From time to time, we see those “special” players in the games we follow. Being recognized as one in a particular field and truly living up to it is not something that really happens very often. So, when you do happen upon one of those “chosen” ones, relish it for sure.
The Chosen Vron absolutely fits his name and has the record to prove it. If there were any doubts about this son of Vronsky and his gaudy record, the answers were provided in the 2024 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar on July 27. Sure, he had won thirteen of his previous fourteen races and yes included in that was the 2023 Bing. But could this bargain basement California-bred stand up and repeat against a field that featured five Stakes winners and an unbeaten Bob Baffert trainee? The gates opened and a minute and nine seconds later everyone understood just why “Chosen” is part of his name.
Breaking alertly, the Eric Kruljac-conditioned six-year-old immediately put himself in the mix. Gliding along just off a solid pace (22.73 opening quarter 45.36 half mile), at the quarter pole, he made his presence known. Jockey Hector Berrios shook the reins and The Vron took flight towards the finish. Assuming command at the top of the stretch and with no encouragement from the stick, Chosen cruised to the wire finishing clear by 2 ¼ lengths.
The Chosen Vron has now won 19 races in 25 career starts. He is a perfect 5 for 5 in 2024. All huge numbers in today’s ultra-competitive Thoroughbred racing game. Repeating in a grade 1 is also a big statement in our current climate. Perhaps the most impressive thing is the ease in which he was best in the Bing. The Chosen Vron, the name says it all.
