Loutsch Hopes ‘The Old Dennis’ Is Back In Time For Pegasus World Cup

Dennis’ Moment was given a break from racing after the 3-year-old finished tenth in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes on Feb. 29, when a veterinary exam revealed bone bruising. According to Horse Racing Nation, the Tiznow colt has returned to training at the barn of Dale Romans.

Equibase reveals that Dennis’ Moment has breezed at Churchill Downs three times since his return, the latest a half-mile move in 48 seconds on Oct. 10. Jason Loutsch, racing manager for the Albaugh Family Stables, said Dennis’ Moment could be pointed to the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 23 at Gulfstream Park.

“We elected to make the right decision, always take care of the horse first, and give him some time off. Hopefully, the bone bruising is gone now and he comes back and is the old Dennis,” Loutsch told Horse Racing Nation.

Dennis’ Moment has been a favorite of Romans’ since prior his debut on June 23, 2019, in which he clipped heels and unseated jockey Robby Albarado. The colt rebounded with a 19 1/2-length triumph at Ellis Park on July 27, then set a stakes record when geared down to win the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes on Sept. 14.

Sent off as the favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Dennis’ Moment went to his knees at the start and never recovered, finishing last in the eight-horse field. The bone bruising seems to be to blame for the colt’s poor performance in the Fountain of Youth, but Loutsch believes Dennis’ Moment can come back to have a strong 4-year-old campaign.

“Absolutely, he’s that kind of horse,” Loutsch said. “If he continues to feel good and go forward, there is no reason to think he can’t compete at that level.”