It was a big step up for a three-year-old colt that had never faced graded company, but he had won three of his last four races coming into the Seabiscuit (G2), and he was the only entrant coming in off a win.

He broke slowly just ahead of Swamp Fox and behind everyone else. Five Daddy Darling showed the way as they entered the main track with Dropped Call second and Royal Sevens third. By the time they’d traveled the first quarter mile in 23.62, Carnival O Wow was last, nearly five lengths off the lead.

Around the turn, five Daddy Darling and Dropped Call widened their lead to nearly three lengths over Royal Sevens and Swamp Fox, and it was another length back to Carnival O Wow.

Into the backstretch, Swamp Fox made a move on the outside and Carnival O Wow got past Royal Sevens. Dropped Call was fading, and by the time the field approached the far turn, Swamp Fox was just a length and a half behind him.

Carnival O Wow took up the chase and drew even with Swamp Fox, then swept past him and caught Dropped Call at the head of the stretch. He still trailed the leader, five Daddy Darling, by two and a half lengths. In the middle of the stretch, he swung wide and quickly overtook the leader, passing him in the shadow of the wire to win by half a length.

It was the biggest win of the three-year-old colt’s career, bringing his record to 9-4-1-1 $236.72 and earning him a 103 SRF. The final time, 139.38, was less than half a second off the track record.

Order of Finish:

Carnival O Wow – Came from last to win impressively and in good time
Five Daddy Darling – Led at every call but the last and finished second
Swamp Fox – Made up ground but had to settle for third
Dropped Call – Stalked the pace throughout, but faded to finish in a tie for last
Royal Sevens – As close as third early, but never really a factor, tied for last

CONGRATULATIONS OVAL EXPRESS FARMS!

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES