American Lion wins Illinois Derby

American Lion won the Illinois Derby by 23/4 lengths over Yawanna Twist on Saturday at Hawthorne Race Course to set up a run at the Kentucky Derby.

Ridden by David Romero Flores, American Lion broke in the lead and raced easily out in front until the head of the stretch, when 6-5 favorite Yawanna Twist and Edgar Prado drew even.

The two horses fought stride for stride down the stretch, until the 1/16 pole when American Lion started to push ahead.

American Lion, the second betting choice at 3-1, covered the 11/8 mile in 1:51.31 on a fast track.

Trainer Eoin Harty Harty confirmed the intentions of the WinStar Farm horse after the race.

"There is only one Derby and we plan on being there," Harty said. "I think we needed to get a race over the dirt and fortunately he responded well to it."

American Lion had only raced on synthetic surfaces in California before Saturday.

The last Illinois Derby winner to win the Kentucky Derby was War Emblem in 2002.

American Lion paid $8.60, $3.80 and $2.80 for winning the Grade 3 race. Yawanna Twist paid $2.80 and $2.20, while morning-line favorite Backtalk paid $3.00 to show.