Seize the Grey triumphed in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing, leading from start to finish under the guidance of 89-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Jockey Jaime Torres rode the colt to victory, covering 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.89. Seize the Grey, the third betting choice at odds of 4-1, paid $10.60 for the win among the field of 11 three-year-olds.
Stronghold, the Santa Anita Derby victor, came in second, with Dragoon Guard finishing third as a co-favorite at odds of 5-2, putting an end to its four-race winning streak. Earlier in the year, Seize the Grey secured a victory in the Preakness before subsequent finishes of seventh in the Belmont and fourth in the Jim Dandy Stakes.
Lukas expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, “The thing about him is that after the debacle in Saratoga, he trained brilliantly ever since. It never changed. He was really sharp every day. This is very gratifying.” The horse has now earned wins in five out of 13 career starts, amassing $2,415,938 in earnings. Seize the Grey is owned by MyRaceHorse Stable, comprising 2,570 micro-share members, many of whom flooded the winner’s circle for a celebratory moment.
Lukas remarked on the emotional scenes following the victory, saying, “I don’t know if I have ever been involved with that many people who are crying and hugging and jumping up and down.” Looking ahead, Seize the Grey may target the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in November, possibly in the Dirt Mile or Classic events.