ALBANY, Calif. — Zakaroff won the day’s only Kentucky Derby prep race, capturing the Grade III El Camino Real Derby at nearly 49-1 at Golden Gate Fields.
Zakaroff ($99.60) was the longest shot in the field, more than double the price of Kona Dreams, who is still a maiden.
Zakaroff finished a half length ahead of even-money favorite Ann Arbor Eddie, winning the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:51.34. More Power to Him was third, another 1¼ lengths back, 1 length ahead of fourth-place Tribal Storm. Both were moved up when Ann Arbor Eddie was disqualified from second and placed fourth for drifting out in the stretch, bumping and impeding Tribal Storm.
Ann Arbor Eddie broke alertly and held the lead over Tribal Storm and Kona Dreams through a 23.95 opening quarter-mile. Mario Gutierrez eased Ann Arbor Eddie back as Tribal Storm and Kona Dreams continued in front down the backstretch and on the second turn.
Zakaroff was fourth early, but jockey Kyle Frey had him drop back down the backstretch while saving ground behind Ann Arbor Eddie.
Tribal Storm maintained a head advantage as Ann Arbor Eddie loomed up at the quarter pole and then took the lead in the lane.