Baffert's Desert Gate overcomes stumble to win Texas Derby

Omaha Beach's Desert Gate Airs in Texas Derby at Lone Star Park

Capping a productive day for the team of Pegram, Watson and Weitman and trainer Bob Baffert, Desert Gate (Omaha Beach) powered away from his rivals with ease to score in the Texas Derby at Lone Star on Monday. The group was also represented by Usha (Tiz the Law), winner of the GIII Winning Colors Stakes at Churchill Downs on Monday. Pounded down to 1-5 favoritism while getting Lasix for the first time, Desert Gate broke sharply and put the screw…

Baffert's Desert Gate overcomes stumble to win Texas Derby

Odds-on favorite Desert Gate shook off an early stumble at the break, took command on the backstretch and drew off to a 6 1/4-length victory Monday in the $300,000 Texas Derby Stakes at Lone Star Park. Irad Ortiz Jr. rode the 1-5 winner for trainer Bob Baffert in the 1 1/16-mile dirt race for six 3-year-olds. Vintage Cowboy (11-1) briefly led from the inside through an opening quarter-mile in 23.49 seconds before Desert Gate took over heading do…