Graded stakes juveniles earn Breeders’ Cup berths at Woodbine and Churchill Downs
September 16, 2019
Back to Our News PageTopped by a pair of Grade 1 winners at Woodbine, four Kentucky-bred 2-year-olds earned automatic berths in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup with victories in “Win and You’re In” challenge races over the Sept. 14-15 weekend.
The focus at Woodbine was on the turf on Sunday. Decorated Invader won the $250,000 Summer S. (G1) to secure his spot in the Juvenile Turf (G1). The Declaration of War colt is out of the Arch mare Gamely Girl and was bred by Redmon Farm LLC. He sold to West Point Thoroughbreds for $200,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling sale.
The Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) spot was earned by Abscond, who won the $250,000 Natalma S. (G1) in a very tight three-way photo. The Blame filly is owned by Apogee Bloodstock and Mike Anderson Racing. Bred by Michael Niall, Abscond is the second foal out of Solitary Life, who has three stakes-winning siblings.
Saturday at Churchill Downs, a pair of 2-year-olds earned their way into the main track Breeders’ Cup races. On the distaff side, Lazy Daisy won the Pocahontas S. (G2) and is on her way to the Juvenile Fillies (G1). The daughter of Paynter was bred by John Elder and Paynter Syndicate. Out of Romantic Intention, Lazy Daisy is from the same family as top-class sprinter Valid Expectations.
Rounding out the quartet is the brilliant Dennis’ Moment, who was an easy winner of the Iroquois S. (G3) and is on his way to the Juvenile (G1). The son of Tiznow, who broke his maiden by nearly 20 lengths, is owned by Albaugh Family Stables and sold for $400,000 at the 2018 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling sale. Bred by Tolo Thoroughbreds, Dennis’ Moment is the first foal out of Transplendid.