Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: Oh My, Omaha!

The action was fast and furious all weekend long with Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races happening at Keeneland, Belmont Park, and Santa Anita Park. It was extremely difficult to pick just three horses to honor with our Three Stars this week, but we did our best to narrow it down: 

1. Omaha Beach 

This was the performance that left everyone is disbelief this past weekend. Running for the first time since winning the Arkansas Derby (G1) back in April, Omaha Beach faced the talented Shancelot in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G1) and didn’t disappoint. As expected, Shancelot went to the lead right out of the gate, while Omaha Beach sat in mid-pack. Turning for home, Omaha Beach began to make a move along the inside, but it still looked like Shancelot would win. Omaha Beach kept coming, though, eventually getting past his rival right at the wire for a nose victory. The win sets him up well for the Breeders’ Cup as we wait to see where he will run. The Sprint, the Dirt Mile, and the Classic are all under consideration. The Breeders’ Cup betting will be insane no matter what race he enters.

2. Uni 

Like a rocket, Uni powered past her foes in last Saturday’s First Lady Stakes (G1), winning by 2 1/2 lengths. As usual, she sat towards the back of the field in the early stages, letting a hot pace materialize in front of her. She started to commence her rally on the turn, moving into striking position on the outside when turning for home. From there, she zoomed home on the outside portion of the turf course in what was the most visually impressive race of the weekend. A win like this could mean that she will try to beat the boys in the Breeders’ Cup TVG Mile (G1). You’d have to think that she would be bet heavily in that race.  

3. Bowies Hero 

California shippers had an amazing day at Keeneland last Saturday, winning several big races including the Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes (G1). An evenly-matched field of 14 lined up for the main event in a race that did not disappoint. Breaking from post 5, Bowies Hero sat in midpack up the backstretch. He moved to the outside entering the stretch before beginning his devastating late closing kick, getting to the wire first by 3/4 of a length. This victory at least makes him a player in the Breeders’ Cup TVG Mile (G1) next, which will be contested over his home track at Santa Anita Park.