The Usual Q.T. takes Hollywood Derby November 30th, 2009
The Usual Q T held off a charge from favorite Battle of Hastings to win the $300,000 Hollywood Derby for his fifth straight victory on Sunday at Hollywood Park.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, The Usual Q.T. was third in the field of a dozen 3-year-olds for most of the 1 1/4-mile turf race, moved up to second coming out of the turn and kicked clear of the field to win in 1:59.69.
The Usual Q.T. paid $11.40, $5 and $4. Battle of Hastings paid $4 and $2.80. The longest shot in the field Acclamation briefly had the lead in midstretch, but had to settle for third and paid $18.60 to show.
A California-bred gelding trained by James Cassidy for owner Don Van Racing, Inc., The Usual Q.T. took six races to break his maiden but has not lost since. He earned $180,000 Sunday to raise his career total to $406,670.
The victory came on Zenyatta Day at Hollywood Park, in which the undefeated mare took a final jog and got a final round of applause at her home track in front of a crowd that included owners Jerry and Ann Moss, trainer John Shirreffs, jockey Mike Smith and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Zenyatta is heading to retirement with a 14-for-14 record that included a win over males in the $5 million Breeders Cup Classic on Nov. 7.
Earlier Sunday, The Mailet rallied to beat In the Slips by a half-length to win the $100,000 Miesque Stakes for 2-year-old fillies.
Ridden by Joel Rosario for trainer Bruce Levine, The Mailet covered one mile on turf in 1:35.05 and paid $25.40, $9.40 and $6. In the Slips paid $5 and $3.40. The favorite, Connie and Michael, was another half-length back in third and paid $3 to show.