(Apr. 5, 2003) - James Chisholm, Michael Jarvis & Horizon Stable's Ten Most Wanted validated the confidence Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day had in his mount, as to son of Deputy Commander overcame traffic problems at the quarter-pole, put away a stubborn Fund Of Funds just past the three-sixteenths pole and drew away in the final furlong to win the $500,000 Illinois Derby (GII) by four widening lengths at Hawthorne Race Course on Saturday, Apr. 5.

Foufa's Warrior was another eight lengths back in third in the 10-horse field. Lone Star Sky, Cherokee's Boy, Lx Commander, Alysweep, Runnin' On Nitro, Blackinton and Brian Dude completed the official order of finish.

Ten Most Wanted broke alertly and was taken in hand by Day, saving ground near the back of the back as Lx Commander took the field through an opening quarter-mile in :23 flat and a half in :46 3/5. After six furlongs stepped off in 1:11 3/5, New York invader Fund Of Funds - a late nominee for $6,000 to the Visa Triple Crown - had taken command under jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, and the pair remained in front until the three-sixteenths pole, when they were collared by Ten Most Wanted and Day, who was trapped behind a wall of horses at the quarter-pole and had to wait for a running lane to develop.

When Day swung Ten Most Wanted out in the clear approaching the eighth-pole, the dark bay or brown colt leveled-off nicely and drew away from a game Fund Of Funds, extending his lead over the field with every stride in the final sixteenth of a mile.

He covered a nine furlongs in 1:51 2/5 and returned $6.60, $4 and $3.20 as 2-1 post time favorite.

"This horse did exactly what Pat Day said he could," said winning trainer Wallace Dollase. "He was very anxious in previous starts but was able to rate well today. He calmed down well and had something left late. I know the owners will want to head to the Kentucky Derby and this horse is bred to go a mile and a quarter."

Day, who was impressed with Ten Most Wanted after the colt re-rallied to be a close third in the El Camino Real Derby (GIII) at Golden Gate Fields on Mar. 8, echoed Dollase's assessment.

"It was a great race," said Day. "He did everything I asked of him. Last time I rode him he was a little bit aggressive and then he settled. Today he was really focused and really into the game. He settled nicely and he was there for me when I called on him. He responded. He was really punching hard at the finish and galloped out strong."

Ten Most Wanted improved his career record to two wins, one second and a third from five starts; the $300,000 winner's share of the Illinois Derby purse elevated his career earnings to $373,460.

Dollase told Daily Racing Form that Ten Most Wanted would leave Hawthorne on Sunday, April 6 for Keeneland Race Course, where he'll train until about Apr. 20. The colt will then ship to Churchill Downs.

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