Masqueparade continues ascent with Ohio Derby win

After an 11-length demolition against allowance foes on the Kentucky Derby undercard, Masqueparade continued his ascent on Saturday when gamely holding off both King Fury and Keepmeinmind to win the Grade 3, $500,000 Ohio Derby at Thistledown.

Bet down to favoritism from an 8-1 morning line, Masqueparade and Miguel Mena stalked the pace while racing wide as Promise Keeper and longshot Hello Hot Rod dueled through through opening fractions of 22.8, 48.08 and 1:12.42 for six furlongs.

As Hello Hot Rod dropped anchor on the second turn, Masqueparade ranged up to take on Promise Keeper and those two battled to the wire with Masqueparade eventually wearing down that rival, then holding off the fast-closing duo of King Fury and Keepmeinmind.

Masqueparade, who paid $6.40, finished a half-length clear of King Fury with another nose back to Keepmeinmind in third. The winning time for 1 1/8 miles on a fast track was in 1:50.82. 

By Upstart, Masqueparade is trained by Al Stall Jr. and owned by FTGGG Racing. He was a $180,000 auction purchase as a yearling. Prior to his allowance win on May 5, Masqueparade earned his diploma via disqualification at Fair Grounds on March 20. He improves his record to 6: 3-0-1 with earnings of $422,208.