Not only did Sol Kumin win the Beverly D-Arlington Million (G1) double with Dacita and Beach Patrol, respectively, but the co-owner of both those Chad Brown-trained horses saved a bunch of money on Breeders’ Cup fees by virtue of the World Championships’ “Win & You’re In” program.
Dacita earned a berth in the Filly & Mare Turf and Beach Patrol in the Turf at this year’s event at Del Mar.
“This was the spot and the race we’ve been waiting for a year,” Kumin said of Beach Patrol, who he owns in partnership with James Covello and Jay Hanley. “He loves it here.”
Beach Patrol won the Secretariat Stakes last year, and took to the Arlington International Racecourse turf course again like a fish to water with a fluid trip under Joel Rosario to outlast longshot Fanciful Angel to the wire.
“They told me I had to get him out of the gate and get into a good position and let him find himself,” Rosario said. “It took a little bit of time, but he really found his way.”
Beach Patrol’s Million victory snapped a six-race losing streak dating back to last year’s Secretariat, though the four-year-old Lemon Drop Kid colt had finished second in four of those races and never beaten by more than 1 ½ lengths.
“Obviously (trainer) Chad Brown and his team had the horse ready, and we’re super happy,” Kumin said. “It’s funny, I’ve seen the [Million] trophy, and Chad always talked about this is the best trophy in horse racing. It’s always been on the bucket list, and I’m super fortunate to be here with my kids.
“It doesn’t get much better than this.”
It’s possible it could get better in a few months at the Breeders’ Cup, as Kumin not only co owns today’s Win & You’re In Challenge winners but also fan favorite multiple Grade 1 winner Lady Eli.
Longshot Fanciful Angel stayed on for second ahead of favorite Deauville in third.
“We had a good spot on the rail, and he cruised around,” said Daniel Muscutt aboard Fanciful Angel. “Beach Patrol was just better in the end, but I’m delighted.”
“I think he ran a very good race,” jockey Ryan Moore said of Deauville. “He had his chance; maybe the trip stretched him.”
