After leading throughout the $500,000 Old Dominion Derby (G3T) while setting a slow pace Sept. 7 at Colonial Downs, Lennox the Grey appeared to lose his advantage in the stretch only to dig back in and edge The Big Con by a nose.
Trained by Arnaud Delacour for owner Willow Pond Stable, the son of Liam's Map secured victory in his stakes debut under a smart ride from Mychel Sanchez. Now a winner of three of his first five starts—all turf—for earnings of $391,398, Lennox the Grey entered off a 3 1/4-length allowance win Aug. 1 at Colonial.
In completing the 1 1/8-mile test in 1:49.77 on firm turf Monday, Lennox the Grey is the latest success story for Liam's Map, who boasts classic winner Napoleon Solo and two of North America's top turf runners this season in grade 1 winners Deterministic and Burnham Square.
Video: Old Dominion Derby (G3T)
Storm's Wake Tops Old Dominion Oaks
In the $250,000 Old Dominion Oaks, William K. Werner's grade 2 winner Storm's Wake prevailed after a duel through the stretch to post a head victory over runner-up Soloist and seven other rivals.
Despite a slow early pace, the Brian Lynch-trained daughter of Oscar Performance rallied three wide to take the lead off the far turn before being engaged by Soloist, who launched an inside rally. With jockey Samuel Marin showing the way, 3-5 favorite Storm's Wake completed the 1 1/8-mile test in 1:48.60 on firm turf.
