Battle Of Hastings Wins Virginia Derby

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Saturday, July 18th 2009

PROVIDENCE FORGE, Va. (AP) -- Battle of Hastings beat Straight Story by a nose to take the $750,000 Virginia Derby on Saturday.

The photo finish at Colonial Downs was a virtual repeat of last month's Colonial Turf Cup.

By winning the Virginia Derby, owner Mike House has a candidate for the Grand Slam of Grass, a four race series that guarantees a $5 million payout to the winner of twin turf races, the Secretariat Stakes next month at Arlington Park and the John Deere Breeder's Cup Turf in October.

In the Virginia Derby's 12th running, Battle of Hastings had to rally to catch Straight Story, who inherited the lead from front running Affirmatif turning for home.

Jockey Tyler Baze thought he had Straight Story measured inside the last 50 yards to prevail on the outside in 2:03.29 on a soft turf course. In Colonial's Turf Cup last month, Baze held off Straight Story on the rail to win.

Battle of Hastings paids, $9.20, $4.20 and $2.80. Straight Story paid $6.00 and $5.20 and Take the Points paid $6.60.

"Every race is a split decision race," Baze said. "Today it was waiting and waiting and waiting and making sure I had the horse to get up and I know he'll give it to me if I waited long enough. If he's with two lengths by the eighth pole, he's got a heck of a shot because he really has a nice turn of foot. I just had more patience this time because last time he almost got beat."

With his earnings in the Virginia Derby, Battle of Hastings has now earned $906,592 with six wins in 11 starts.

Take the Points hung for third followed by Lime Rickey, Hold Me Back, El Crespo, Affirmatif, Safety Valve and Florentino.

Kentucky Derby starter Hold Me Back was the favorite at post time.