Thistledown: Prospective takes Ohio Derby

Prospective flaunted his class Saturday while proving a popular favorite in notching his fifth stakes victory in the 78th running of the Grade 3, $100,000 Ohio Derby at Thistledown in North Randall, Ohio.

With Jermaine Bridgmohan aboard for owner John Oxley and trainer Mark Casse, Prospective returned $3.20 with a 2 1/2-length triumph over Politicallycorrect in the 1 1/16-mile race. As the lone stakes winner in the field, Prospective carried high weight of 124 pounds, spotting the runner-up eight pounds.

After breaking from post 1, Prospective was eased back into third behind Politicallycorrect and Z Rockstar before engaging them from a three-wide position. As Z Rockstar backed out of contention, Prospective wore down Politicallycorrect, the 3-2 second choice, drawing off in the final furlong and completing the distance in 1:42.84 over a fast track. Z Rockstar was another 8 3/4 lengths back in third, with Defiant Flyer trailing throughout.

Prospective, a dark bay colt by Malibu Moon, now has won 6 of 11 career starts, with the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby in March still ranking as his most notable win. He earned $65,000 Saturday to lift his career bankroll to $600,235.

Casse said beforehand that, given a big effort, Prospective likely will run next in the Jim Dandy at Saratoga or the Haskell at Monmouth Park.

The already small field was reduced to just four starters when Swage did not ship from his Prairie Meadows base for trainer Don Von Hemel, reportedly because of a fever.

The $2 exacta (1-2) paid just $4.40.