Thrilling Win for Red Route One in Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap

In a captivating display of racing prowess, the well-traveled colt Red Route One clinched victory in the 27th annual Grade 3, $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap on Saturday night. Owned by Ron Winchell and trained by the legendary Steve Asmussen, the 4-year-old Gun Runner colt carried the top weight of 120 pounds and was expertly piloted by jockey Cristian Torres.

Overcoming a ninth-place start, Red Route One showcased his remarkable ability to close from off the pace, circling his rivals and surging past the pacesetter Unload in the final strides of the 1 1/8-mile race. The winning time of 1:49.62 over the fast main track at Prairie Meadows underscored the colt’s impressive turn of foot.

“Red Route One is truly a remarkable horse,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. “He has competed at 12 different tracks throughout his career, and this victory in the Cornhusker Handicap is a testament to his versatility and class. We’re thrilled to have secured the win for the Winchell Thoroughbreds team.”

The 66-1 longshot Unload held on gamely to finish second, while Ain’t Life Grand, a 5-year-old entire who was third in this race last year, was promoted to third after Velocitor, the winner of the 2023 Prince of Wales Stakes, was demoted to fourth for interference in the stretch.

Red Route One’s triumph marked his first victory since the New Orleans Classic (G2) at Fair Grounds on March 23 and lifted his career record to an impressive 21: 5-4-3. The Winchell Thoroughbreds homebred had finished fourth in his previous start, the Pimlico Special (G3) on May 17, making this comeback win all the more satisfying.

With his well-traveled and successful campaign, Red Route One has firmly established himself as one of the top older horses in training, providing racing fans with an exhilarating performance in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap.

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