J. Paul Reddam’s Frank Conversation won Saturday’s Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields, getting his first graded stakes victory. He covered the 1 1/8 miles on the main track in 1:50.64 and earned his first 10 points toward the Kentucky Derby in May. He is trained by Doug O’Neill and was ridden to victory by Mario Gutierrez.
Tusk closed strongly to be second, with Kasseopia rallying for third.
The three-year-old son of Quality Road out of the Unusual Hear mare Rushen Heat was bred in Kentucky by Marc Keller. He was a $120,000 purchase at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale of 2-year-olds in training, and has now improved his record to three wins from six starts with a total career bankroll of just over $230,000.
Photo Credit: Shane Micheli/ Vassar Photography