Thrilling Oaklawn H. (G2) goes to Distorted Humor’s Quip

Quip held off a host of challengers in a driving rain to take Saturday’s $750,000 Oaklawn H. (G2), with just a length separating the top five finishers.

The 4-year-old old Distorted Humor colt, winner of last year’s Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and second in the Arkansas Derby (G1), is now 4-1-1 in eight outings and has earned $942,500 for the partnership of WinStar Farm (also his breeder), China Horse Club and SF Racing LLC.

After breaking alertly, Jose Ortiz took Quip slightly back going into the first turn, content to track the leaders from fourth through a half-mile in :47.96. With three furlongs to run, Quip began to close in on the leaders and struck the front in mid-stretch. Digging in late, he held off Lone Sailor to win by a neck in 1:50.21 for the nine furlongs on a very sloppy racetrack.

“He’s been taking us on a fun ride. It’s very sweet,” said winner trainer Rodolphe Brisset. “This horse is special. I had no idea (if Quip won). Lone Sailor made his usual run. He came running at the end. I’m sure it was a short nose.” 

Quip was the first foal out of Princess Ash, who is a half-sister to Grade 1-placed Normandy Invasion. 

Distorted Humor’s leading runners this year include Restless Rider, second in last week’s Ashland S. (G1) and a leading contender for the Kentucky Oaks (G1).