Imperialism Seeking New World to Conquer

None of the 3-year-olds entered in today’s $150,000 Oak Tree Derby has made more money than Imperialism.

A son of Langfuhr owned by Steve Taub and trained by Kristin Mulhall, Imperialism has banked $547,605 while winning five of 18.

However, the gray will be trying to do something he has never done before in the Derby -- win on the turf.

In a career that began in Florida, Imperialism has failed to win in three previous starts on the grass, and the 1 1/8 -mile Derby will mark his first appearance on the turf since he finished fifth in the Tropical Park Derby at Calder on Jan. 1.

The 5-2 morning-line favorite in the Grade II, which is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $478,072, is Greek Sun. Owned by Peter Angelos, who also owns the Baltimore Orioles, the Danzig colt has won three of five on grass, and all three of his victories have come in California. He has won twice on the Santa Anita course and also won the Cinema Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Hollywood Park on June 26.

The field is completed by On The Acorn, Hendrix, Whilly, Borrego (who got his first win on this turf course nearly a year ago), We All Love Aleyna, Laura’s Lucky Boy (the 7-2 second choice), Semi Lost and Terroplane.

Race of the day: Molto Vita, second to Lady Tak in the Gallant Bloom at Belmont Park a week ago, heads a field of six fillies and mares in today’s $125,000 Thoroughbred Club of America at Keeneland. Rafael Bejarano will ride the 4-year-old Carson City filly in a Grade III at six furlongs. My Trusty Cat, Souris, Summer Mis, My Boston Gal and Our Josephina complete the field.

One for the road: Leopard Hunt scored cleverly in her first in this country and first after a long layoff and can come right back for trainer Michael Dickinson in today’s fifth at Keeneland. John McKee will ride the 3-year-old Diesis filly in the $54,000 allowance at a mile on the turf.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Stonebridge Lady in the second, Direct Male, True Dancer and Domingo Juan in the third, and Gold Bankers Gold, Cahill Mango and Coronado’s Pride in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/52. Money: Previous day/meet total: $11/$297.30. Total money bet: $260.