Owner not on hand to see Souvenir Copy win Derby Trial

Souvenir Copy (center) holds off Yarrow Brae (right) and Black Cash to take the Derby Trial    (AP)

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AP) -- Souvenir Copy won the Derby Trial Saturday on opening day at Churchill Downs, but his disappointed owner was not on hand to watch.

John C. Mabee, who owns the colt with his wife, Betty, had planned to attend the race, but he flew home to California Friday after his unbeaten Kentucky Derby contender, Event of the Year, sustained a slab fracture of the right front knee during a workout.

Event of the Year, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, underwent surgery on Saturday at a veterinary hospital at Versailles.

Souvenir Copy, a slight favorite over Yarrow Brae, made a big move on the turn, took the lead in the upper stretch and won by 21/4 lengths over Yarrow Brae in 1:35 4-5 for the mile.

The winner is trained by Bob Baffert, who won the 1997 Kentucky Derby with Silver Charm and who will try to win the 124th Derby next Saturday with unbeaten Indian Charlie or Real Quiet.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas said before the Derby Trial that Yarrow Brae would have to win big to go to the Derby. After the race, however, Lukas was noncommital, saying he would have to talk to owners Michael Tabor and Mrs. John Magnier.

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"I don't have to decide today," said Lukas, who will start Cape Town in the Derby.

None of the other seven Trial horses is expected to run in the 1 1/4-mile Derby. Baffert said the Illinois Derby at Sportsman's Park May 9 will be Souvenir Copy's next race.

Souvenir Copy, ridden by David Flores, paid $6.40, $3.60 and $2.60 and earned $70,240 from a purse of $113,300. Yarrow Brae, ridden by Jerry Bailey, returned $3 and $2.60 after finishing three-quarters of a length in front of Black Cash, ridden by Shane Sellers. Black Cash paid $3.60.

Completing the order of finish were Swear By Dixie, Missionary, Silver Launch, Mr. Producer and Dontletthebigonego.

The spring meeting opening was attended by a crowd of 16,336.

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