Last time My Bariley raced on the Chicago circuit, to run in the Grade 3 American Derby, things began inauspiciously: he fell to his nose after the break.  Jockey Santo Sanjur stayed in the irons, kept his cool, and got him rolling late.  Nine furlongs later, My Bariley had improved to third, but a lone leader made it difficult for him to make any more headway.

This visit to Chicago began much more auspiciously, with a clean break from the gate.  Nine furlongs later, My Bariley was in a better spot as well: three quarters of a length in front of his closest rival, and bound for the Hawthorne Derby winners’ circle.

Join me at Picks and Ponderings, and relive today’s exciting renewal of the Hawthorne Derby!