Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: Vino Power

Santa Anita stole the show on Memorial Day with three Grade 1 races highlighting a 10-race card and giving us lots to talk about. The winners of those three races earned our top spots in our latest Three Stars of the Week. Let’s look back on a great day of racing, rank each performance, while also looking at what the future might hold for each horse.

1. Vino Rosso

The son of Curlin finally got his first Grade 1 victory, winning Monday’s Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1). Sent off as the 4-1 second choice, Vino Rosso stalked the early pace setters racing in third, sitting just outside of the favored Gift Box. Turning for home, Gift Box took over while Vino Rosso ranged up in second. With his sights clearly set on the new leader, Vino Rosso took the lead in mid-stretch, then pulled away late to win by 3/4 of a length. This win means that Vino Rosso, at least for now, has to be considered the top handicap horse in the country. He should be set up to run in many of the biggest summer races on the east coast after this victory.

2. Bolo

As they loaded into the gate for the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1) Bolo was the second longest shot on the board after running poorly in his last several starts. Jockey Florent Geroux sent him to the lead right out of the gate and the horse set moderate fraction, while leading by a length and 1/2 up the backside. Turning for home, many probably thought the 32-1 shot might start to fade; however, Bolo didn’t slow down in the least bit. In mid-stretch River Boyne and Bowies Hero tried to make runs at the loose leader, but Bolo kept going, winning the race by a length and 1/4. The win signals that he is back in top form as we head into the bigger turf races of the summer, while he also has earned an automatic berth in the the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita in November. We’ll see if he can be a little more consistent than what he has shown in the past.

3. Vasilika

She has quickly become the most popular horse in California, especially at Santa Anita, where she has now won her last 10 starts. The latest of her triumphs came in Monday’s Gamely Stakes (G1). She sat mid-pack early in the race, relaxing up the backside, before tipping out in the stretch to make her run. Racing wide, it looked as though she might be in a small bit of trouble, as eventual second-place finisher Rymska was making a strong bid along the inside. However, she would be no match for Vasilika, who kept to task, pulling away late to win the race by a length. She has now won 12 of her last 13 starts, with her sights likely set on Del Mar for the summer.