Awelmarduk Posts Huge Upset in Derby Italiano

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Awelmarduk seized the lead in the final furlong and held on for a half-length victory over the German challenger Shrek for a huge upset in the $963,378 Derby Italiano Antonveneta ABN Amro (Ity-I) at Capannelle Sunday.

Sent off at 38-1, the Irish-bred son of Almutawakel is trained by Alduino and Guiseppe Botti and was ridden to victory by Guiseppe's son, Edmondo Botti. Rob's Love finished a neck back in third, with Sopran Promo fourth.

Awelmarduk was next to last on the opening straight of the 1 1/2-mile event, contested on good to firm going, before making headway on the outside with more than one-quarter of a mile to run. He hung right with more than a furlong left before heading Rob's Love and Shrek 100 yards out.

Zar Solitario, the 2-1 choice in the 14-horse field, led until approaching the final furlong under Frankie Dettori when Rob's Love took over. Zar Solitario faded to 10th. The winning time was 2:28.9.

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