Del Mar Replay | Hollywood Derby 2023: Program Trading Tops Webslinger For 2nd Time

Program Trading won the 2023 Hollywood Derby (G1) at Del Mar, with familiar rival Webslinger the runner-up for the 2nd time following the 2023 Saratoga Derby (G1).

Is Program Trading set to be America’s top older turf horse in 2024? Watch the replay & get the Racing Dudes’ expert analysis, then tell us YOUR thoughts in the Comments section!

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Watch the race replay here:

The press release:

Under a savvy ride by youthful veteran Flavien Prat, the British-bred ridgling Program Trading rolled late to come away a neck winner of the 83rd running of the Grade I Hollywood Derby Saturday afternoon at Del Mar.

The son of Lope de Vega, who was sent west for the race by trainer Chad Brown, was well behind early in the field of seven 3-year-olds in the nine-furlong turf test, but was maneuvered to the front near the eighth pole, then responded to Prat’s urgings to hold off hard-charging Webslinger nearing the wire. Finishing third was Silver Knott.

The winner, who went off at 9-10 in the tote, paid $3.80 after covering the nine panels in 1:47.82. He earned a first prize of $180,000 from the gross purse of $301,000 to increase his bankroll to $695,520. It was his fourth victory in his fifth start, with two of those tallies coming in Grade I stakes.

Webslinger is owned by D. J. Stable and Silver Knott races in the colors of Godolphin.

Brown was winning his fourth Hollywood Derby; Prat won his first.

Prat’s victory was his 94th stakes win at Del Mar, tying him for seventh-best among all local riders and tying him with two Hall of Famers – Bill Shoemaker and Eddie Delahoussaye.

Quotes:

FLAVIEN PRAT (Program Trading, winner) – “He was actually pretty relaxed before the race. We had a good trip; the pace was pretty fair. He relaxed well, he had a good turn of foot. Luckily there was a horse in front of me that bolted around the turn so I had a clear path. As soon as I asked him to make a run, he was there for me. I think he will still improve. He has run well every time.”

JOSE HERNANDEZ (Assistant to Chad Brown — Program Trading, winner) – “The pace was fast and he settled down a little bit on the backside. He was a little behind in the post parade. He was playing. I had him stay with the pony, make sure they’re okay. The horse, he’s been doing so well. We arrived Tuesday, he galloped three or four days. This is our routine, trying to win some races.”