03-08-2025
'He Was Ready': Tomasello Gets Perfect Trip In Ky Downs Preview Nashville Derby
'He Was Ready': Tomasello Gets Perfect Trip In Ky Downs Preview Nashville Derby originally appeared on Paulick Report.
Ironhorse Racing Stable and T-N-T Equine Holding's Tomasello tracked just off the pace before pouncing in midstretch and drawing clear by 1½ lengths to win Saturday's $250,000 Ky Downs Preview Nashville Derby at Ellis Park.
Trained by Mark Casse and ridden by Fernando De La Cruz, Tomasello completed 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.13 over firm turf.
After a clean break, Tomasello sat a perfect trip behind early leader Yinzer, who set a composed pace of :24.31 for a quarter-mile and :49.62 through the opening half-mile. The field of eight remained largely unchanged until the far turn, when Tomasello ranged up to challenge. He surged past Yinzer in midstretch and drew away toward the wire.
Yinzer held second, with Siesta Key closing for third.
'I put him in the position he liked to be,' De La Cruz said. 'He took me into the stretch and when it was time to go, he was ready.'
Sent off at his morning line odds of 9-2, Tomasello returned $11.56.
Tomasello, a 3-year-old son of Authentic out of the War Front mare Dakota Queen, was bred in Kentucky by Barry Becker and Judith Becker. He now boasts three wins from seven starts. The victory was worth $150,175 and increased his earnings to $349,966.
Emergence finished fourth, followed by Coalmoon, Esmark, Mesero and 5-2 favorite Native Runner.
With the win, Tomasello earned an automatic berth to the Nashville Derby (G3), held on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Kentucky Downs.
This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
