Ak Sar Ben Derby Rallies to Win Hawthorne Derby
STICKNEY, IL – Sunday at Hawthorne was the 54th running of the $150,000 Hawthorne Derby as a full field of 12 contested the 1 1/8 mile event on a firm turf course. The wide-open field saw Oscar Season bet down to the 4-1 favorite in just his second career start.
Clearing from the outside at the start of the Hawthorne Derby was Baxley as he was able to cross over and take the lead when the field passed under the wire for the first time. Baxley had to work a bit to make the top, passing the opening quarter in :23.34 as T’Challa and Alotaluck chased in the bunched-up pack. Slowing things down a bit to pass the half in :48.21, Baxley remained on top while Higgins Boat joined the duo chasing the leader as only seven lengths separated the entire field.
With Baxley leading the field through three quarters in 1:12.72, the field started to spread out on the turn as horses looked for racing lanes into the stretch. With Higgins Boat just off the flank of Baxley at the top of the stretch, Oscar Season, Tough Little Nut and Ak Sar Ben Derby all looked for racing room. With Higgins Boat taking a slight lead in the lane, Ak Sar Ben Derby and Tough Little Nut exchanged bumps as they looked for the same hole with Ak Sar Ben Derby and Axel Concepcion getting through the tight hole first. As Baxley gave way late, Ak Sar Ben Derby was full of run, getting up in time to catch Higgins Boat, winning by a head in 1:49.30. Oscar Season was a game third while Telescopic rallied late to finish fourth.
Owned by the Millard R. Seldin Revocable Trust and trained by John Ortiz, Ak Sar Ben Derby earned $90,000 for the victory. Sent off at 9-1, Ak Sar Ben Derby paid $20.40, $9.60 and $6.00. Higgins Boat Returned $8.00 and $5.20 while Oscar Season paid $4.40 to show.
Hawthorne Race Course, Chicago’s Hometown Track, races three live meets in 2024. The winter harness season concluded on February 12. Spring/Summer thoroughbreds begin March 23 with live racing through October 13. Harness racing returns October 19 and races through the end of the year. Hawthorne is open daily for full-card simulcasting as well as for sports wagering in the Fanatics Sportsbook. For any information about Hawthorne Race Course visit our website www.HawthorneRaceCourse.com.