Globogym Best in Wide-Open Chicago Derby

The GI Chicago Derby had three horses sharing the honors of favorite and they went off at 7/1–not exactly a decisive race. But one of them, Vsmdinc2’s Globogym, proved that even uncertain faith is sometimes rewarding: second to last for much of the race, he stormed home for the win.

It was a speed duel early, with Searching The Sky(Ire), Burning Flag, and Wylde Cat nose to nose and co-favorite Parejo(Ire) just three parts of a length back. That bunch spread out a bit as the race wore on, but they stayed together through the last turn, with the jockeys on Searching The Sky(Ire) and Wylde Cat cool as cucumbers, reserving the whip. But the closers were rolling, coming on fast, and didn’t hesitate as they swept on past. Blue Fer Sure had first jump on Globogym, but the big chestnut by Pleasantly Perfect had come third in two graded stakes already and just wasn’t interested in doing that again. He dug down, found another gear, and was two lengths clear of Blue Fer Sure at the wire, with a valiant Searching The Sky(Ire) just another quarter-length back in third. Wylde Cat stayed on for fourth with Earth Quaker picking up the pieces for the last small check.

Globogym is a three-year-old son of Pleasantly Perfect, out of a Crafty Prospector mare. The Chicago Derby marked his fourth win in eight starts; he’s never finished worse than fourth. The winner’s share of the purse pushed his earnings over $475,000 and his class rank to tenth in the classic and long-distance divisions. He’s now run three 99 speed ratings in his last four races and with a good race over the New York track and a plentiful display of stamina, one has to think he’d look good in the New Yorker gate.