MOVE over. Creator nudged stablemate Gun Runner for room on the Steve Asmussen Derby van.

Owned by WinStar Farm, the son of Tapit put his stamina to good use, rolling from 12th to win the Grade 1 Derby prep at Oaklawn Park last Saturday.

Creator relished the stretch to nine furlongs with a powerful move that booked his ticket to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. niggled the grey colt away from the gate, but the cue was ignored as Creator lagged in last as Gettysburg and favourite Cupid sparred on the lead.

Going inside closers Whitmore and Suddenbreakingnews on the turn, Creator built his own bridge, rallying around four horses in the stretch and staving off Suddenbreakingnews and Whitmore.

Santana, one of Asmussen’s mainstay jockeys, punched the air and saluted the packed Oaklawn Park crowd as Creator roared under the wire.

Cantering back, Santana was still pumping his fist. Walking around before the winner’s circle, yes, Santana was still pumping his fist. Guess that’s what it’s like to stamp your ticket to the Kentucky Derby.

Favourite Cupid faltered to finish 10th and is likely to miss the Derby.