The ParadeGood Afternoon and welcome to the first running of the Consumato Derby. This is the third leg of the Risorgimento Cup and the weather is looking a little bit trying today. The wind is blowing and the air is biting, it looks like today's field is going to have some serious dust blown into their faces. Let's tune in to the parade as the horses are approaching the gates.
In gate one, leading the parade is Afterglow. This filly is owned by Silver Stride Stables and has just come off a place in the Valorizzare Derby. She looks to be all afire and is giving her pony a solid bumping. This bay gal likes to rule the dirt and is a half-sibling to HOF Deadly Desires and BC Ladies Turf Winner Alluring Assault. She is a well-bred filly, the potential is there and earlier we saw her breezing with fellow stablemate, Dark Charmer, who was unfortunately was scratched from today's race. She is a versatile runner, but her trainers seem to have gathered in longer races that she likes to close, but it also appears that this race is a furlong outside of her preference. Running as the only G3 in this field, we'll see if she has enough to steal a win.
In gate two, we had Dark Charmer, but head trainer and owner decided to pull the three year old colt from today's running.
In gate three, we have Dashing in the Firelight. This Grade two filly isn't too unfamiliar with the winner's circle and she's looking to add another under her belt. Rumor on the track is that this will most likely be the filly's last racing year. Running wise, Fire likes to run in the pack and shows a serious passion for racing and always seems to have a sense of bravery about her when she runs. This race is the perfect distance for her and she looks to be in tip top form. She will for sure put up a fight in this race.
In gate four, there is a grey G2 four year old stallion, TDI Live This Lie. This Santa Anita Derby Winner and Winter Cup Winner is looking completely in control. His head is held high and his eyes are taking everything in, including the competition. Known for his intelligence, we'll wait and see if it will help him to steal another win. It's predicted that this guy will run up front and is expected to be one of the leaders for this race but this race is also at the top range of his running distance. He's good about moderating his speed and stamina, but will it be enough to fend off these strong closers...we'll have to wait and see.
And finally, in gate five, we have Limitless Time. So far this season, he hasn't made many appearances, but is not to be underestimated. He has some big wins to his name, including the Summer, Autumn, Spring and Winter Cups on GHF. He's also won the Climax Cup and the Belmont Stakes. Needless to say, this guy has experience. This race is firmly within his preferred running distance and he likes to run the back of the field to deliver a strong closing. He's recently coming off a 5th place placement in the Dubai Colt Cup and is looking to redeem himself in this race.
The horses are now loaded, with Limitless Time easily loading into his slot. Let's tune in and wait now for the race to commence.
The RaceAn they're off! The gates swing wide and the field breaks as one. TDI Live This Lie is first to the rail, leading the pack. Trailing right behind him and running out of the wind is Dashing in the Firelight and behind her running smoothly is Afterglow leading by a head in front of Limitless Time, who is bringing up the rear of the field. Ladies and gentlemen we are 6 furlongs into this race now and TDI Live This Lie is refusing to give up his lead. Dashing in the Firelight is running patiently in her pocket behind the leader...we're going now down the back-stretch and it looks like Afterglow is easing up...gaining on Dashing in the Firelight...with 4 furlongs now to go...around the bend and we're in the final stretch, look Dashing in the Firelight is making her move, she's swinging out pulling in front of Afterglow cutting her off!!! Where is the fourth horse...Limitless Time...wow there he is! Ladies and Gentlemen, I have heard of this stallion's closing skills, but never have I witnessed it! Look at him go! He's passing Afterglow, who's struggling to now be a challenger, the distance proving too far. TDI Live This Lie is rallying to Dashing in the Firelight's bid...refusing to relinquish his lead...one furlong left and Limitless Time is still charging down the track! What stamina! Look he's actually running now outside of Dashing in the Firelight.
It's TDI Live This Lie inside on the rail, Dashing in the Firelight sandwiched in the middle and Limitless Time on the outside...still upping his pace and Dashing in the Firelight is responding again!!! AND THE WIRE!
Ladies and gentlemen by a head in a last minute response, Dashing in the Firelight had taken the win! Limitless Time has redeemed himself proving that he still has what it takes and TDI Live This Lie comes right behind with Afterglow right on his heels. Looks as though the distance and field proved to be too much, but the filly can only grow from the high caliber competition she's faced today...what an amazing filly.
Now to the winner's circle...
Official ResultsWin Dashing in the Firelight
Place Limitless Time
Show TDI Live This Lie
4th Afterglow
Commentary: I loved Firelight's workout. I knew she wanted this win....and the details including the weather conditions...loved it. She was prepared. It was perfect for her, range and all. I loved Limitless Time too and I was extremely torn between these too, but the extra intensive details in the workout is what made her stand out the most to me. There is nothing wrong with this horse, in fact, I love him. He almost had this, but running back to back also had him more tired than Dashing in the Firelight who was more rested. TDI Live This Lie led most of the race, but Firelight was placed well in the back behind him out of the wind and when the close came she made her bid barely stealing the win, from Limitless Time's bull-dozing charge. Afterglow ran well, but the distance and speed proved to be too much for her. She is an amazing filly, but today the wins went to the older horses, who were running in their prime distances.
You all did a phenomenal job with these horses and you made it really hard for me! Congrats!
Reminder the top three places are eligible for the climax race, The Risorgimento Derby
Dashing in the Firelight - $100,000 + 5 race points
Limitless Time - $85,000 + 3 race points
TDI Live This Lie - $75,000 + 1 race points
Afterglow - Honorable Mention 
