Solid Cast On Tap For Lucrative Illinois Derby

A well-matched field of three-year-old runners, some that may have an eye on the Kentucky Derby, will go postward in the $750,000 Illinois Derby (G3) at Hawthorne on Saturday.

Grade 2-placed Dewey Square was an even fifth in the Palm Beach S. (G3) last time for trainer Dale Romans, and the son of Bernardini looks to be coming out of a very key race. Third in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) in his 2012 finale, the sophomore colt is proven on the dirt and could be set up for a peak showing third off the layoff. Gulfstream Park allowance star Gunderman, Gotham S. (G3) fourth Siete de Oros, the speedy Freedom Child, local allowance victor Fordubai, Keeneland allowance runner-up Positively, Battaglia S. third For Greater Glory and The Truth and K G, who was a solid third in the Bay Shore S. (G3) most recently, are also likely for this rich race.

The $200,000 Sixty Sails H. (G3) tops the undercard at Hawthorne.