Sphene beats heavy favorite Secular Nation in Charles Taylor Derby

Sphene was always prominent for a one-length win over 2-5 favorite Secular Nation in the $70,000 Charles Taylor Derby on Saturday night at The Downs at Albuquerque. It was another 14 1/4 lengths back to Colonel Pike in third.

The Charles Taylor was a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds.

Sphene ($14.40) was with the pace through fractions of 22.39 seconds for the opening quarter, 46.75 for the half-mile, and 1:10.44 for six furlongs. He went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:42.33.

Enrique Garcia was aboard Sphene for trainer Miguel Hernandez.

Sphene is a son of Bodemeister owned by Judge Lanier Racing. He has won three of seven starts and earned $107,050. Sphene is a half-brother to Bayerd, a three-time stakes winner who has earned $634,847.