Super Derby is all Departing

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Bossier City, LA (Sports Network) - Odds-on favorite Departing swept to victory in Saturday's $500,000 Super Derby for 3-year-olds at Louisiana Downs. The gelding covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.08 over a fast track.

Trained by Al Stall Jr., Departing went off as the 3-10 favorite in the seven-horse field with jockey Robby Albarado getting the mount for the second straight race on the gelding.

Departing, owned by Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider, was sitting just off the pace that was being set by Ruler of Love with Cameo Appearance running second.

Around the final turn, the favorite drew even with Ruler of Love and then easily passed the colt heading into the stretch. Departing, in his first start in five weeks, drew away from the competition and registered a four-length win over Ruler of Love.

Cameo Appearance held on for third followed by Treasury Bill, Runaway Stephen, Bashaar and Holiday Mischief.

Departing notched his fifth win of the year and sixth overall while adding $300,000 to his bankroll. The 3-year-old has earned $1,379,500 in eight lifetime starts.

Albarado, who rode the gelding in winning last month's West Virginia Derby, previously won the Super Derby in 2006 aboard Strong Contender.

Departing began 2013 with an allowance win at Fair Grounds and a minor stakes victory at Sam Houston Park. He was third behind Revolutionary in the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds and won the Illinois Derby as the 19-10 favorite at Hawthorne.

Unable to start in the Kentucky Derby, Departing went in the Preakness Stakes but finished sixth to Oxbow.

Departing paid $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10. Ruler of Love returned $5.80 and $4.00, and Cameo Appearance paid $3.60 to show.