt, who has won three of five starts, to $42,970.

Earlier on the card, Legendary Madame ($7.20) scored a mild upset, defeating odds-on Chick Power by 2 1/4 lengths in the $10,825 Oregon Ms. at one mile. The winning time was 1:42.30.