LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2016) — Hay Dakota, a Kentucky-bred by new California stallion Haynesfield, wheeled out into the middle of the Churchill Downs turf course and went on to a 29-1 upset Saturday in the 13th running of the Grade 3, $100,000 Commonwealth Turf.
Ridden by Denny Velazquez and trained by Joel Berndt, Hay Dakota rallied outside of Bondurant, the 3-1 favorite in a field of 11 3-year-olds, to prevail by a neck in the 1 1/16-mile race. The Chicago shipper returned $60.20 after finishing in 1:43.60 over firm going.
For horse, trainer, and jockey, it was their first graded stakes victory.
“It’s one of those boxes I’ve wanted to check,” said Berndt, who has trained since 1991 and oversees a medium-sized stable that competes in Chicago and Minnesota.
Hay Dakota lagged back until the field straightened for home. Both he and Bondurant angled out to launch big runs leaving the quarter pole, with Hay Dakota proving narrowly best when farthest outside. Scholar Athlete, the leader for much of the way, finished another half-length back in third.
“I wanted to wait to make my move, and it worked out,” said Velazquez, a 22-year-old Oklahoma native who will ride regularly at the upcoming Fair Grounds meet.