Great Friends Stables and Run Fast Racing’s Listenupshance won the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar on Saturday, July 25. It was the 4-year-old Kentucky-bred’s first foray into Grade 1 company.
Ridden by Emisael Jaramillo, the son of Shancelot won the six-furlong fixture in a rapid 1:09.33. Trainer Doug O’Neill, who was winning his 50th stakes at Del Mar with the score, saddled the dark bay or brown horse.
“My plan was to break in front, but that didn’t happen,” said Jaramillo. “I got away just a little bad. So, I followed the eight horse (Mad House) and waited for my chance. He made the lead for me at the half, then we went on from there. He had just enough at the finish.”
Listenupshance is Breeders’ Cup Sprint Bound
The Crosby is a “Win & You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series race. With his Bing Crosby win, Listenupshance is guaranteed a berth in the $2-million Breeders’ Cup Sprint. This year’s Breeders’ Cup will be held at Keeneland in October.
“Emisael did such a great job of getting a clean break,” said O’Neill. “He was laying in a perfect spot but then I saw :21 and change, I thought maybe they’re both in trouble. I just knew this horse was a warrior. I knew if he was anywhere near at the head of the lane, he’d be near at the wire. I’m just over the moon.”
Bred in Kentucky by Al and Michelle Crawford Racing, Listenupshance is a graduate of the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale in 2023. Listenupshance is now an earner of $438,570. He owns a record of 13-4-3-3.