KOWBOY ropes in the Derby champion

By ITCH

Just when it appeared the Super Stables VIRTUOSO was about to step back to center stage in Saturday’s Grade I Topicount Special, a newcomer to the Grade I scene swooped in and stole the show.

Pedroza3’s KOWBOY ($29), a 3yo brown son of Empire Maker, fired from a few lengths behind the Bluegrass Derby and New Yorker winner. Virtuoso had the jump on the young gun, but Kowboy kept coming at him and eventually roped him in in the shadow of the wire, getting up to win by a quarter length.

The first- and second-place horses had been reserved early in 13th and 12th place, respectively, and did not make their moves until late. Longshot pacesetter SLEWJINSKY, making a similar class jump from allowance company like the winner, was brave on the front end and carried a brave frontrunning effort all the way to the lane. But, there came Virtuoso like a freight train engine, but with a car behind him that was coming too fast to hold off.

Congratulations to Pedroza3 on a career-making race for this fine colt.