LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Hierro took charge on the outside of a four-wide sprint to the finish to capture the $200,000-added Grade 3 Derby Trial at a sloppy Churchill Downs dirt track on Saturday night after a violent storm moved through the area and delayed action.
The Steve Asmussen trained 3-year-old chestnut colt with jockey Julien Leparoux lurked in fifth early before making his move on the backstretch to beat Paynter and Stealcase in the mile race.
The Derby Trial ended up being delayed 39 minutes due to golf ball-sized hail, but Hierro, sent off at 5-1 odds, finished strong, paying $12, $4.60 and $3.20. Paytner returned $3.60 and $3, while Stealcase paid $5.
It was the opening night of the 39-day spring meet highlighted by next Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
