The Holy Bull Stakes (Grade 2)- $350.000 Purse
GP- For Three Year Olds
One Mile and One Sixteenth on the Dirt
February 2, 2019

Before a forum thread intended to discuss the most improved trainer turned into a discussion about who is the best trainer, I suggested that Joshua Stables was the best candidate for the honor. The long time trainer did do well in 2005, but for the most part, he would not be mentioned as one of the top trainers in the game. In 2018, he had a big year, winning more then ever had in a single season, including the 2005 season. After a month of 2019, he is not only off to a great start, and now with this Holy Bull victory, he has not only the BC Juvenile winner, Beach Dandy as a TC threat, now Dreamscape can be mentioned as having a chance as well. Beach Dandy is still his best horse, but having multiple options for the TC Chase is always a good thing. Congratulations to Joshua Stables on this win, his first career Holy Bull win. Jockey F Pennington wins the race for the first time as well. The time of the win was 1:41.76. Let’s take a look at it!

(1/4 Mile- :23.59)- The race begins with three of them starting well and battling it out to begin the race. Golden Boy, from D J C Racing Stables, pokes a head in front while running in the middle of the threesome. It’s a Laughter runs second on the inside, for Aer Stables, and on the outside here is Joshua Stables’ Demon. Behind them, they are four wide, with Apples To Oranges is slightly ahead of the others here, for Mb Stables. Fight For Freedom (Estero Farms) and Bug Universe (Mo Mentum Farm) run to his inside, and the eventual winner, Dreamscape, is to outside of this group for Joshua Stables. After another two lengths, the other three in the field are three wide as well. From inside to outside its, Serengeti Sands (TwinTowersRacing), Glitter Diety (Mb Stables), and Grappler (D J C Racing Stables).

(½ Mile- :46.89)- Demon pulls away from his early running mates and quickly opens up a lead of just over two lengths out. Otherwise, the field runs in an organized and structured manner without much in the way of noteworthy moves. Each of It’s a Laughter and Golden Boy drop back from that, but they do see Fight For Freedom move up and join them while on the rail. Big Universe and Dreamscape are running right behind them, and are four lengths from the lead. Apples To Oranges runs in the third lane another length back, with Glitter Diety and Serengeti Sands running to his inside. Grappler runs at the rear of the field.

(Top Of Stretch, 1.5F To Go)- As soon as the field approached the turn, many looked to make a move at the same time. The most assertive at this point seemed to be Apples To Oranges, who was looking to make his outside lane work, and push forward from there. He made progress, but had company. Glitter Diety and Grappler were also moving, and a length behind Apples and Oranges. On the inside, Fight For Freedom makes his push and joins Demon while at the front. That lead now is only a length. Big Universe and Dreamscape are now within two lengths. Dreamscape has an ideal lane to show his best stride, keeping to the inside of Apples To Oranges. For now, It’s a Laughter and Golden Boy are hanging with the pack. Serengeti Sands now trailed, but was still within reach.

(Finish- 1:41.76)- Early in the stretch run, Dreamscape was looking the most determined to get to the front, but Apples To Oranges was not going to let it be easy. Grappler was coming on pretty well, too, but could not quite get there. Fight For Freedom and Big Universe were running well to in what seemed to be a battle for third place. Dreamscape prevails in the stretch, thanks to showing quite a lot of heart, to beat a valiant push from Apples To Oranges. In a three way photo for third, Big Universe tops Fight For Freedom and Big Universe. Glitter Diety was decent as well until the end, and Demon runs 7th. Serengeti Sands, It’s a Laughter and Golden Boy finish out the order.

About the Winner- Dreamscape, trained by Joshua Stables, and ridden to victory by the great F Pennington, is a three year old gelding by Always Dreaming, and is out of Vastly. He was bred in the great breeding state of Pennsylvania as a third quarter two year old by Joshua Stables, and the only trainer for which has ever known. Congratulations to the connections! The win is his second in five starts, and is his first stake win. His career earnings are now $256.960.

Track: Fast
Time: :23²  :46⁴  1:10³  1:41³

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 8 – 4 Paid 204.20
$1 Trifecta: 8 – 4 – 2 Paid 1,427.20

Scratched: Commanding Bee

— NS

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES