The Parx racing and casino hosted its most awaited equestrian event of the year over the weekend. One among the two stakes held at the tracks pulling in a jam-packed crowd was the day two bet Parx Pennsylvania Derby. The grade 1 stakes saw its opening on a sloppy track on Sunday carrying a purse of $1 million. Racing the course of a 1 1/8 mile dirt track were 11 equines aiming for a win.

The hosted Derby on Sunday wasn’t a regular one for the contesting equines. The Park racing track was a prep ground for the equines heading to the Breeder’s Cup; scheduled for November this year. But as the gates opened for the equines, the crowd had no trouble identifying its winner. While all the ten raced, one equine dominated.

It was gate to wire for equestrian Florent

When the gates opened at the Pennsylvania Derby on Sunday, the Brad Cox-trained colt was in for a win. Saudi Crown, the 3-year-old topped by jockey Florent Geroux, took an early lead in the match. The opening offered to the son of Always Dreaming led him to the finish with a win. Throughout the course, the Saudi Crown had complete dominance of the track. Though Dreamlike stuck by the former on the outside he fell short by half a length to the winner.

Clocking in third, back by six lengths was Il Miracolo followed by Magic Tap. Scotland, who took an early lead to second following the Saudi Prince couldn’t stand his position. Nearing the third pole, Scotland who was hoping for a placing at the derby fell down to the 10th position in his second Grade 1 stakes. However, reigning over the track, Saudi Crown took home the title clocking his finish at 1:50.62.

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“He started looking around the last eighth of a mile. His ears were flopping a little bit; a little bit too much for my liking, but it was great.” Jockey Florent said talking to Paulick Report. Pennsylvania Derby was the first Grade 1 victory for the 3-year-old. However, having just started his career, Saudi Crown holds quite the record to his name.

Saudi Crown’s promising start

The Brad Cox-trained and FMQ Stables-owned son of Always Dreaming, made his debut early this year. Opening his career, Saudi Crown finished with a win at his first 2 starts; Keenland in April and an allowance at Churchill Downs in May. Following up to the Grade 3 Dwyer on July 1st the equine placed 2nd. Steeping up to Grade 2 stakes at Jim Dandy on the 29th of July, Saudi placed 2nd yet again by a nose.

Since his debut, the 3-year-old has had a total of 5 starts to his name with 3 wins and a second. Winning the Pennsylvania Derby earned the equine a total of $546,000 share. The purse pushed the Saudi Crown’s career earnings to a standing of $817,085. “I think he is one of the top 3-year-olds in the country,” trainer Brad Cox said, talking about Saudi post-win.

With the Saudi Crown’s win trainer, Cox is hopeful of the future at the Breeder’s Cup. “He could be in the (Breeders’ Cup) Classic. Based off the pedigree, by a Derby out of a Tapit mare with his physical deal, he could handle the mile-and-a-quarter.” He said according to Horse Racing Nation. The Cup to be held at Santa Anita on November 4 definitely has a new entry to look out for.

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