The $100,000 Derby Trial Stakes (G3) used to be a serious final prep for the Kentucky Derby, but since it is run just 7 days before the big dance and at a sprint distance of just 7 1/2 furlongs, most horses entering it are likely to skip the Derby if they are not using it to win some last-minute graded stakes earnings. A field of 8 three-year-olds went to post on Saturday afternoon, with Southwest Stakes runner-up Silver City sent off as the 9-5 favorite, exiting a distant fifth in the Rebel at Oaklawn. In to challenge him included 5-2 second choice Santana Six, winner of two straight and making his stakes debut, and 7-2 third choice Hull, undefeated in two lifetime starts, a maiden at the Fair Grounds and an allowance at Turfway.
Checklist battled for the lead with Hull and Silver City exiting the chute and down the backstretch through a quarter in 21.78 over the fast track. On the turn, Silver City poked his head in front through a half in 44.29, still battling with Checklist and Hull. Entering the stretch, Checklist and Silver City both tired allowing Hull to take over the lead through 3/4 in 1:09.62. Kensei, who settled in 6th early, launched a 4-wide bid into the stretch but was no match for Hull, who drew off late to win by 4 lengths in 1:30.21. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back from Kensei to Checklist third. Favorite Silver City faded through the stretch to finish a disappointing fifth, beaten 8 lengths at the line.
Results chart
