Webslinger, a 3-year-old son of Constitution, overcame the outside post in the field of 14 to win Saturday’s $500,000 American Turf S. (G2) on the Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill Downs.
The outcome in the 1 1/16-mile race was in question until the very last stride. After the break, Webslinger was able to make his way towards the inside to be in the three path in sixth around the first turn. The top six spots remained unchanged until midway on the final turn, when Webslinger began his move towards the leaders. Webslinger was advancing steadily with Major Dude to his inside, and Far Bridge closing very fast along the rail.
Major Dude gave way slightly in the final yards, and Webslinger got the nod over Far Bridge to win by a nose in 1:41.54 on a firm turf course.
“I’m so grateful that Mark (Casse) gave me the opportunity to ride this horse today,” said Javier Castellano. “At Keeneland, he learned a lot when he finished third, and he broke so well coming out of the gate today. That allowed me to save ground, which we needed coming out of 14. I let the race develop on the first turn, and I really liked the way he did it today, and the way he finished the race.”
Webslinger, owned by D. J. Stable LLC, finished third in the Transylvania S. (G3) a month ago. He broke his maiden in last year’s Nownownow S. at Monmouth Park and is now 3-2-1 in eight starts and has earned $723,800.
Webslinger, bred in Kentucky by Ken & Sarah Ramsey, is the 24th worldwide graded/group winner (16th in the U.S.) for Constitution, whose numbers this year include eight stakes winners and 15 stakes horses worldwide.
