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Prince of Wales Stakes Del Mar Futurity Del Mar Debutante Pacific Classic Day Pat O'Brien Stakes |
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Trainer Chad Brown leads Program Trading and jockey Flavien Prat to the winner's circle after the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1). | |
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Kentucky Derby Day is the biggest card of racing at Churchill Downs. Before the main event, there were 8 stakes races (7 graded) contested over the main track and Matt Winn turf course on Saturday. Conditions were excellent on Saturday for the 156,710 fans in attendance, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the high 70's. After yesterday's rains, the turf was rated good for the entire card while the main track was rated muddy at the start of the card, upgraded to good for the second race at 11:03, and then to fast in time for the Derby City Distaff (sixth race) at 1:16.
Wagering from all sources was the highest all-time on the Kentucky Derby race, the Kentucky Derby Day program, and Kentucky Derby Week races. Wagering from all sources on the Kentucky Derby Day program set a new record of $320.5 million, beating last year’s record of $288.7 million. TwinSpires, the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby, handled a new record of $92.1 million in wagering on Churchill Downs races for the Kentucky Derby Day program, compared to last year’s record of $75.5, including all settled future wagers and affiliate wagering. Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said, “We expect the Kentucky Derby Week Adjusted EBITDA to reflect a new record with $26 to $28 million of growth over the prior record set last year. As we reflect on 150 years of our storied past, we remain committed to innovating new experiences for Derby fans.”
Jockey Florent Geroux sent 17-1 Never Surprised to the front first time by through fraction of 24.48, 49.51, and 1:14.36 while pressed by Naval Power and stalked by Program Trading. Into the stretch jockey Frankie Dettori sent Naval Power to lead through 1 mile in 1:38.39, but Program Trading was sent down to the rail by Flavien Prat and came through to outfinish Naval Power by a head in 1:50.30. It was another 2 lengths back to 14-1 Webslinger third, while favorite I'm Very Busy trailed throughout and failed to rally finishing 7th beaten 6 1/2 lengths.
Results chart from DRF
Left: Program Trading in the winner's circle. Winning jockey Flavien Prat said, "We had a great trip. We were able to save ground as much as we could. A great job by Chad and his team to get him ready after such a long layoff. I didn't want to go too wide and I was trying to save ground as much as I could. He's a very handy horse so that makes my job easier."
Right: Program Trading heads back to the barn. Winning trainer Chad Brown said, "The horse had been training super. He's done great all winter. The only thing I told Flavien in the paddock was just to keep in mind that he's off the layoff and he's against horses that are definitely race fit in the middle of their campaigns so you're going to have to save a little ground somewhere. What a masterful ride. He got right to the rail early and then I thought he's got a good chance then. The layoff might not be as big of an issue now that he's saved a little ground. This horse is nearly undefeated on the turf, which is very hard to do. He's versatile, a real exciting horse."
Left: Second place finisher Naval Power in the post parade. The Charlie Appleby trainee improved his record to 6 wins, 2 seconds, and 0 thirds in 9 starts, earning $594,549 for owner-breeder Godolphin.
Right: Third place finisher Webslinger in the post parade. Jockey Javier Castellano said, "He tried the best he could. It was a very competitive race and he ran great."
Jockey Junior Alvarado sent 12-1 Ag Bullet to the lead first time by through fractions of 23.40 and 47.20 while pressed by 20-1 Walkathon and stalked by 30-1 Not So Close. On the turn Walkathon gained the lead through 3/4 in 1:11.43 and led into the stretch through 7f in 1:23.88 before tiring. Chili Flag, 9th early under Irad Ortiz Jr., came out 6 wide for room and outfinished favorite Coppice to win by a neck in 1:35.95. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back to Delahaye third.
Results chart from DRF
Left: Chili Flag in the winner's circle, with 2024 Miss America and U.S. Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Madison Marsh at far left. Winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. said, "She's great, she knows what she has to do. I took her inside and let her sit, let her feel comfortable and find her stride. I was able to roll with her when I had to. Every time that I've ridden her, she's given me that confidence to come running late."
Right: Chili Flag heads back to the barn. Winning trainer Chad Brown said, "She is a rapidly improving horse, I was so impressed with her last start in the Honey Fox. I thought this race made a lot of sense and she showed that late kick again. She's a real player in the division. Sometimes these horses, you give them enough time and they start to improve. She's just had a great winter of development and rest and since the Honey Fox she's really moved forward."
Jockey Jose Ortiz sent 21-1 Spirit Wind to the lead out of the chute through fractions of 22.36 and 45.12 while pressed by Alva Starr and stalked by Vahva. Into the stretch Spirit Wind tired allowing Alva Star to take over through 3/4 in 1:09.13 but Vahva under Irad Ortiz Jr. rallied by at the 1/16 pole to win by 2 lengths in 1:21.75 over the "fast" main track. It was another 3/4 length back to 13-1 Flying Connection third.
Results chart from DRF
Left: Vahva in the winner's circle. Winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. said, "The last time I rode her, I didn't know her very well and it wasn't one of my best rides. Today, she broke sharp. I let her get her stride, ask her to go when I had to, and she responded. I was able to sit a perfect trip and turning for home she really finished strong for me."
Right: Vahva heads back to the barn. Winning trainer Cherie DeVaux said, "She broke better today than she did in her last race, but with the outside post Irad did a good job to let the speed clear and get her nice and settled and quiet behind that. That was an unbelievable performance. To win a Grade One on this type of stage is so special. It's really hard to describe. I'm just so happy with everyone involved with this horse and our team."
11-2 Vlahos was quickest away through an opening quarter in 22.12 before 24-1 Otto the Conqueror gained a short lead after a half in 44.59. Turning for home Vlahos retook the lead through 3/4 in 1:09.48 and 7f in 1:22.41. 9-1 Seize the Grey, who stalked the pace in third early, came out 4 wide for room and rallied by to win going away by 1 1/4 lengths over Nash in 1:35.96 over the fast main track. It was a head back to Vlahos third.
Results chart from DRF
Left: Seize the Grey in the winner's circle. Winning jockey Jaime Torres said, "I could tell I was loaded around the three-eighths pole. He went back into the bridle really strong and never gave in. What an amazing atmosphere and race to win."
Right: Seize the Grey gets hosed off before returning to the barn. Winning trainer D. Wayne Lukas said, "I loved the way he ran today and I think he may be a miler anyhow. I can't remember the last time I was in the winner's circle with Pat Day. This horse is a very special horse who is owned by so many happy people. He ran the race of his life this afternoon and it's such a great way to kick off our Derby Day."
 Trikari wins the American Turf (G2) |
Jockey Luis Saez sent 24-1 Formidable Man to the lead first time by through fractions of 23.85, 48.15, and 1:12.96 while pressed by favorite Legend of Time and stalked by 21-1 Abrumar and 47-1 longest shot Trikari. Turning for home Formidable Man continued to lead through 1 mile in 1:35.36 but Trikari, moved 3 wide by jockey Umberto Rispoli, rallied by late to win by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:43.59. It was another 1/2 length back to 36-1 Lagynos third. Favorite Legend of Time tired late to finish fifth beaten 5 lengths.
Left: Trikari in the winner's circle. Winning jockey Umberto Rispoli said, "This horse is a very special horse to my career. I won my 2,000th race aboard him and I can't thank his connections enough for keeping me aboard. I hope we get just as lucky in the Kentucky Derby on Endlessly."
Right: Trikari heads back to the barn. Winning trainer Graham Motion said, "It was really special performance from a very nice and improving colt. He ran a great race."
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione sent 20-1 Here Mi Song to the lead out of the chute through fractions of 22.56 and 44.87 while pressed by Zozos and stalked by Hoist the Gold. Into the lane 11-2 fourth choice Gun Pilot, 5th early, came out 3 wide and swept to the front through 3/4 in 1:09.04. Kept to task by Cristian Torres, Gun Pilot drew off to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Here Mi Song in 1:21.95 over the fast main track. It was a neck back to Zozos third.
Results chart from DRF
Left: Gun Pilot in the winner's circle. Winning jockey Cristian Torres, celebrating his first Grade 1 win, said, "I don't know what to say. I'm really excited, I've been looking for this Grade One for a long time. I just come to ride. I study my races, I do my homework. I just come out here to do the best job that I can. I'm very happy that I finally got one. Gun Pilot is a great horse. The Asmussen team spotted him very well. He's an easy horse to ride."
Right: Gun Pilot heads back to the barn. WInning trainer Steve Asmussen said, "This is so special. It is very special for Mr. (Goncalo) Torrealba (of Three Chimneys Farm). This is a special horse. I really believe in him. Cristian believes in him too. Seven-eighths is a good distance for him. We wanted to make it simple for him today. Nothing special in the way of tactics. Get him out in the middle of the track and then let him do his close. It worked out perfectly."
Jockey Florent Geroux sent Strong Quality to the lead out of the chute through fractions of 22.36 and 44.64 while pressed by 16-1 Five Star General and stalked by Oscar Eclipse. Into the stretch Strong Quality continued to lead through 7f in 1:21.99, holding off late-running 6-1 Kupuna to win by 1/2 a length in 1:35.45 over the "good" main track. It was a long 4 3/4 lengths back to Five Star General third, while favorite Best Actor checked in 5th beaten 9 1/2 lengths.
Results chart from DRF
Left: Strong Quality in the winner's circle. Winning jockey Florent Geroux said, "Today was not sloppy but there was a little bit of moisture. He can run on anything, he's a good turf horse, too. When he's in the right spot, he wins."
Right: Strong Quality heads back to the barn. Winning trainer Mark Casse said, "(Co-owner Gary Barber) was really excited about this spot. Strong Quality does like this track (won last November by 9 1/4 lengths). He especially likes it when there's some moisture in it."
 Cogburn wins the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G3) |
16-1 Coppola was quickest away through an opening quarter of 22.61 stalked by 15-1 Mo Stash before 8-1 Cogburn took over on the turn 3-wide through a half in 45.27. Kept to task by Irad Ortiz Jr., Cogburn drew off late to win by 2 1/4 lengths over late-running 30-1 Filo Di Arianna in 1:03.16. It was another 3/4 length back to favorite Mischief Magic third.
Results chart from DRF
Left: Cogburn in the winner's circle. Winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. said, "He was sharp, the trainer had him ready today. The way he broke, Steve told me he was ready. Today he was running so good, there was no stopping him."
Right: Cogburn heads back to the barn. Winning trainer Steve Asmussen said, "He has (found a home on turf). Obviously, his turf races are beyond excellent and we're very fortunate to have him. That is typical of him (to break that well). I was so concerned about the outside draw and he took care of that in one jump. We thought he was doing extremely well coming into the race, this was a very big race coming off the layoff. We were concerned when he drew the 14 hole, that's a lot to overcome. But his break cleared that problem. That's what he's capable of and that's what we'll be getting to campaign the rest of the year."
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