The Song Still Rings Strong

G1 Donn Handicap 9 Furlongs 3 Year Olds+

By Post Position:
1. Zephyrbab 3 Year Old Colt Owned: FDL Lodge
2. Pegasus Song 6 Year Old Mare Owned: Goforwand Stables
3. Beamington 5 Year Old Male Owned: Olmo Dorato
4. Isca’s Revenge 5 Year Old Mare Owned: Smokey’s Stable
5. Rolling Thunder 4 Year Old Male Fender Stable
6. Venezia 4 Year Old Mare Owned: Port Pirie Racing
7. Hold That Train 4 Year Old Mare Owned: Parklands


Over the weekend 7 horses walked to the post for this 9 furlong test. For some it was to prove that they are still champions, for others it is a test of things to come. In this field we have 6 horses that have earned over $1 million (the three year old is trying to prove himself).

This field was packed with some high class horses, but it was the 6 year old mare that ran across the wire first. After winning 4 Eclipse Awards, 5 Breeder’s Cup Races (Juvenile Fillies, Distaff – 2007, 2008, 2009), the Dubai World Cup, Kentucky Derby, and Santa Anita Handicap (twice), Pegasus Song is coming back for more and looks to be in top shape for her 2010 campaign.

The five year old winner of the Belmont, double BC Endurance winner, Beamington was a fast closing 2nd and looks like he is also in for another stellar year. Whereas Isca's Revenge looks like she has seen better days with her 5th place finish behind Venezia and Hold That Train.


All the horses broke well from the gate, and Pegasus Song was sent to the lead early her jock pushing her to get to the turn first. The black colt by Bold N' Free Venezia was not be left behind, and they soon began an early duel for the lead. With Isca's Revenge sitting just behind the leaders content to wait, and a few lenghts back Rolling Thunder, Hold that Train, and Beamington waiting to make their move. Zephyrbab was some 8 lengths back and falling further behind.

By the time they entered the backstretch Venezia was in the lead by over a length, with Pegasus Song holding on to third. Isca's Revenge, Rolling Thunder, and Beamington had started to move up on the leaders and Isca's Revenge had taken over 2nd from Pegasus Song with Hold that Train along side Pegasus Song and Beamington a length behind in perfect position.

As they traveled down the backstretch, both Venezia and Pegasus Song's jockeys were giving their mounts a short rest in preparation for the duel ahead. Hold that Train was starting to make his move on Isca's Revenge and they battled for 2nd on the heels of Venezia. Beamington and Pegasus Song were sitting about 3 lengths back waiting for the second turn to make their moves. Rolling Thunder and Zephyrbab were some 9 and 10 lengths back.

As they entered the final turn for home Pegasus Song got a touch from the whip and began making her move with about 3.5 furlongs to go with Beamington on her heels. In front of them was Venezia who held on to first, Hold that Train who held a short lead over Isca's Revenge.

Down on the inside Pegasus Song passed Isca's Revenge and made her move for the leaders. Beamington was forced to go outside of the leaders. With less than a furlong to the finish Pegasus Song caught Venezia and in the last few strides Beamington also caught her finishing the 9 furlong test strong.

Hold that Train beat the filly Isca's Revenge to the wire, and Zephybab moved passed Rolling Thunder who finished last.

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Matt's Notable Mention: Everyone talks about Smart Money being the all-time great for staying in the elite strings for the longest - but this mare just might take that crown from that legend - or at the very least she should be his Queen. This mare was your Champion 2 Year old (winning the BC Juvenile in Track Record time) and although she didn't win Champion Older Female last year she did win the Santa Anita Handicap with a time of 1:57.79 and has won the Breeder's Cup Distaff 3 times in a row (and holds the Track Record).

It will be interesting to see how sharp this mare stays at 6 years old. No one has defended their BC title for 4 years in a row. And maybe if she does still impress at 6 years old more owners will be less likely to pre-maturely retire their horses... but that is a topic for another article.