It’s all about Willcox Inn in the TVG Hawthorne Gold Cup
The 47th running of the Grade III TVG Hawthorne Derby on Oct. 15 brought together some of the best 3-year-old turf runners in the country. Contested at a mile and an eighth over a firm turf course, the final Illinois graded stakes race of 2011 boasted a strong field of ten, headed by the talented Willcox Inn. He didn’t disappoint as the Michael Stidham charge with Robbie Albarado aboard won by a comfortable four and a half lengths.
Legendary King was sent to the lead and maintained that position for the first six furlongs, then faded quickly. Willcox Inn, in sixth place at that point, started making his move. He drew within striking distance on the far turn, shifted out to challenge for the lead at the quarter mile marker and powered his way to the front never challenged.
Team Block’s Suntracer, who had finished second to Willcox Inn in the Arlington Classic and the Arlington Derby, came along late to finish second again, just passing Friendly Banter as they approached the wire. Friendly Banter was third.
“Where are you going next?” TVG’s Mike Joyce asked trainer Michael Stidham, “We’re looking at the Hollywood Derby,” he replied, ignoring hoots and heckles from All In Stable’s Marty Nixon and some of the other representatives of Willcox Inn. They obviously want to head to the Breeders’ Cup with this talented sophomore.
“Actually, on numbers, even though Willcox Inn finished fourth in the Arlington Million, he moved forward in that race. We felt really good about that effort. He came out of the race in good shape. We wanted to run in Delaware in the Grade 3 Kent Stakes but obviously the weather didn’t allow us to do that. But, we’re happy to be here. He’s just a solid little horse that really puts his effort into every race. “I was a little concerned because there were some nice horses in this race but the way he drew off was quite impressive.”
Willcox Inn earned $120,000 for the victory, boosting his career earnings to $480,943.
They covered the mile and an eighth in 1:48.97 following fractions of 24.12, 48.47, 1:12.39, and 1:36.85
Information for this story provided by Hawthorne Race Course
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Willcox Inn, the 6/5 favorite, under the wire alone in the Hawthorne Derby with jockey Robbie Albarado for trainer Michael Stidham |
Photo Credit to Four Footed Foto