Doublecents delivered a career breakthrough at Churchill Downs on Saturday night, winning the $295,000 Harrods Creek Stakes for three year olds in his first start against stakes company.
Ridden by Francisco Arrieta for trainer Brett Creighton, Doublecents settled just behind the early pace before taking command in the final furlong. He finished 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Tagermeen and completed seven furlongs on a fast dirt track in 1:22.48.
Doublecents finds another gear late
Creole Chrome established the early tempo, with Doublecents positioned just outside the leader through fractions of 23.58 seconds and 46.71 seconds. American Man, who entered as the favorite after strong graded stakes form, raced along the inside while Tagermeen tracked the leaders.
The field tightened around the turn, but Doublecents moved forward as Creole Chrome began to weaken. Once in front, Doublecents had enough left to repel Tagermeen, who closed from the outside. Creole Chrome held third, one length behind Tagermeen.
American Man finished fourth, followed by Gilded Bandit and Stop the Car.
First stakes victory for Doublecents
The Harrods Creek represented a significant class test for Doublecents. The son of Goldencents entered after a four length allowance victory at Remington Park, then successfully carried that improving form into his first stakes appearance.
The victory increased his career earnings to $317,926 and gave him three wins from six starts. His record now also includes three second place finishes and one third place finish.
Arrieta said after the race that Doublecents broke well, secured a good position behind the leader and still had another gear available in the stretch.
Churchill Downs stakes picture
The result completed the story that began with OTB Bet’s Harrods Creek Stakes preview, where American Man entered as the established graded stakes performer in a compact six horse field. Instead, Doublecents used the opportunity to announce himself as a developing three year old sprinter.
The Harrods Creek was part of a stakes heavy Saturday evening at Churchill Downs. Conceit also produced a late rally to win the Grade 3 Dogwood Stakes, a result covered in OTB Bet’s Dogwood Stakes recap.
Featured image is illustrative and does not depict Doublecents or the 2026 Harrods Creek Stakes. Photo by Jeff Griffith via Unsplash.
