$1 Million Pennsylvania Derby Offers Breeders’ Cup Implications

The $1 million Pennsylvania Derby, held at PARX in Bensalem, Pennsylvania on September 19, has become a highly anticipated event for young, talented horses. Known as a "later" race, it provides an opportunity for three-year-olds and some sophomores to gain valuable experience before competing in prestigious events like the Breeders’ Cup. The stakes were raised in 2007, elevating the race's importance even further.

This year, eleven horses have been entered in the Pennsylvania Derby, including Further Ado, who is the post-time favorite from the Brad Cox barn. The race is set to begin at 5:48 pm eastern time. Top contenders include Zihnal, who has shown improvement recently, and Iron Honor, a son of Nyquist who has been consistently in the top three in his career.

Others include Our Moneyman, Igniter, Talk To Me Jimmy, The Puma, Further Ado, Freedom's Echo, Sassmaster, Micanopy, and Ponder and Dream. Each horse brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the race, making for a thrilling competition.