The Kentucky Derby prep season got underway with a bang on Saturday as Fox Hill Farms’ 3-year-old Winslow Homer staged a mild upset in the $150,000 Grade 3 Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park. Bet down from his morning line odds of 6/1, the son of Unbridled’s Song split horses in the stretch to power his way home in front of the favorite, Jackson Bend, who was coming off a 5 race winning streak.
Right out of the gate, several horses shot to the front to challenge the early goings, including Piscitelli (who had shown this style last out in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile), Litigation Risk, and Homeboykris.
It was Homeboykris who ultimately had the lead at the opening quarter mark in :23.86, with Thank You Philippe having motored on up to a close 2nd from his position along the rail.
At this point, both Jackson Bend and Winslow Homer were in stalking position, with Winslow Homer getting a slightly easier ride just off the pace pressers.
As the field turned for home, Ramon Dominguez finally asked Winslow Homer for his run, and the colt responded by splitting Homeboykris and Thank You Philippe , emerging from the pack ahead of Jackson Bend. By the sixteenth poll it was a two-horse race, but Winslow Homer would not be denied, hitting the wire 3/4 of a length in front of Jackson Bend.
The final time for the Holy Bull was 1:35.97 for the one-turn mile. Winslow Homer returned $9.60 for the victory with Jackson Bend completing the Exacta and paying $3.40 for place. William’s Kitten was moving well late, finishing 3rd and returning $4.40 for show.
Following the race, trainer Anthony Dutrow indicated that the Fountain of Youth Stakes (Grade 2) on February 20th at Gulfstream Park would likely be Winslow Homer’s next race.
[...] I’m not sure which performance was more impressive between his victory in the Lecomte and Winslow Homer’s victory in the Holy Bull (considering Winslow had to split horses at the top of the stretch – a move you like to see [...]
All i take from this race is that if William’s Kitten is that close to the pace going two turns, he will win the Derby.
Now was it just “fresh” from the layoff, or was it some semblance of positional speed? If it’s the latter, i like him even more.
Can you imagine the Fountain of Youth if all the horses who are heading there actually get to the gate? Buddy’s Saint, Eskendereya, Winslow Homer and Jackson Bend? Can’t wait to see that!
If I had to pick from that group right now, I’d probably go with Buddy’s Saint.
Tencent – William’s Kitten does look for real to me. I keep thinking back to how much better he looked physically than his odds on BC weekend – and with that foundation he does appear ready to move forward and have a very good 3YO season. I think you hitched your wagons to a fine horse well before anyone else was talking about him.
[...] Winslow Homer outruns Jackson Bend to win the Holy Bull [...]