The Usual Q.T. Wins Hollywood Derby

The Usual Q.T. had also won the Oak Tree Derby at Santa Anita Park (shown here). (AP Images)

Prior to Sunday's win at the $300,000 Gr. 1 Hollywood Derby, The Usual Q.T. had lost his first five starts, coming in second in four of those races, but then he went on to win his next four races, including the Oak Tree Derby at the Breeders' Cup. Sunday's victory makes The Usual Q.T. unbeaten in his last five starts, and according to jockey Victor Espinoza, it was practically a walk in the park.

"Everything just went my way," Espinoza said. "At the half-mile, he was just cruising, I mean really, really strong. In the middle of the turn I looked back and nobody was coming. I had so much horse I was just waiting for somebody to come up behind me. But there wasn't anybody. Turning for home I let him go and he just cut. The way he ran today was unbelievable."

Race favorite Battle of Hastings came in second, while Acclamation, the 75/1 long shot, placed third. The win paid $11.40; place (1-2) paid $5.00, $4.00; and show (1-2-3) paid $4.00, $2.80, $18.60.

"I don't think I would have if he didn't have a chance," trainer James Cassidy said after the race. "Down the backstretch, I thought, ”˜Wow, he's loaded.' The only way he loses is falling down, so we're very pleased."

Read all about The Usual Q.T.'s win at the Hollywood Derby in the Bodog Racebook's horse racing analyis section.
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