Lucky Lindy took command of the $150,000 Grade III Hawthorne Derby midway through the stretch down the middle of the racetrack and drew away to a convincing two length win under mild urging from regular rider Robby Albarado.

While longshots led the field down the backstretch, when the real running began the peoples’ choice stepped up but had to navigate a logjam through the far turn, charging steadily from off the pace.

“The pace up front was very conducive to his running style,” Albarado told Hawthorne’s Jim Miller after the race.

It appeared that European Nucifera clipped heels with Saham through the turn with the former going down and taking jockey Alex Cintron with him.  Horse and rider appeared to be no worse for wear after the spill.

“We had to take the outside ride,” said Albarado .  “The race dictated that I had to go wide.  It wasn’t ideal but he’s a really talented colt.”

Lucky Lindy covered the mile and an eighth over the turf course in 1:48.26 and returned $7.20 for the win. Saham, was able to get by the battling Nun the Less and Mission Driven for second and paid $4.40 to place.  Nun the Less nipped the stubborn Mission Driver for third ($8.20).

The win is the Ontario-bred’s second graded stake in as many starts having taken the Grade III Ontario Derby at Woodbine last out.  The Hawthorne Derby was his first foray outside of his Toronto base.