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Departing impressively wins Illinois Derby Departing won't attempt to secure a second Kentucky Derby trophy for Claiborne Farm in two weeks, but might try to earn a first Woodlawn Vase for the famed Paris, Kentucky, nursery following an authoritative win in Saturday's Grade 3, $750,000 Illinois Derby at Hawthorne. Conspicuously absent from the new "Road to the Kentucky Derby" points system instituted this year, the 1 1/8-mile Illinois Derby was re-positioned on the calendar due to its exclusion as a Derby qualifier and now conveniently sits four weeks out from the May 18 Preakness at Pimlico. Departing, a gelded son of War Front, could be a major factor at Old Hilltop based on what he showed Chicagoland spectators. Breaking from post 13 as the 9-5 favorite, Departing was kept outside and in the clear by jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. entering the first turn, and then shifted out to race six wide all the way down the backstretch. Meanwhile, second choice Ground Transport set an opening quarter of :23 before yielding the lead to Taken by the Storm, who held a half-length advantage through a half-mile in :47 3/5 and six furlongs in 1:13. Around the far turn, Taken by the Storm came under pressure as 23-1 chance Fordubai and third choice Abraham began to make their bids. Also closing while racing very wide was Departing, who was four deep entering the stretch and swiftly made the lead approaching the eighth pole. Two lengths up with a furlong to go, Departing extended his margin to 3 1/4 lengths at the line and completed nine furlongs on a fast track in 1:50 3/5. Departing, who races in the famous Claiborne orange silks but is co-owned by co-breeder Adele Dilschneider, paid $5.80, $3.60 and $3. Al Stall Jr. trains the winner. Fordubai, who was making his stakes debut for Kentucky Derby-winning owner Jim Tafel, bore out badly in the final furlong but was cleared of any wrongdoing following a stewards' inquiry. He held second by a neck over deep closer Siete de Oros, with Abraham another length back in fourth. The order of finish was rounded out by Street Spice, For Greater Glory, Narvaez, Dewey Square, Ground Transport, Bells Big Bernie, Show Some Magic, Stormin Monarchos, Taken by the Storm and Dakota Mac. The Kentucky-bred Departing broke his maiden at first asking December 22, scoring by 2 1/4 lengths over six furlongs at Fair Grounds. He was even more impressive taking a February 1 allowance over the same track, crossing the wire 4 1/2 lengths clear at the end of one mile and 70 yards. A 2 3/4-length victor in his stakes debut, the $50,000 Texas Heritage at Sam Houston at one mile on March 2, Departing was a solid third in his most recent outing, the 1 1/8-mile Louisiana Derby back at Fair Grounds March 30. His record now stands at 5-4-0-1, $628,000. Departing was produced by the Pulpit mare Leave, a full sister to stakes winner Laity and a half-sister to multiple Grade 3 winner Trip and stakes winner Joke. All were produced by the stakes-winning Tour, whose descendants also include multiple Grade 1 winner Zensational and stakes winner Passport. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
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