Venezuelan Hug gave leading Second-Crop sire Constitution his latest stakes winner on Saturday with a thrilling score in the Millions Turf Preview S. at Gulfstream Park West.
Facing elders for the first time in the 1 1/16-mile affair, Venezuelan Hug was last of ten through the first half-mile, which went in :47.73. He began to make up ground entering the final turn, going around horses and back to the rail as he entered the stretch. He was blocked behind horses and had to alter course twice before diving through an opening inside the final furlong to forge to the front and win by a head.
“The only concern they had was a 3-year-old running against older because most times 3-year-olds aren’t as developed as older horse, and look what he did today,” said winning rider Joe Bravo. “It really shows you this horse has the potential to grow up to be a good one. Today was my first time riding him and I can’t praise him enough and say how good he is.”
Venezuelan Hug has now won four of eight starts and earned $133,790. The gray or roan colt is owned by Spedale Family Racing LLC and was bred by Orlyana Farm.
Constitution has 11 stakes winners across the globe this year and is atop the Second-Crop sire list by earnings, stakes winners, and stakes horses. He is standing the 2021 season at WinStar Farm for $85,000 S&N.
