As the Breeders’ Cup World Championships draw near, North American horse racing fans shifted their focus to an eventful weekend of racing, especially in the turf and 2-year-old divisions.
While it’s unlikely that these weekend winners will figure into the Breeders’ Cup, they are expected to take on more significant roles as we move further into the horse racing schedule and into 2025. Here’s a rundown of some of the key races and outcomes across North America.
Keeneland: Brunacini and Emery Impress Horse Racing Odds
At Keeneland, Brunacini pulled off a surprising victory in the $300,000 Grade III Perryville Stakes for 3-year-olds on Saturday. Coming in as a 28-1 longshot, Brunacini made a late rally down the stretch and managed to hold off the odds-on favorite, Book’em Danno, by a neck. Book’em Danno, who was previously second in the Group 3 Saudi Derby, suffered his second consecutive defeat.
Later that day, Emery continued her winning ways by capturing the $350,000 Grade II Lexus Raven Run Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Emery finished the 7 furlongs in 1:23.21, outpacing her rivals by 2 lengths.
On Sunday, Cox’s successful weekend continued when Chop Chop secured a narrow win in the $300,000 Grade III Rood & Riddle Dowager Stakes for fillies and mares. Chop Chop completed the 1 1/2-mile race on firm turf in 2:29.00, holding off Forever After All by a nose. These results certainly offer promising prospects for future races on the horse racing schedule.
Aqueduct: Child of the Moon and Valuation Metric Shine
At Aqueduct, Child of the Moon made a strong impression by winning the $150,000 Athenia Stakes for fillies and mares. The 4-year-old French-bred filly showed great form, coming from behind to edge out favorite Prerequisite by a neck.
With Manny Franco aboard, she finished the 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:48.63. This marks her second win in three starts since arriving from France, showing she’s a horse to watch in upcoming races.
Chad Brown’s success in turf racing continued as he saddled Valuation Metric to victory in the $150,000 Awad Stakes for 2-year-olds on Saturday. Valuation Metric finished the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.71, defeating Tiz Dashing by a head.
On Sunday, Irish-bred Opulent Restraint narrowly won the $150,000 Chelsea Flower Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Brown’s stable continues to deliver in East Coast turf races, cementing his dominance in the division.
Woodbine: Dresden Row Delivers in Ontario Derby
At Woodbine, Dresden Row showcased his talent in the $135,000 (Canadian) Grade III Ontario Derby on Saturday. The Kentucky-bred colt, locally trained by Lorne Richards, took the lead in the stretch and held off Bail Us Out to win by half a length.
Ryan Munger guided Dresden Row to victory, completing the 1 1/8 miles on an all-weather track in 1:49.12. This marked Dresden Row’s fifth win in eight starts, all at Woodbine, making him a rising star in the region.
On Sunday, Unbridled Weather won the $100,000 (Canadian) Frost King Stakes for Ontario-sired 2-year-olds by a neck over Awesome Rainbow. Meanwhile, Brengungirl captured the South Ocean Stakes for 2-year-old fillies, rounding out a weekend of impressive performances in the 2-year-old division at Woodbine.
Gulfstream Park and Other Highlights
At Gulfstream Park, Rated by Merit maintained his undefeated streak with a dominant 3 1/4-length victory in the $200,000 Affirmed Division of the Florida Sir Stakes. Owner Vinnie Viola expressed confidence that this colt would continue to develop over the coming months, indicating Rated by Merit could have a bright future in the sport.
Win N Your In also avenged a previous defeat, winning the $200,000 Susan’s Girl Division by 4 1/2 lengths, with trainer Carlos David crediting the better weather conditions for the filly’s improved performance.
Meanwhile, at Santa Anita, Sumter took the $80,000 Lure Stakes with Mike Smith timing his ride perfectly to secure a narrow neck victory over Mi Hermano Ramon. Sumter covered the mile on firm turf in an impressive 1:32.90.
Looking Ahead to the Future and the Breeders’ Cup
While many of these horses may not be making their mark at the upcoming Breeders’ Cup, their performances over the weekend give horse racing fans plenty of reasons to keep an eye on them as they develop into potential stars for 2025.
As we near the end of the 2024 season, the horse racing odds for these young and improving horses will be worth tracking in future stakes races. The performances of these weekend winners offer a glimpse into the next wave of talent that could dominate the horse racing schedule in the months to come.
