Pixelate swoops late to take G2 Del Mar Derby

Pixelate finished with a flourish to get up on the line and record a first Graded victory in the G2 Del Mar Derby over nine furlongs on turf at Del Mar, USA, on Sunday, 6 September.

The City Zip colt has proven a model of consistency for trainer Michael Stidham and shipped to California having placed on all five of his previous starts in 2020, including a rallying second in Delaware’s G3 Kent Stakes in July.

After being slightly impeded leaving the stalls, Pixelate soon settled in third as Dominant Soul and Margot’s Boy opened up a clear advantage over the rest of the field. All three horses continued to hold their positions as the runners bunched turning for home, with Pixelate quickening strongly inside the final furlong to collar Margot’s Boy in the last stride for a head success.

Winning jockey Umberto Rispoli said: “I talked to Mike Stidham this morning, and we both agreed that we had the best horse in the race. I said I wanted to ride him up closer than normal for him - I told him this is a smaller tighter course, not like Churchill Downs. He told me to ride him like I wanted. I had a great trip and he fired when he had to. I am very happy. I have waited 16 years to wear these silks."