Redeemed notched his first victory in an added-money event, getting up in the final strides to take the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park Oct. 16. The 3-year-old son of Include covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.20 over a fast track (VIDEO). The time was the third fastest at the race's current distance.
Ridden by Edgar Prado, Redeemed tracked the early pace set by 18-1 longshot Socialsaul (:23.44, :45.43) down the backstretch. After running near the middle of the pack for much of the way, he inched closer entering the second turn and then shifted outside for the drive to avoid traffic. As the field entered the stretch, Alternation grabbed the lead. But Redeemed was charging hard and he caught that rival, prevailing by a head while even money favorite Prayer for Relief was 2 ¾ lengths behind in third.
“I was surrounded by horses in the turn and had to go outside to find room; that's when he came on,” said Prado, who is a member of racing's Hall of Fame.
Redeemed's margin of victory equaled the closest margin in Oklahoma Derby history. Top Hit won the 2001 edition by a head as well.
Redeemed improved his career record to four victories in seven races and increased his earnings to $424,140 with his $240,000 winner’s share of the purse. Anthony Dutrow trains the bay colt for Jay Em Ess Stable.
Sent off as the second betting choice in the field of 12, Redeemed paid $12.80, $6.40, and $4.40. Alternation returned $5.80 and $3.80 while Prayer for Relief paid $2.80.
Redeemed came into the Oklahoma Derby off a runner-up finish in the Amsterdam Stakes (gr. II) at Saratoga Aug. 1. He also was second this year in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Parx Racing.
Morgan’s Ford Farm bred Redeemed in Virginia and, as agent, offered him at the 2009 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern fall yearling sale in Maryland. Jay Em Ess purchased him for $50,000.
Redeemed is out of the Pleasant Tap mare Early Mass.