Traffic no problem for Dynever
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - In an effort that will likely send him to the Belmont Stakes next month, Dynever overcame extensive traffic trouble to win the Grade 3, $500,000 going away on Saturday.
It was a length and a half back in second to Most Feared, who was a length clear of third-place finisher Commander's Affair.
Dynever, the 1-5 favorite, settled in midpack along the rail early in the 1 1/8-mile race while Mauk Four and Commander's Affair dueled through fractions of 23.41 seconds for opening quarter and 47.43 seconds for the half. Dynever moved off the rail at the half-mile pole, but had to wait behind a wall of horses until about the eighth pole.
He then found room to the outside of his rivals and surged to the lead, covering the distance over a fast track in 1:50.43.
"When he found a hole, he just exploded," said Edgar Prado, who rode Dynever for trainer Christophe Clement. "I was very impressed."
Dynever has made a splash in each of his last three starts, all route races. After finishing second in his career debut at seven furlongs on Feb. 8, he stretched out around two turns and won his maiden by 8 1/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park on March 8.
From there, Dynever stepped into stakes company and won the $250,000 Aventura at Gulfstream as the favorite, showing the same turn of foot that he did Saturday. Following that race, he was pointed for the Lone Star Derby.
"We are all very happy," said Clement, who watched the race in New York. "I'm especially happy for the owners, Mrs. Catherine Wills - she's also the breeder - and Mr. Peter Karches, who couldn't make it to Texas today, but he was watching the race on TV.
"I suppose we're still on track for the Belmont."
Dynever, who was the first favorite to win the Lone Star Derby in seven runnings, paid $2.60, $2.40, and $2.10. He earned $277,500 for his win, which was his third from four career starts. Dynever's earnings now stand at $454,020.
He is a son of Dynaformer and from the Zilzal mare Flamboyance.
Most Feared, the runner-up who also was blocked in the stretch, might advance to the Belmont, said his trainer, Ronny Werner.
The Lone Star Derby field was reduced from 13 to 12 with the scratch of Desert Spirit, who did not make the trip to Texas from his base in Southern California. The remaining order of finish was Crowned King in fourth, Mr. Technique, Defrere's Vixen;,Crowned Dancer, On the Border; Mauk Four, Grendel, Leo's Last Hurrahy, and Gentlemen J J.