Da Big Hoss lived up to the hype to prevail in the G3 $600,000 Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs. Florent Geroux rode this son of Lemon Drop Kid around the soggy 1-1/2 mile European style turf course to 1 1-/14 length victory over Bullard’s Alley while Rum Tum Tugger held on for show.
Da Big Hoss $3.00 $2.40 $2.10
Bullard’s Alley $10.20 $6.80
Rum Tum Tugger $12.20
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Going into the race, all signs pointed to a Hoss victory, and in spite of some torrential rain an hour before the scheduled post time, the results came in as expected.
With no early speedsters in the race, the usual late running Rum Tum Tugger challenged the front and procured the lead in a plodding 51.87. Bullard’s Alley, with Marcelino Pedroza on board, took up the perfect stalking spot and sat just off the lead for most of the race. And then there was Hoss.
Geroux rode a perfect race, saving all the ground on the sharp first turn, settling near the back of the pack, then gradually advancing on the inside towards the slow pace setters as they approached the mile mark. Then the eventual winner’s advance quickened. Other closers, including Hoss’ stable mate Greengrassofyoming, seemed to be making big moves on the outside as well, but none of the chasers were able to break into the top 3. Da Big Hoss took over from Bullard’s Alley in the stretch to successfully repeat as Kentucky Turf Cup champion.
Da Big Hoss has really paid dividends to his connections, earning over $1.4million since being claimed by Skychai Racing for a mere $50,000 in June of 2015. There were three claims put in for him that day and Skychai caught the 3-way shake for Da Big Hoss. The only question now is where he will race next. Many have him pointed towards a big purse Australian debut, while his other option is the Breeder’s Cup Turf.
Bullard’s Alley, my selection to cash the big check in the event Hoss didn’t fire, ran a well guided second at 18-1 odds. Everything played out exactly as I had hoped except for the fact that Hoss did fire and win. There was no real speed, the pace was slow and nobody was going to come from far back (except for Hoss). Bullard’s Alley battled gamely and $10.20 to place is a great price, especially with the 1-2 favorite winning the race. The $2 exacta returned $24.60, also a nice price with Hoss on top.
We will be back to try and beat the favorite next week.
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