CICERO, Ill. (AP) — Race favorite Departing came on strong at the head of the stretch to win the Grade III $750,000 Illinois Derby by 314 lengths Saturday at Hawthorne Race Course.
Ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Departing ran 1 1/8 miles race in 1:50.78 on the fast track.
Fordubai edged Siete De Oros by a neck for second place, and Abraham finished fourth.
Trained by Albert M. Stall, Jr., and owned by Claiborne Farm and Adele B. Dilschneider, Departing looms as a possible entrant for the Preakness Stakes), the second leg of the Triple Crown.
The 56th running of the Illinois Derby featured a capacity 14-horse field.
