Kingly rules in California Derby

Sunday | April 28, 2019

Clearview Stables, RAC 04 Racing and Michael Meegan’s Kingly held off a stiff challenge by Visitant to win the $100,000 California Derby Saturday at Gold Gate Fields [WATCH RACE].

After finishing second to a very good horse in Anothertwistafate in the El Camino Real Derby in February, Kingly was sent away the favorite in Saturday’s 1 1/16-mile contest. The son of Tapit was content to sit in second after Erlich sprinted to the lead and opened up by some six lengths in the first half-mile. 

Erlich began to slow suddenly entering the final turn, and Kingly swept past to take the top spot entering the homestretch. Despite Visitant’s effort, Kingly held sway to win by a half-length in 1:42.73, less than a second from the track record of 1:42 flat.

“It worked out perfect,” said winning rider Mario Gutierrez. “He broke a step slow out of the gate. I was able to position him into a very nice spot in the first turn. From that point on, I was just waiting for the end to ride him.” 

Three-year-old Kingly has made just four starts for his connections, with a record of 2-2-0 and earnings of $123,200. The 3-year-old is out of Justwhistledixie and is a full brother to Bob Baffert’s 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner New Year’s Day and a half-brother to multiple graded winner Mohaymen.

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