Big rally carries Donegal Moon to Pegasus S. (G3) win
June 19, 2016
Malibu Moon’s up-and-coming 3-year-old colt Donegal Moon stamped himself as a possible contender for the $1 million Haskell Inv. (G1) on July 31 with his victory in Sunday’s $150,000 Pegasus S. (G3) at Monmouth Park, the local prep for the meet’s signature event.
Donegal Moon had flashed talent in previous starts, but finally put everything together in Sunday’s 1 1/16-mile contest, coming from about 10 lengths off the pace at the half-way point with a strong rail rally before splitting horses in the stretch and ultimately winning by 1 1/4-lengths in 1:44 on the fast main track (VIDEO).
The victory was good for a very solid 93 Beyer Speed Figure.
“Todd (trainer Pletcher) texted me earlier and the instructions worked out perfectly,” said winning jockey Joe Bravo. “There was so much early speed in the race and the race set up great for us. In the stretch, he really came running strongly.”
Donegal Moon was a $220,000 purchase by his owner Donegal Racing at the 2014 Keeneland September Yearling sale. Bred in Kentucky by Patchen Wilkes Farm, the chestnut colt hails from the same female family as Champion Turf Mare Possibly Perfect.
Malibu Moon’s runners have earned in excess of $4.8 million to date in 2016. Additionally, with 79 overall winners to date, he ranks in the top 10 on the General Sire list.