World Approval stalks to victory in American Derby

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Arlington is calling itself Arlington International rather than Arlington Park again these days, and befitting the name, the Grade 3 American Derby was run like a European race, a glacial early pace leading to a mad dash home. But the form held nonetheless – even-money favorite World Approval home by a neck over Crittenden.

World Approval has run well from far behind the early leaders in faster-paced races and easily could prefer employing such tactics, but jockey Jose Lezcano found himself just off the flank of the pace-setting Nun the Less on Saturday after his mount broke alertly and no true pacesetter went forward.

Nun the Less went a slow opening quarter-mile in 25.46 seconds and a slower second quarter in 27, with World Approval sticking about one length behind. The tempo finally quickened around the far turn as World Approval took the measure of Nun the Less in upper stretch, then held off a stern challenge from Crittenden.

Crittenden, fourth for much of the race, finished fastest of all, going his final quarter-mile on good turf in less than 23 seconds and making World Approval work for his $58,800 winner’s share of the $100,000 purse.

Winning time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:52.92, and World Approval, a son of Northern Afleet bred and owned by Live Oak Plantation and trained by Mark Casse, paid $4.20 to win. Nun the Less held third, two lengths behind Crittenden, and was followed by King of New York, Firespike, Raagheb, and Slope.

Casse and Eoin Harty, who trains Crittenden, both said they expected World Approval and Crittenden to start in the Secretariat Stakes here next month.