Russian Greek won the California Derby in come-from-behind fashion at Golden Gate Fields
Seven sophomores vied for the $100,520 California Derby at Golden Gate Fields on 14 January, 2012, but the favoured John Hollendorfer trained Russian Greek, surprised everyone after his last-to-first rally to pass everyone to win the California Derby under jockey Aaron Gryder.
The son of Giant’s Causeway, out of mare Sand Dollar by Grindstone, Russian Greek fell back, and the duo lagged three to four lengths behind the pack.
At the same point, Russian Greek’s stablemate, Reconstruction, went ahead and assumed the lead, as he set brisk fractions of 23.26 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 47.15 seconds for the half mile.
Reconstruction was pressed by the Mike Machowsky trained and favourite for the race, Hodge, throughout the opening stages of the race, as Reconstruction went on to complete six furlongs in the 1 1/16 mile test on dirt in 1 minute and 12.26 seconds.
Cahill Chrome was stalking the two leaders, and was waiting for a little mistake to take over both of them, and the mistake came from Hodge, who wilted down the lane and gave way to Cahill Chrome, approaching the mid stretch.
Well off the rail on the far turn, not even in contention, Russian Greek started his bid and went as wide as he could.
It gave the Olympia Star owned colt all the room he needed, and with his move, he nabbed Cahill Chrome and pulled away for victory in an emphatic run, where he came from last and pushed forward to win the race by a mere length.
“At the five-eighths pole he was on a beautiful stride and I felt good," he said.
"He eased up to them and when I got him in the clear at the top of the stretch he extended. I was confident he’d get there because it felt like he was getting stronger and stronger.”
With the victory under his belt, Russian Greek has increased his chances to start in the Grade, 3 $200,000 El Camino Real Derby on 18 February, 2012, over at 1 1/8 miles.
“This horse will run in the El Camino Real Derby for sure,” Hollendorfer said afterwards.
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