Give It a Whirl took the lead a few strides out of the starting gate and was never threatened on the way to posting a one-and-three-quarter length victory in the $100,000 Bald Eagle Derby at Laurel Park on Sunday, 4 Aug.
Originally scheduled for nine furlongs on the turf, the race was moved to the main track due to overnight rain. The surface switch made no difference to the three-year-old Hard Spun gelding, whose prior victories came on the main track.
Give It a Whirl broke alertly and vied briefly for the lead with Wine Collector before edging clear of that rival heading into the clubhouse turn. Give It a Whirl opened up a two-length advantage as he led the field down the backstretch and into the far turn, setting a comfortable pace while not being asked for his best.
Still in control at the top of the lane, Give It a Whirl was set down for the drive and responded, digging deep and holding off the late rally of Mugatu to earn the victory. Cinder Block closed for third.
Give It a Whirl was bred in Kentucky by Gregory and Caroline Bentley Breeders, and he is out of Chic Thrill, a Stakes-placed daughter of Smart Strike. Chic Thrill’s dam is Canadian Champion Juvenile Filly, Catch The Thrill (A.P. Indy), making her a half-sister to Stakes winner Curlin’s Catch (Curlin).
In addition to Give It a Whirl, Hard Spun is also the sire of Sparkle Blue, winner of both the G3 Hillsborough Stakes and Big Dreyfus Stakes in 2024; Necker Island, winner of the Iowa Sprint Stakes; Good Lord Lorrie (Woodhaven Stakes); Informed Patriot (Bath House Row Stakes); Kupuna (Evangeline Mile) and Drum Roll Please (Jerome Stakes).
