Salamis Gave Chad Brown His Fifth Victory in the Hollywood Derby

The Juddmonte colt, ridden by Italy’s Umberto Rispoli, dug in late to prevail in a tough finish over Tom’s Magic and Test Score

Out in the clear, Salamis scored a spectacular victory at Del Mar / BENOIT PHOTO

DEL MAR, California (Special for Turf Diario).– Salamis showed plenty of heart through the Del Mar stretch to give Chad Brown another Grade 1, prevailing by a neck in the Hollywood Derby (G1), run over 1,800 meters on turf and carrying a purse of $300,000.

Breaking from post 4 in a field of eight, Umberto Rispoli kept the son of Speightstown in the clear, sitting sixth down the backstretch about six lengths off the leader. Approaching the final turn, the pair moved alongside the favorite Test Score (Lookin At Lucky), ridden by Juan Hernández, who was racing inside in fifth.

Tom’s Magic (Justify), who had travelled fourth a length off the pace, swung three wide into the stretch and put his head in front inside the last 200 meters, but could not hold off the late surge of Salamis, who edged past at the wire. Test Score, in tight quarters behind Tempus Volat (Not This Time) and pacesetter Kokosan (Unified), finally found room in the last 100 meters and finished third, 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Tempus Volat.

“We had a good talk this morning. Chad was very clear: break well, stay confident, keep him in the clear, and let him find his rhythm. The slow pace worried me a little, but I know his horses always finish strongly,” Rispoli said.

With this victory, Salamis gave Chad Brown a record five wins in the Hollywood Derby. Racing for Juddmonte, the colt now owns two stakes victories and improved his record to 7-3-0-2, with earnings of $353,363.

“This horse is really talented and I knew he could get there,” said José Hernández, assistant to Chad Brown. “He had been running very well in his last three. He worked great at Keeneland and here. He deserved this win.”

Fractions were :24.14, :49.92, 1:15.18, 1:39.20, with a final time of 1:50.74.

Upset in the Seabiscuit

Saturday’s card at Del Mar also featured the Seabiscuit Handicap (G2, 1,700 meters, turf, $201,500), where a major upset unfolded with the victory of Call Sign Seven, completing an excellent graded-stakes double for sire Speightstown.

With Ricardo González aboard, the Michael McCarthy trainee defeated Astronomer (Air Force Blue) and El Potente (Temple City) by half a length and a head, returning $139 for every $2 wagered.

Call Sign Seven had not raced since finishing well back in an allowance optional claiming at Santa Anita Park in March.