Vekoma’s Praying earns Breeders’ Cup spot with Thoroughbred Club of America S. (G2) victory

Vekoma got his second Grade 2 winner in as many days on Saturday at Keeneland when Praying bested a top-class field in the $400,000 Thoroughbred Club of America S. (G2).

The 3-year-old filly also earned an automatic berth in the Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) at Del Mar.

Coming into the TCA off a sharp score in the Aug. 30 Prioress S. (G3) at Saratoga, Praying was facing older foes for the first time on Saturday and came through with a stellar effort. She settled in fourth a few lengths off the lead down the backstretch. Long Neck Paula had the lead around the turn, with Praying closing the gap while three-wide. Praying and Vahva rolled past the pacesetter in mid-stretch, with Praying out-running her to win by a half-length in 1:10.49 on a fast track.

“She’s always had the ability, but she was getting in her own way,” said trainer Robert Medina. “I think she’ll handle it (the trip to California for the Breeders’ Cup). We shipped her from here to Saratoga and she was fine. I shipped her in here last Saturday and she’s been fine. She kind of got on her toes a little bit in the paddock, but I kind of expected that. As long as she doesn’t get hot, I think she’ll handle what’s thrown at her now.”

Praying is now 3-4-0 in nine starts and has earned $466,040 for Newtown Anner Stud Farm. A $410,000 purchase at last year’s OBS Spring 2-year-old sale, Praying was bred by Jeff Kerber.

Praying’s win pushed Vekoma’s 2025 progeny earnings well over the $10 million mark. In the past seven day, Vekoma’s 2-year-old colt Bottas won the Pilgrim S. (G2) and 3-year-old colt Bracket Buster won the Oklahoma Derby (G3).