Five Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events highlighted a tremendous weekend of racing, while the first Kentucky Derby and Oaks prep races for the new season were also contested. Do we already have a 2020 Kentucky Derby contender? Find out in our latest Three Stars of the Week:
1. Dennis’ Moment
This could be racing’s newest superstar. Dennis’ Moment entered the Iroquois Stakes (G3) last Saturday with a ton of hype, which showed up on the tote board, getting bet down to 2/5 favoritism. The Dale Romans trained colt lived up to those expectations, winning the race by 1 3/4-length’s, while being geared down towards mid-stretch. After stalking a solid pace up front, Dennis’ Moment took over at the stop of the lane, passing the front runners like they were standing still. From there, he had plenty left to hold off a fast-closing Scabbard, who gave a solid performance as well. This win obviously makes Dennis’ Moment the favorite for the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) coming up at Santa Anita Park.
2. El Tormenta
Last Saturday’s Woodbine Mile (G1) attracted a top-quality field once again this season; however, none of those “big name” horses were able to cross the wire first. Instead, it was 44-1 shot El Tormenta who was able to get the job done by 1/2-length on the wire. After sitting mid-pack, El Tormenta was behind several horses when entering the stretch. He found an opening along the inside, though, quickly splitting horses and gaining momentum. From that point on, he had to pass the favored Got Stormy, which he was slowly able to do with a rail skimming rally. This horse now will get the opportunity to compete in the TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) next after this shocking victory.
3. Old Persian
Old Persian is one of the classiest turf horse in the world, which made for an exciting North American debut for him last Saturday in the Northern Dancer Stakes (G1) at Woodbine. The international star did not disappoint, making short work of his rivals, cruising home to a 2 1/2-length triumph. Right from the beginning it looked as though Old Persian was the best horse, while he also sat a perfect stalking trip up the backside. At the top of the stretch he had already taken control of the race, before kicking clear of his rivals without much difficultly. The Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) is a loaded race this season; however, Old Persian would fit into that group well if his connections plan on sending him there.
