Komorebino Omoide Overcomes Poor Start, Slop in Sexton

A less-than-stellar start and a sloppy track did nothing to stop Komorebino Omoide (JPN) from proving he was much the best in the $400,000 Steve Sexton Mile (G3) May 26 at Lone Star Park. Hopping out of the gate and unable to get a clean start, the co-favorite at post time seemed certain to fall short of expectations. When jockey Ramon Vazquez finally had the 5-year-old son of California Chrome settled, they were in the back of the lead pack with only two horses behind them. "The plan changed out of the gate when he jumped a little bit," said Vazquez. "After that, I decided to take him back a little bit." Vazquez steadily guided his ride as they maneuvered through traffic to close to within three lengths through the opening quarter-mile. Approaching the far turn, the leading seven horses bunched together with Komorebino Omoide running along the rail. But Vazquez gave up that position, momentarily, coming around the turn. Sliding into the two slot, Vazquez asked Komorebino Omoide for more, passing Number One Dude, who had been ahead of him on the inside. Moving back along the rail, Vazquez and Komorebino Omoide, although sitting fourth, now had a clear path forward. "I knew that I had a lot of horse. The horse is doing his job, I'm doing my job," Vazquez said. "I don't want to go seven wide, so I'm just saving ground. Before the quarter pole, I saw the opportunity to go and I took it." The other favorite, Touchuponastar, had reeled in This is Uscar after stalking him most of the race. This Is Uscar, who had been leading for most of the opening three-quarters of a mile, was now trying to fend off Touchuponastar and Heroic Move, who won this race a year ago. But coming Komorebino Omoide hit the stretch as if he had been fired from a slingshot. Pulling clear of the three dueling rivals, the Perry Martin homebred finished 2 1/2 lengths clear of his closest competitor. Martin also co-bred California Chrome. The final time was 1:38.29. Komorebino Omoide paid $5.60 for the win. This Is Uscar was second, Heroic Move third. This is the third consecutive Steve Sexton Mile victory for trainer Robertino Diodoro. The chestnut improves to 2-2-0 from five starts this year with $366,050 in earnings. For his career, he is 6-3-4 from 18 starts and $653,816 in the bank. California Chrome stands for $13,333 at Arrow Stud, in Hokkaido, Japan. Texas Derby Instant Replay surged late to overcome two rivals to win the $300,000 Texas Derby. He won the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:45.55, besting Itsmybirthday and Take Charge Tom. Brad Cox owns and trains the Maximum Security colt, who was bred by Gary and Mary West.