(Chart, Equibase)
James Cassels and Bob Zollars' Easyfromthegitgo held off Pass Rush to post a game neck victory in Friday's $250,000 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows.Ridden by Donnie Meche for trainer Steve Asmussen, the 3-year-old son of Dehere sat just off the fast early pace set by Pass Rush (Pat Day up) and 25-1 shot Vito Corleone. Vito Corleone assumed a brief lead rounding the second turn but relinquished it as Pass Rush fought back gamely. Easyfromthegitgo took the lead approaching the sizteenth pole and then was followed to the wire by Pass Rush, with Thunderpumper passing Vito Corleone for third. The winner was sent off the slight second choice at 6-5, behind 6-5 favorite Danthebluegrassman, who had a troubled trip to finish last in the five-horse field. Washy in the post parade, Danthebluegrassman hopped at the start of the race and made a brief challenge to the leaders but faltered in the stretch.Easyfromthegitgo completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42 2/5 for his fourth win in 12 career starts. He paid $4.40, $3.20, $3.00, with Pass Rush returning $5.60 and $5.00, and Thunderpumper worth $4.20 for the show. Previous to the Iowa Derby, the colt's sole other stakes triumph came in the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds.