Dr. Venkman Comes up Big in the Pat O'Brien Stakes

Dr. Venkman was able to stay on the rail and hold off late challenges from Stronghold and Express Train to win the Pat O’Brien Stakes, earning a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. The 5-year-old Ghostzapper gelding covered seven furlongs in 1:21.53 and prevailed by a half-length over runner-up Stronghold.

The race unfolded with fractions of :22.53 and :44.87 set by Speed Boat Beach and Maymun. That pace set the stage for jockey Umberto Rispoli, who bided his time before finding room on the inside. Once clear, Dr. Venkman powered through to secure the victory.

The win awarded Dr. Venkman a $150,000 first-place check and pushed his career earnings to $661,300, and gave trainer Mark Glatt his first Pat O’Brien victory. The win also secured another stakes score for Umberto Rispoli, who maintained his strong 50% in-the-money rate during the Summer Meet.

As part of the “Win and You’re In” program, the Pat O’Brien granted Dr. Venkman an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar this November. With his late-running style and sharp current form, he is firmly on the radar as a contender on racing’s biggest stage.