Back in 2008, a Royal Anthem gelding by the name of Presious Passion shocked the world with his gate to wire win in the United Nations. Although he had won a G3 early that season, he was an afterthought when Champs Elysees, (the full brother to Casique whose arch rival English Channel had won the race the previous year in a track record time) was in the race. After being sporatic for the months afterwards he finished the season with a win.
Flash foward a year, PP is defending his UN title. Unlike last year where he was coming off a 2nd place finish, he won his prep the Monmouth (which was created the year before for Big Brown who won the race before reinjuring his foot and retired). Once again PP took the lead and never gave it up, but this time he was not a longshot. It was as the second choice. He would go on to do okay the rest of the year including winning the Hirsch at SA before finishing second in the BC Turf. Sadly, he really has not been the same horse since 2009. Although he won the Mac Diarmida last year, but has not won since. He is currently working at Monmouth, but will not be in this year's UN as he has yet to start since his 5th place finish in the Sunshine Millions Turf.
For now lets enjoy his 2009 UN win.
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