Gunpowder Farms' Divisidero edged clear of World Approval in the final strides to win the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (gr. IT) by a neck at Churchill Downs in the race prior to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Video: Woodford Reserve Turf Classic S. (G1T)
Grade I winner Slumber was another length back in third and Tourist was1 3/4 lengths farther back in fourth.
During the turn Kasaqui clipped heels and fell while Triple Threat then fell over Kasaqui. Both horses got up and both riders were given a courtesy ride back to the tunnel. The early report was that both horses are OK and were vanned to their barns.
Divisidero, with Edgar Prado up, got the 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.37. The 4-year-old is a son of Kitten's Joy out of Madame Du Lac, by Lemon Drop Kid . He was bred in Kentucky by Hinkle Farms.
Divisidero won last year's American Turf Stakes (gr. IIT) over the Churchill Downs grass course for trainer Buff Bradley.
Midnight Storm set the early pace, going out in a sharp :23.09 and :46.32 under Victor Espinoza. Bolo tracked the leader. World Approval, under jockey Julien Leparoux, raced in third. Divisidero was mid-pack and wide while he made a sweeping move during the turn to engage the leaders. Divisidero and World Approval separated themselves and dueled down the lane thorough a mile in 1:35.30
The winner paid $15.40, $7.60, and $5.60. World Approval returned $9.80 and $6.80, and Slumber paid $5.40.
Grand Tito, a grade II winner at Gulfstream Park earlier this year, was scratched from the race.
