Chase The Chaos rallies down the center of the track to win the El Camino Real Derby (Vassar Photography)
Matt Dinnerman/Golden Gate Fields
BERKELEY, Calif.— 3-year-old gelding Chase the Chaos sat off a fast pace, rallied down the center of the track down the stretch, and flew to the lead for a length-and-a-half victory in the 2023 edition of the $100,000 El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday. The El Camino Real Derby is considered one of the most prestigious races in Northern California every year.
Early leader Nullabor was sent to the front and set quick fractions of 23.34, 47.52, 1:12.64. Chase the Chaos, who sat well off the pace, saved ground around the far turn, tipped outside for the stretch drive, and reeled in his rivals while drawing away from the competition in the final stages. Chase the Chaos stopped the clock for 9 furlongs in 1:51.68 seconds. Winning jockey Armando Ayuso steered Chase the Chaos to victory for trainer Ed Moger Jr.
Ayuso was elated after the race.
“You can’t feel better than this,” said Ayuso following his first El Camino Real Derby win. “He’s a horse that’s been improving every race. Today, he was sharp.”
Chase the Chaos, who went off as the 4-1 third choice in the wagering, returned $10.40 to win, $4.40 to place and $2.80 to show. 9-5 post time favorite Gilmore, trained by Southern California conditioner Bob Baffert, had to settle for second and returned $3.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Third place finisher Harcyn paid $3.80 to show. Passrando was next followed by Nullarbor, Sea Dog, In Honor of Autism, and Happy Does.
Bred in Pennsylvania by Mr. and Mrs. Dale Krapf, Chase the Chaos was purchased for $10,000 as a yearling at Keeneland by owners Bill Dory and Adam Ference. With the El Camino Real Derby stakes triumph, Chase the Chaos earned 10 points to the Kentucky Derby and a free, all expenses paid berth into the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Racecourse. Chase the Chaos has now won three races from six lifetime starts, with two runner up finishes and one third place effort. He has accrued career earnings of $123,000.
Live racing resumes at Golden Gate Fields on Sunday afternoon. Early first post is set at 11:15 AM.
