Bonus Points Rallies to Win Parx Derby

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Keith Jones
kjones@parxracing.com

For Immediate Release: Saturday, May 6, 2017

BONUS POINTS LAST TO FIRST WINNER OF PARX DERBY

Despite getting a less than perfect trip, Three Diamonds Farm’s Bonus Points rallied from last on the backstretch and outran his six rivals to win the $100,000 Parx Derby Saturday afternoon at Parx Racing. The three year-old Majestic Warrior, racing for the heralded Todd Pletcher barn, proved the class of the field, exiting the seasonal Kentucky preps at Aqueduct against the likes of El Areeb and Irish War Cry, finding an easier spot to gain the second win of his young career.

Bonus Points broke well, but winning jockey John Bisono showed no intention of getting his colt mixed up in the early pace. Relaxed into the first turn, he actually was carried wide by a rank Curtis and finally settled in racing three wide at the tail of the field and was last as they turned into the backstretch. The pace was set by long shot Greymond with race favorite Alex Again shadowing the leader’s every step on the outside. The pace was moderate, 23.64 for the first quarter with a half mile in 47.31. About six lengths behind with a half mile to go and still at the back of the pack, Bisono gave Bonus Points a nudge to get going and the colt quickly responded and began to make his move on the outside.

Moving to the three-eighths pole, he really began to kick in. With Greymond finally giving way rounding the far turn and Alex Again getting first run and the lead nearing the top of the stretch, Bonus Points was coming fast on the far outside and loomed a big factor as the field turned for home. Alex Again had the lead into the stretch but with a furlong to go, he was no match for Bonus Points. Bonus Points continued to sustain his strong run from off the pace, surged past and quickly began to pull away. By the time they hit the wire, Bonus Points was a solid two lengths in front, despite being wide on both turns and last moving into the backstretch.

Despite having raced against top company all spring, in the seven horse field, Bonus Points went off as no better than fourth choice at 4-1 and paid $10.40, 3.60 and 2.80. Alex Again (1-1) ran well but couldn’t handle the winner in the last furlong, finished second and paid 2.80 and 2.20. Upper Room (4-1) was bothered by Curtis, who continued to be hard to handle, near the half mile pole, had to steady after being in good position, fell back to last but re-rallied to get up for third and paid 3.20 to show. The final time for the mile and seventy yards on a fast track was 1:43.42.