Horse Racing News on September 21, 2013

Juddmonte Farms' 3-year-old filly Close Hatches appears to be taking things to another level as summer turns to fall. The First Defence filly registered her second straight grade I victory Saturday, Sept. 21 in the $1 million Cotillion Stakes.

After being stopped in midstretch, City of Weston altered course and re-rallied up the inside to capture Saturday's Grade 3, $300,000 Gallant Bob Stakes.

Alpha Delta Stables' Sky Girl was much the best as she took down her first stakes in Saturday's Grade 3, $110,000 Dogwood Stakes at Churchill Downs as the 4-5 favorite and returned $3.80 to her backers for the win.

Turtle Bird Stable's Cluster of Stars made it six-for-six in her career when wiring Belmont Park's Grade 2, $300,000 Gallant Bloom Handicap.

Willis D. Horton's Will Take Charge has long been referred to by racing pundits as a horse who makes one powerful run, and on Sept. 21 that run landed him in the Parx Racing winner's circle with a 2 1/4-length victory in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby.