Rock Your World handles dirt just fine in Santa Anita Derby
Apr 04, 2021 J. Keeler Johnson
Rock Your World winning the Santa Anita Derby (G1) -- © Benoit Photo
A new name joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with an upset victory in Saturday’s $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1). You might even say his powerful performance rocked the racing world.
The only other concern was the possibility Rock Your World would wind up racing behind rivals, and thus endure the unfamiliar experience of getting dirt kicked back in his face. But in the end, this question never came up. Under a bold ride from jockey Umberto Rispoli, Rock Your World dashed straight to the lead from post 2, carving out fractions of :22.42, :46.11, and 1:10.64 while closely pursued by longshot Parnelli. Betting favorites Medina Spirit and Dream Shake, exiting second- and third-place efforts in the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita, were content to track the pace while racing in close proximity.
For Rock Your World, the victory was worth $450,000 plus 100 Road to the Kentucky Derby qualification points, launching him into sixth place on the leaderboard with just two prep races remaining. A spot in the Churchill Downs starting gate is now assured for the undefeated dark bay colt, who is owned by the partnership of Hronis Racing and Talla Racing.
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