Churchill Downs Stephen Foster day recap: Curlin sharp in US return
Here is a recap of the six graded races from the June 14th Stephen Foster Day card from Churchill Downs…
Race 6 (Grade 2 Fleur de Lis Handicap) In an expected outcome, Hystericalady won as Garrett Gomez pleased, rolling to an effortless 7-1/2 length tally against four overmatched foes. The longest shot Initforthekandy set the pace and held the place. 9f in 1:50.88.
Race 7 (Grade 3 Regret) Pure Clan was the class and deserving fav, and she won by a comfortable 2-3/4 lengths while getting the grassy nine furlongs in 1:49.86. Early/pressing types C J’s Leelee and Zee Zee were helped by the tepid pace, but they could not matches strides with the even money winner.
Race 8 (Grade 3 Northern Dancer) A trio of Kentucky Derby also-rans took the bulk of the action, with Pyro rediscovering his sharp winter form. In a replay of the Louisiana Derby, overlay My Pal Charlie completed the exacta behind the Asmussen trainee, and the tepid early pace aided his early/pressing run. The winner showed more tactical speed than expected, but the race shape was thrown for a loop when likely pacesetter Recapturetheglory failed to break sharply. Visionaire, the 3rd Derby member, finished an even 3rd. 8.5f in 1:43.53.
Race 9 (Grade 2 Jefferson Cup) Tizdejavu controlled proceedings throughout in another sharp wire job. Ken McPeek returnee Old Man Buck was hardly disgraced in a clear show finish, and he can go better next time with more pace to chase. Halo Najib was 4th, and watch for him to return to synthetic ground. Nine grassy furlongs in 1:49.15. Second graded score for Gomez.
Race 10 (Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap) Curlin packed 128 pounds in his first start since a romping Dubai World Cup tally in March. I have never been much of a weight guy, and the heavy load certainly did not slow him down today. A much the best 4-1/4 length score in 1:49.68. The Asmussen trainee has now won five straight in the older handicap ranks. Turf specialist Einstein rallied to steal the place from gritty pacesetter Barcola. The disappointing Grasshopper reared at the start and finished an even 4th. It looked like he would be a force in this division over the winter, but things have gone awry in his last few starts.
Race 11 (Grade 3 Early Times Mint Julip Handicap) Easy wire job for heavy favorite Dreaming of Anna in the finale, giving Garrett Gomez a graded hat trick. Her sharp conditioner Wayne Catalano deserves all the credit for placing the talented turfer in winning spots. Course specialist Ciao was rank and ran last under low % turf rider Mike Luzzi. 8.5 furlongs in 1:42.77.
Photo Credit: Newscom
Tags: Churchill Downs, Curlin, Saturday June 14 2008, Stephen Foster HandicapRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Trainers
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