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A Filly In The Derby
Original article written by Callie Anderson posted 15 years 4 weeks agoThis years Louisville Derby was something to talk about. The filly High Flyer ran the 1 ¼ miles in 1:59.31! Ali LaDuke trains her and she also trained Temple to win the Louisville Oaks. That makes Ali the only trainer in history to win the Oaks-Derby double.
At the start of the Derby, Desert Journey was the only one with a bad start when he bobbled. While others slipped around in the mud. Impossible was the early leader, Desert Journey recovered from the start and showed some speed, the other filly Shining On moved through to get to the front end, Arms Race was taking to the footing pretty well, Weapon was well placed, Gabriel, Giacomo Puccini, Most, High Flyer, King of the Desert, Los Angeles Star, Start of the End, Piece of History, Chinese Wizard, Consult Me First, Hang Glider, Crime Fighter, Laughuntilyoucry, Brute, and National Park brought up the rest of the field. The first quarter was in 23.3.
As they made there way to the backstretch, Arms Race took control from Impossible with Shining On racing on the outside, Desert Journey was between horses. Gabriel was forwardly place in striking position. Giacomo Puccini, Weapon, King of the Desert, High Flyer, Most, Los Angeles Star, Start of the End, Piece of History, Crime Fighter, and then a gap of five to Chinese Wizard, Consult Me First, Hang Glider, Laughuntilyoucry, Brute, and National Park rounded up the rest of the field.
5 furlongs left and Gabriel went! Just a few strides Gabriel went five wide for the lead. Arms Race was second on the rail, Shining On, Desert Journey and Impossible were dropping back, King of the Desert, High Flyer, Giacomo Puccini, Weapon, Most, Start of the End, Piece of History, Lost Angeles Star, and Crime Fighter made up the rest.
As they made there way to the far turn Gabriel started opening up by 2 lengths. Shining On was laboring and dropping back. Arms Race was breathing fire! King of the Desert was moving on smartly, and High Flyer was still in the chase too, Start of the End was closing well, Crime Fighter, Laughuntilyoucry, Most was getting urged with no response, Giacomo Puccini was tired, the rest are moving up and down, and Gabriel is rushing into the stretch!
DOWN THE STRETCH THEY CAME! High Flyer started to unravel with her long strides and bursting clear of the other horses, King of the Desert took the turn wide but still had a shot, Start of the End and Crime Fighter were closing fast, Arms Race was clinging tough to the crowd, Gabriel was roaring towards the 1/8th pole. He started to tire and High Flyer was eating up his strides and made her way next to him. Start of the End was motoring past King of the Desert. Gabriel was seeing stars! He just couldn’t stick with High Flyer, who took command! High Flyer, the filly, had the lead! Start of the End was charging hard! King of the Desert went wide on the outside!
And a FILLY IN THE DERBY! High Flyer took the 22nd addition of the Louisville Derby! She won it by 1 ½ lengths. Start of the End was 2nd, King of the Desert 3rd, Gabriel 4th, Crime Fighter 5th. A historical Louisville Derby!