Hollywood Derby - Never a second thought

By Greg Evans

For the entire race Salamis was several lengths behind, just cruising along, looking out at the crowd, observing the race unfolding at 40 mph.

It’s was a tight race in Del Mar. Right away, Kokosan, jockeyed by Aramando Ayuso took the early lead by at least a length and a half ahead of Tempus Volat on the outside.

There was a bit of juggling for position. You come hard or go home. No place for the meek here.

It was slow pace, a 49.42 1/2 mile, and at this point Salamis was around 6th place. No big deal. The sun was still out. The weather temperate. The mood somewhat relaxed. But expectations were high and moves had to be made.

At the final 1/16, Tom’s Magic overtakes Kokosan who had lead the entire time. Tom’s Magic looks to have it in the bag. Salamis on the outside, wide open, literally floats like Rudolph on a snowy Christmas Eve, closes in on Tom’s Magic and takes the victory.

I jumped up shouting at the TV, “Look at that bastard go!” What a race. The adrenaline was coursing through me for a good five minutes.

There was never a second thought. What showman. Salamis, sauntering back to the stable.

Salamis, a 3-year old colt, was bred in Kentucky,  sired by Speightstown out of the First Defence mare Antone, was trained by Chad C. Brown, and ready to give the world of racing a show.

His stakes wins include the 2025 Hollywood Derby (G1), and the 2025 Gio Ponti (LS).