SAN MATEO, Calif. — Masterful Advocate did little to tarnish his claim as one of the West's leading Kentucky Derby candidates when the powerfully built colt scored an impressive six-length victory Sunday in the sixth running of the $250,000 El Camino Real Derby at Bay Meadows.
Sent off as the 3-5 choice, Masterful Advocate breezed to the front on the backstretch, then accelerated away in the stretch under jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr. for the easy win.
Fast Delivery overhauled Hot And Smoggy in deep stretch to finish second by one length in the Grade III event. All horses carried 120 pounds.
Plucked out of a 1985 Keeneland yearling sale for $5,500, Masterful Advocate earned $137,500 for his biggest win yet. He covered the 1 1/16-miles on a fast but dull track in a quick 1:42.2.
Masterful Advocate paid $3.20, $2.60 and $2.60; Fast Delivery returned $3.40 and $3.20, while Hot And Smoggy paid $5.40.
