Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted August 24 Journalists Posted August 24 Dr. Venkman (g, 5, Ghostzapper–Theory of Change, by Archarcharch), winner of the GII San Diego Handicap at Del Mar 13 months ago, returned to the scene of his biggest career triumph to add the GII Pat O'Brien Stakes Saturday. The $250,000 Pat O'Brien, run at seven furlongs, offers a 'Win and You're In' berth into the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, to be held over this surface Nov. 1. He may have spent the most time in the gate, but he took the shortest way around the track. Dr. Venkman was loaded first for his rail position, only to patiently wait as two rivals–Stronghold (Ghostzapper) and Spirit of Makena (Ghostzapper)–broke through the stalls and needed to be reloaded. Unfazed, Dr. Venkman settled into a midpack spot as Speed Boat Beach (Bayern) and 'TDN Rising Star' Maymun (Frosted) traded punches up front through :22.53 and :44.87 fractions. Dr. Venkman stayed on the rail, powered to the front at the top of the stretch, and held sway, getting the seven panels in 1:21.53. Stronghold finished second, while veteran Express Train (Union Rags) was third. Spirit of Makena was pulled up before the finish. O-Alipony Racing, Dan J. Agnew, Clint Bunch, & James Hailey; B-1-Ghostzapper Syndicate and Hidden Brook Farm (Ky); T-Mark Glatt; J-Umberto Rispoli. Squeezing through! Dr. Venkman & @umbyrispoli win the Pat O'Brien Stakes and earn a ticket to the @BreedersCup Dirt Mile. pic.twitter.com/310eBhcTrY — Del Mar Racetrack (@DelMarRacing) August 24, 2025 The post Dr. Venkman Wins Pat O’Brien, Earns BC Dirt Mile Berth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.