August 10, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Epic Conquest
Rallying through choppy waters, Fort Washington charted a brave course to the winner’s circle in Saturday’s Arlington Million (G1T) at Colonial Downs.
After exchanging bumps with his post neighbor Cairo out of the gate, Fort Washington found himself trailing the seven-horse pack by a fair margin almost instantly.
However, the 6-year-old Claude McGaughey III trainee showed incredible resolve, rebounding from the turbulent start to steal the Arlington by a half-length at 5-1.
Fort Washington’s first career Grade 1 score (fourth graded title overall) paid $13.40.
Weekend Getaway
In the final edition of Saratoga’s $750,000 Sword Dancer (G1T) before it is renamed in honor of the late, great trainer Christophe Clement, it was El Cordobes (IRE) who reigned supreme Saturday.
Making his first start on North American soil, or turf, in this case, El Cordobes showed impressive patience, stamina, and kick to reach the finish line a half-length clear of the competition.
The Sword Dancer was all in a day’s work for the 4-year-old Charles Appleby trainee, who is set to return to Europe after the brief, but fruitful business trip.
At 4-1, El Cordobes paid $10 even.
Stay the Course
A three-race winless streak, which included a 12th in February’s Grade 2 Risen Star, is now ancient history for Giocoso, who dug deep to leave Saturday’s $500,000 Secretariat (G2T) at Colonial Downs a one-length winner.
Entering the one-mile contest both in a slump and 0-for-5 lifetime against graded competition, Giocoso remained an intriguing wagering option as the tied-for-second choice at 9-2.
The Keith Desormeaux charge rewarded the faith of those who stood by his side with his first win since last November.
Back and better than ever, Giocoso paid $11.40.
Am I Dreaming?
Charlene’s Dream turned to reality with a brilliant gate-to-wire triumph of Saturday’s $500,000 Beverly D. (G2T) at Colonial Downs.
Operating out of post four, the 4-year-old filly sped to the front of the six-horse pack, warding off challengers early and often to pull away for the 1 ½-length tally.
The Beverly D represents Charlene’s Dream second graded conquest of the season – her first coming in the Gallorette (G3T) on May 17 at Pimlico.
Now standing at 6-2-0 from 11 starts lifetime, Charlene’s Dream latest success paid $7.20.
Everybody Eats
The $200,000 Yellow Ribbon (G2T) at Del Mar yielded blue ribbon results for the trio of Heredia (GB), jockey Juan Hernandez, and trainer Graham Motion.
In just her third start away from Europe, the 6-year-old Heredia scored her first graded trophy in front-leading fashion as the 8-5 favorite.
In doing so, Heredia gave rider Juan Hernandez his sixth win on the day and trainer Graham Motion his second.
Heredia’s Yellow Ribbon heroics, which capped off the stellar Saturday showing from all three stars, paid $5.40.