The Puma delivered the biggest victory of his career Saturday at Parx Racing, winning the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby after making a decisive move around the far turn and holding off Further Ado through the stretch.
With Javier Castellano aboard for trainer Gustavo Delgado, The Puma covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.10. Further Ado finished second after a ground saving trip, while Sassmaster finished third in his stakes debut.
Blinkers help The Puma take another step forward
The equipment change proved important. Castellano had recommended adding blinkers after The Puma finished fourth in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga. Wearing them for the first time Saturday, the colt traveled strongly before Castellano asked him to advance from seventh around the far turn.
The Puma quickly reached the leaders, opened a clear advantage in the stretch and had enough left to withstand Further Ado. Sassmaster stayed on for third after racing near the pace.
Breeders’ Cup Classic becomes the next major question
The victory puts The Puma back near the top of the older season conversation for three year olds after a campaign that included a late Kentucky Derby scratch and a fourth place finish in the Travers. Delgado said the colt will return to Saratoga while his connections consider a path toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31.
Further Ado entered the Pennsylvania Derby as the favorite and produced a strong late run, but The Puma had already established the advantage he needed. The result adds another major name to the developing Breeders’ Cup picture as the fall championship season approaches.
More OTB Bet coverage
Review the Pennsylvania Derby preview, then follow OTB Bet’s Breeders’ Cup Classic guide as the championship field develops.
Sources: BloodHorse and Daily Racing Form reporting from Parx Racing.
