Tuesday, July 15, 2014 |
With a clever ride from Florent Geroux, Divine Oath (Broken Vow) flew up the rail late to nail Our Channel (English Channel) and take the $200,000 American Derby (G3).
Breaking alertly from post position #2, Geroux was able to secure a ground-saving trip, while racing some 5-6 lengths back from the early pacesetters. After running a moderate opening 1/2 mile in :48 3/5, Divine Oath and Geroux were content to stalk the pace on the fence down the backstretch.
Racing around the far turn with less than a half mile to go, Divine Oath remained down inside under patient handling by Geroux. As they hit the top of the stretch, Our Channel took the lead and was set down for the stretch drive, while Divine Oath and Geroux looked for room in traffic.
In the final furlong, Our Channel spurted clear by two lengths, while Divine Oath got off the fence, split horses and dove back to the rail. Rallying fastest of them all in a thrilling finish to the wire, Geroux and Divine Oath passed Our Channel in the final strides to win by a half length, while Highball (Lemon Drop Kid) put in a late run to earn show (chart).
Divine Oath appeared to be finding his best stride late after a reserved and patient ride by Florent Geroux. Winning the American Derby (G3), in this fashion going a distance of ground, suggests Divine Oath will be a force in the Three-Year-Old Turf division, and we're excited to see him back in action in the $500,000 Secretariat S. (G1) at Arlington Park on Saturday, August 16th.