Omaha Beach colt wins Turf Paradise Derby in stakes debut

E J Won the Cup drew off in the final furlong of the March 14 Turf Paradise Derby to a convincing 3 ½-length victory. The 3-year-old Omaha Beach colt was making his stakes debut in the 1 1/16-mile race following a Feb. 23 maiden win at Santa Anita Park.

The chestnut sophomore is the seventh stakes horse this year for Omaha Beach, far and away the most for any Second-Crop sire of 2024. The list is topped by Kopion, winner of the Santa Ynez S. (G3) who was also second in the Las Virgenes S. (G3).

E J Won the Cup was away quickly and led the field entering the first turn. He turned away a  challenge from Meeking midway on the final bend, then repelled Last Call London in mid-stretch to win as much the best.

The winner is owned by Superfecta King Stable and was bred in Kentucky by Hoolie Racing Stable, LLC. E J Won the Cup’s dam Firsthand Report was a three-time stakes winner and is also the dam of current 4-year-old stakes winner Somebody’s Problem.