Happily Unbridled

Nick Zito trained Anak Nakal rallied from far back to run past the front runner, Acai, to win the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Philadelphia Park on Labor Day. This was Anak Nakal’s first win in seven starts in 2008 and he went off at odds of 16-1. Smooth Air, the luke-warm post time favorite, finished third.

The son of Victory Gallop finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby in 2007 and his last win was in the Kentucky Jockey Club (gr II) at Churchill Downs last November. Anak Nakal was ridden by Joey Bravo who notched his third Pennsylvania Derby win.

Acai, at 9-1, had opened a clear lead in the stretch after drawing away from Smooth Air and appeared to be heading for victory but Anak Nakal got up in the final strides to cross the finish line in front.

Anak Nakal appears to be an improving colt and proved once again that it’s always dangerous from a wagering standpoint to ignore a Nick Zito trainee. Congratulations to the connections of Anak Nakal and I’m sure we’ll be seeing him again down the road.

Go Baby Go!