Churchill Downs Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky.— Klein Racing’s homebred Brilliant Berti lived up to his name with an impressive stakes debut and third straight win over Churchill Downs’ Matt Winn Turf Course when he defeated First World War by 2 ¼ lengths in the 109th running of the $250,000 American Derby (Listed).
Brilliant Berti, winner of a maiden special weight on May 2 and a first-level allowance on June 7, ran 1 1/16 miles over firm turf in 1:41.92. Brian Hernandez Jr. rode the winner for trainer Cherie DeVaux and Louisville-based owner/breeder Richard Klein.
“This horse means the world to me because it’s named after my father, Bert, and he was brilliant,” Klein said. “Brian gave him a brilliant ride today and had him in a great spot. When he won the allowance race last time out at Churchill he got us excited for this spot. It’s extra special winning a race like this with the meaning of the name behind this horse.”
Green Light, an impressive 10 ¼-length maiden winner last out, went to the front as expected as the odds-on 4-5 favorite and led the field of eight 3-year-olds through a first quarter mile in :24.10 with Freedom Principle, Lagynos and Penn Mile winner First World War stalking as Brilliant Berti raced mid-pack in the clear in fifth. First World War made a move down the backstretch to challenge Green Light at the half-mile maker in :48.63 and the pace quickened.
Leaving the final turn, Brilliant Berti swept three-wide to join the leading pair, struck the front with a furlong to run and drove clear late for the impressive victory.
“He’s shown a lot of talent in just a few starts,” Hernandez Jr. said. “He was able to settle off the pace nicely today and had a really big kick coming home.”
The victory was worth $150,315 and increased Brilliant Berti’s earnings to $293,985 with a record of 3-0-0 in four starts.
“We could tell this spring this horse could have a lot of talent early in his career,” DeVaux said. “We knew going into this race he loves this turf course, which can obviously help for any race. I thought he finished up very well and think he has a really nice future ahead of him in this division. Saratoga has some nice races for the 3-year-olds as well as Colonial and Ellis. We’ll keep our options open and head to a stakes event at one of those spots.”
Brilliant Berti, a Kentucky-bred son of Noble Mission (GB) out of the Langfuhr mare Believe in Bertie, paid $13.16, $7.38 and $3.64 as the 5-1 third betting choice. First World War, with jockey Frankie Dettori aboard, paid $4.84 and $2.84 at odds of 4-1. Green Light, ridden by Jose Ortiz, was another length back in third and returned $2.58.
Lagynos, Agate Road, Depiction, Freedom Principle and Moonlight completed the order of finish.
