Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: Suedois Invades Keeneland

Keeneland returned last weekend, and it didn’t disappoint. Super Saturday Part 2 was exciting across the country as well with tremendous action at Belmont Park and Santa Anita. With the Breeders’ Cup now just four weeks away, each race becomes an important handicapping tool. Let’s check out who made our Three Stars of the Week after a fantastic weekend:

1. Suedois

European invader Suedois made his United States debut a winning one, flying past the pace-setting Heart to Heart to take the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile by a 1/2-length. The win punched his ticket for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile, a race where he could make some noise. The turf course at Del Mar will play a bit differently than Keeneland, but with European horses, half the battle is getting comfortable with the style of American racing. Suedois passed that test with flying colors.

2. Diversify

A New York-bred took the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup! Diversify broke fast from the gate and never looked back, replicating his previous race at Saratoga where he completely dominated the competition. The win earned him a trip to the Breeder’s Cup to run in the Classic, which will delight handicappers looking for another speed presence to keep Collected and Gun Runner company up front. This horse may not be able to win a race of that magnitude, but he will definitely be a major pace factor on the first Saturday in November.

3. Roy H

After some tough luck caused him to get second in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar, Roy H was able to come back and prove his backers right in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Saturday. This time, he got the perfect trip and dominated his competition, including Ransom the Moon, who defeated him last time out. The win certainly springboards Roy H into major contention for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, where he will have to face off with a tough group of sprinters. His rise towards the top of the sprint division this year has been fun to watch.