What is the mark of a real star athlete? Obviously, big performances are important. But, in reality, to define really good it is all about consistency. Who can bring it every time, that is one of the things that separate pretenders from contenders.
In recent times, the California Thoroughbred racing circuit has been privy to a horse that has proven to be a cut above. The Chosen Vron has been a model of consistency since breaking his maiden at first asking on December 27, 2020 at Santa Anita. Five wins, a second, and two third place finishes in his first eight starts spoke of his quality. But since a fifth-place finish in the Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar on August 27, 2022, this son of Vronsky has been a model of winning consistency.
On September 17, 2022, this Eric Kruljak trained California-bred began an eight race all-stakes win streak. Culminating with a win in the grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar on July 29, 2023, a common theme was present in all. Possessing the ability to finish with authority, The Chosen Vron has closed better than Bruce Sutter. Lengthening his stride down the lane has been his winning trademark.
The streak was broken in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint when Vron finished fifth. Anxious to prove himself again, The Chosen bounced back just two weeks later with a 2 ¾ length score in the Cary Grant Stakes at Del Mar to close the year. Starting 2024 off on the right hoof, he winged his way back to the winner’s circle with another powerful stretch-running victory in the California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita.
As is the case with most sports, extensive winning streaks can be hard to come by. The Thoroughbred game is especially challenging in this aspect. The Chosen Vron has now won ten of his last eleven and fifteen of twenty lifetime starts. That classifies him officially as … the real
