Hollendorfer to Win El Camino Real Derby

Race #8
El Camino Real Derby (Post Time: 4:43) Surface: All Weather Track
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds | G3 STAKES | Purse: $200,000
$1 Exacta / $2 Quinella / $1 Trifecta / $1 Superfecta (.10 min) $2 Daily Double

Opening in 1982, the grade III, El Camino Real Derby is the first real stamina test of the season for three-year olds with an eye for the Kentucky Derby, going 9 furlongs on the all-weather Tapeta surface. Five-time winning trainer of this event, the esteemed trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, saddles two horses that Racing Mogul backs to challenge for the win.

Morning-line favorite, Russian Greek (5-2), will angle to make a final dash down the stretch to nip the leaders in a race with a lot of front-end speed. The son of Giant’s Causeway faces many of the same foes he defeated last month in the California Derby at Golden Gates Field, a race that saw jockey Aaron Gryder close the field after blazing early fractions (23.26; 47.15). See a replay here:

Lady of Fifty (5-1), the lone filly in the field and other Hollendorfer entry, is the giant question mark. You have to love the fact hall-of-fame rider and eight-time winner of this race, Russell Baze, endorses the grey/roan daughter of After Market. Coming off a recent romp in the California Oaks, she likes to run on the lead, yet has failed to square off against stiff early fractions in her career. Baze will look to navigate her quickly to the front from the #10 post. Can she hold on? We are not too confident, but like the connections enough to see her finish in the money. 

Dogged by a string of awful trips, Cahill Chrome (10-1), will break from the #3 post and attempt to settle in on the rail and stalk the pace. The son of Cahill Road was stuck four wide through both turns in the California Derby and held his own at the end, coming in second place. Look for him to hold off a late charge by Lucky Chappy (7-2).


1. Russian Greek
2. Lady of Fifty
3. Cahill Chrome