Bayern Rolls in PA Derby Over Chrome
Bayern draws off to win the PA Derby.
©Nikki Sherman
Bayern took the lead from the start of this year’s $1,000,000 Pennsylvania Derby (G2) and never let up, toying with fan favorite California Chrome down the backstretch before putting away his competition en route to a 5 3/4 length victory. The three-year-old colt set a new track record for 1 1/8 miles at Parx Racing, stopping the clock in 1:34.47. Bayern is owned by Kaleem Shah, Inc., trained by Bob Baffert, and was ridden by Martin Garcia.
California Chrome faded to a disappointing sixth in his first start back since the Belmont Stakes in June. Tapiture closed late to finish second, Candy Boy was third, and there was a dead heat for fourth between Noble Moon and C J’s Awesome.
Untapable wins the Cotillion.
©Nikki Sherman
In the $1,000,000 Cotillion Stakes (G1), what was supposed to decide the sophomore filly championship turned into a runaway, as Kentucky Oaks heroine Untapable blew by her rivals to win by an easy length. The Tapit filly is trained by Steve Asmussen, owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, and was ridden to victory by Rosie Napravnik.
Sweet Reason closed late to catch pacesetter Jojo Warrior for second in the Cotillion.
Favorite Tale draws off in the Gallant Bob.
©Nikki Sherman
Local colt Favorite Tale also obliterated his competition in his race, the Grade 3 Gallant Bob. The son of Tale of the Cat drew off down the stretch, defeating heavy favorite Fast Anna. Favorite Tale finished in an incredibly quick 1:08.16. He is trained by Guadalupe Preciado for PJG Stable. John Bisono was aboard for the victory.
Edge of Reality wins the Alphabet Soup.
©Nikki Sherman
And in the very first stakes event of the day, last year’s Parx Racing three-year-old champion male, Edge of Reality, took the $100,000 Alphabet Soup Handicap on the turf. The son of Lawyer Ron was ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr. for trainer Graham Motion and owner the Elkstone Group LLC.
