Recapturetheglory upsets to win Illinois Derby

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Cicero, IL (Sports Network) - Recapturetheglory led every step of the way in pulling off the upset in Saturday's $500,000 Illinois Derby at Hawthorne Race Course.

Recapturetheglory was sent off as a 15-1 longshot in the seven horse field with Denis of Cork the even-money favorite.

Recapturetheglory, ridden by E.T. Baird, took the lead out of the gate and led the field around the first turn and up the backstretch. Running second was Golden Spikes with Z Humor in third and Denis of Cork fourth.

Trained by veteran Louisiana trainer Louie Roussel, Recapturetheglory began to increase his lead down the stretch and went on to win by four lengths. Golden Spikes was second followed by Z Humor, Atoned, Denis of Cork, Instill and Real Appeal.

The time for the 51st Illinois Derby was 1:49.01 on a fast track.

Recapturetheglory was making his stakes debut on Saturday for co-owners Roussel and Ronald Lamarque. The three-year-old collects $300,000 with the victory. This was his second career win in six starts and has $333,080 in earnings.

Recapturetheglory paid $33.80, $15.60 and $10.00. Golden Spikes returned $6.80 and 5.40, and Z Humor paid $4.80 to show.

War Emblem used his win in the 2002 Illinois Derby as the final prep race before winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.