Chip Honcho overtakes Ocelli in Ohio Derby

Chip Honcho, who ran credibly against Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont (G1) winner Golden Tempo last winter at Fair Grounds and was most recently third in the Preakness (G1), ran down the country's most accomplished maiden, Ocelli, to win the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) at Thistledown on Saturday.

Saving ground for much of the journey, Chip Honcho was tipped out by jockey Jose Ortiz entering the stretch, with Ocelli the one to catch after making the lead with a three-wide bid on the far turn. Chip Honcho finished fastest of the two, though, scoring by one length.

Ocelli, third in both the Wood Memorial (G2) and Kentucky Derby prior to running fourth in the Preakness, remains winless after nine starts, but was a clear second by 3 1/4 lengths over Lexington (G3) hero Trendsetter. Desert Gate, the 9-10 favorite, weakened to fourth after tracking a pace set by Robusta.

Completing the order of finish behind Desert Gate were Chad Allan, Bull by the Horns, Wood Memorial winner Albus, Robusta, and Jupiter.

Chip Honcho finished up 1 1/8 miles over a fast track in 1:51.18 and paid $7.60 as the second choice. Trained by Steve Asmussen, Chip Honcho races for the partnership of Leland Ackerley, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe, and John Cilia.

The Ohio Derby was the first graded success for Chip Honcho, whose last win was Dec. 20 in the Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds. Prior to that, he had finished second and first against maiden foes in Kentucky.

Following the Gun Runner, Chip Honcho finished fourth to Golden Tempo in the Lecomte (G3). However, he beat that rival to the wire in the Risen Star (G2), though fell short of winning it all by a half-length to Paladin.

A dull fifth in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Chip Honcho bypassed the Kentucky Derby and was instead pointed to the Preakness at Laurel, where he finished a non-threatening third to Napoleon Solo. He now owns a mark of 8-3-2-1 with earnings of more than $800,000.

Bred in Kentucky by Venneri Racing and Tony Fanticola, Chip Honcho sold for $210,000 at the Fasig-Tipton July sale. He is by Connect and out of the stakes-winning Miss My Rose a daughter of Magician.