Howard Be Thy Name wins 2016 Ubet South Australian Derby Group 1 $500,000 at Morphettville (SA) 3yo, 2500m.
Howard Be Thy Name is now the winner of five of his last six starts and remains unbeaten at this track after two other stakes wins here in recent weeks. He settled back in tenth place, one off the rails, behind a moderate pace before improving (wide with cover) from the 800m. He put in a strong run, wide-out, on turning for home, hit the front at the 100m and then proved the superior stayer in scoring impressively.
Etymology began well and was a handy fifth, one off the rails, before improving nicely nearing the home turn. He got to the front on passing the 200m and then battled gamely for a very good second, just finding the winner a bit too good.
Cool Chap went back from his outside barrier (16) and settled at the tail of the field. He tracked up (wide with cover) from the 800m before going deepest of all rounding the home turn. He then fought on well to take the minor placing, putting up a solid staying effort.
Ascot Red was midfield, between runners, went deep (under riding) at the home turn and he then did well in fighting on for a sound (4.2 lengths) fourth.
The favourite Charlevoix settled well back in the field, before improving (wide with cover) from the 1000m. He was deep and under riding nearing the home turn and then just kept fighting on in the straight, without threatening, for (4.7 lengths) fifth.
