Wiseman's Ferry wires

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas-Wiseman's Ferry, who chased former stablemate Johannesburg last year in Ireland, became a stakes winner in his third North American start when he led throughout to win the Grade 3, $500,000 Lone Star Park Derby by 2 3/4 lengths over Tracemark.

It was another 4 1/2 lengths back in third to Peekskill.

Smoked Em, the 3-1 favorite, finished fifth in the Lone Star Derby, which for the first time in six runnings was held after the Kentucky Derby. The new date helped the race attract a record-sized field of 14.

Wiseman's Ferry($16.80) broke on top from post No. 14 under Jorge Chavez, and led the field through an opening half-mile in 46.22 seconds with Cappuchino in close pursuit.

"Down the backside, he relaxed a little bit, and around the second turn, he picked it up," said Chavez.

Wiseman's Ferry was still in command through six furlongs in 1:10.08, while Tracemark began to pick up steam at the quarter pole. In the drive, however, Tracemark could not catch Wiseman's Ferry, who was strong to the wire, covering a mile and an eighth over a track rated fast in 1:49.93.

"He might get a mile and a half," said Niall O'Callaghan, who trains Wiseman's Ferry. "This might be a Belmont horse."

O'Callaghan, who said the Belmont Stakes on June 8 is an outside possibility, recommended the private purchase of Wiseman's Ferry last year to clients Morton Fink, Lee Sacks and Swifty Farms.

A deal was struck to purchase the colt, previously trained by Aidan O'Brien, and in three North American starts for O'Callaghan, Wiseman's Ferry has won twice. Last year in Ireland, Wiseman's Ferry finished second to the O'Brien-trained Johannesburg in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes. He also finished fourth to Johannesburg in the Group 1 Phoenix.

Wiseman's Ferry earned $277,500 for the Lone Star Derby win, his third victory in nine career starts. The colt, who is by Hennessy, was bred by Nursery Place and Robert Manfuso.

Smoked Em ran an even race as the favorite. "He just never showed his typical good early speed," said Chris McCarron, who rode the colt for trainer Todd Pletcher.