That may be about to change for the late bloomer from the Brad Cox barn who did not make his first start until April 16. Saudi Crown is two noses away from being unbeaten, but has not yet won a graded stakes. There are 10 stakes, two $100,000 maiden races and $4 million in purses, all anchored by the two $1 million Grade I events, the Cotillion for 3-year-old fillies and the Pennsylvania Derby, the final major race exclusively for 3-year-olds, racing’s glamor division.
Don’t know if the Parx record $18.8 million handle can be eclipsed, but it won’t be for lack of trying by the racing office, which has once again put together a fabulous card for Pa. This year, 151 horses were entered for this Saturday’s 14 races scheduled to be run over 7 hours. Last year, 128 horses ran in 13 races over 6 1/2 hours on the most successful Pennsylvania Derby Day in history.
