Chruchill Downs
My obsessive nature has been consumed by this Triple Crown spacing mess. It was obvious that Cherie DeVaux was going to decide to skip the Preakness, although I think she was pure in her process. If the industry is trying to grow its appeal beyond the Derby, AND NYRA won't budge from its traditional June date--and for the life of me, I don't know why--why doesn't the Preakness, now with Churchill Downs at the helm, best market the Preakness, and often the Triple Crown, and leapfrog the early June Belmont...
7th-Churchill Downs, $123,355, Alw, 12-1, (NW1X), 3yo/up, f/m, 1m, 1:34.18, ft, 8 1/4 lengths. GRAND JOB (f, 3, Justify--Sure Route {GB} {MSP, $201,163}, by Ishiguru), runner up in three of four starts in Ireland last season, marked her U.S. debut with an easy six-length win going seven-eighths at the Big A Oct. 31. The well-supported 1-2 favorite adding another furlong, the bay went to the front and extended her advantage throughout, winning by 8 1/4 lengths over Viable (Curlin). The winner is a half-sister to Divine Image (Scat Daddy), Hwt.-UAE-...
3rd-CD, $120K, Msw, 2yo, 7f, 2:02p.m. Winchell Thoroughbreds' MISCHIEVOUS INTENT (Into Mischief) kicks off for trainer Steve Asmussen at Churchill Downs Friday. He has been working steadily at the Louisville oval of late, including a three-furlong move in :37 2/5 Oct. 28. Out of MGISW Guarana, the 2-year-old brought $1.4 million at Keeneland September in 2023.His dam, a daughter of Ghostzapper, realized $4.4 million at the Fasig-Tipton November sale in 2021 and a colt by Charlatan out of the mare brought $1.4 million at Keeneland this past September. Erik Asmussen...
3rd-CD, $100K, Msw, 3yo/up, 6f, 1:43p.m. Godolphin's CASUAL AFFAIR (Into Mischief) returns to action following a close-up second in his unveiling at Keeneland Apr. 23. Trained by Brendan Walsh, the homebred is out of Ashado (Saint Ballado), Champion 3-year-old Filly and Older Female in 2004 and 2005, and subsequently inducted in racing's Hall of Fame in 2014. Stonestreet's BEAU LIAM (Liam's Map) kicks off for trainer Steve Asmussen off a steady string of works, including a bullet four-furlong move (:47, 1/57) two back May 16. Out of graded winner Belle...
Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that the Louisville oval's president of 11 years, T. Kevin Flanery, has decided to retire at the end of 2020. Flanery's 15-year tenure at CDI began in December 2005 as vice president of national public affairs. He was named senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008 before being named the 13th President of Churchill Downs Racetrack and a Senior Vice President of CDI in July 2009. As President of Churchill Downs, Flanery led a number of significant capital investments that greatly...
7th-Churchill Downs, $78,268, Msw, 5-25, 3yo/up, f/m, 6 1/2f, 1:16.56, ft. OCEAN BREEZE (f, 3, Curlin--Oceanwave {MGSP, $245,449}, by Harlan's Holiday) the actual post-time favorite at 9-5 over Union Maiden (Union Rags), powered away from her rivals to graduate by 8 1/4 lengths Monday at Churchill. Quickly into stride from her high draw, Ocean Breeze settled in an early fifth and got under way in earnest three wide at the half-mile. Cruising up while traveling well nearing the stretch, she was cut loose by Martin Garcia to take over three-sixteenths...