Owendale Continues to Work Toward Travers Stakes
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Photo: JJ Zamaiko Photography
Owendale wins the Ohio Derby at Thistledown
Rupp Racing's multiple grade 3 winner Owendale will look to make his next start in the Aug. 24 Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, trainer Brad Cox said July 21.
The 3-year-old Into Mischief colt, who won the Stonesteet Lexington Stakes (G3) April 13 at Keeneland ahead of a rallying third in the May 18 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course, captured the June 22 Ohio Derby (G3) June 22 at Thistledown.
The Ohio Derby score garnered a career-best 99 Beyer Speed Figure.
Cox said Owendale is training forwardly at Churchill Downs where he has breezed three times since his Ohio Derby score, including a four-furlong effort in :48 4/5 July 21.
"He's definitely possible for the Travers," said Cox. "We're keeping him at Churchill for the time being, and we'll see how things unfold leading up to that. But that's our goal right now."
Purchased for $200,000 by John Wentworth from the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment at the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the talented bay is improving with each start, Cox said.
"With his physical makeup, I always thought he would be a horse that would improve as he got older," said Cox. "He's improved with every race, and his works since the Ohio Derby have been good. He's had some nice moves in the morning and is continuing to move in the right direction."