Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: The Hot Springs King

The action kept rolling last weekend as we continue to progress towards the  first Saturday in May. However, it wasn’t all about the 3-year-old’s this time around, with several older horses stepping up and making a splash. Let’s check out are latest Three Stars of the Week: 

1. Whitmore 

Are you kidding me?!? Oaklawn Park should build of statue of Whitmore after he was able to capture the $150,000 Hot Springs Stakes for the fourth straight season last Saturday. After breaking last, Whitmore was able to get into solid position on the backside, while saving ground on the rail. Turning for home, you could tell he was loaded and ready to roll, taking dead aim on the front running Mr. Jagermeister. At mid-stretch he was able to fly by the pace setter, coming home for a solid 2 1/2-length victory. The 7-year-old has now earned $2,936,350, while there looks to be plenty left in the tank for yet another solid 2020 campaign. 

2. Authentic 

This Bob Baffert trained colt made every pole the winning one last Saturday, taking home the San Felipe Stakes (G2) in wire to wire fashion. After stumbling a bit out of the gate, Authentic quickly recovered, while jockey Drayden Van Dyke sent him to the front. From there, he cruised on the lead setting solid fractions. Honor A.P. was the first to take aim at the leader when turning for home; however, he could make up little ground. In the end, Authentic was never under pressure in the stretch, winning the race by 2 1/4-lengths. He is now a perfect 3 for 3, while becoming one of the top Kentucky Derby Contenders heading into the last round of preps. 

3. River Boyne 

The most exciting race of the weekend came in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes (G1), where River Boyne was able to out-finish Got Stormy with a furious late rally. River Boyne secured solid position early in the race, sitting in mid-pack, while saving ground on the rail. Turning for home, Got Stormy made her move on the outside, taking the lead from the pace-setting Kingly. For a moment she looked home free; however, River Boyne continued with a steady rally up the rail. Approaching the wire, River Boyne was able to get past Got Stormy in the final few jumps, winning by a neck. This division always provides plenty of exciting races, with this year looking to be no different.