Scatman Breezes Beneath the Twin Spires

Apr 06, 2012 Travers Manley

JEOG Racing LLC’s homebred Scatman, who finished third behind Secret Circle and Optimizer in the Rebel (Grade II) at Oaklawn Park on March 17, breezed six furlongs over a fast track at Churchill Downs on Friday morning in 1:13.20 for trainer Mike Lauer.

Working by himself after the renovation break, the bay son of Scat Daddy recorded fractions of :13.80, :26.40, :38.20, :50.80, 1:02.20 and galloped out seven furlongs in 1:25.60 under Shaun Bridgmohan.

“It was what we wanted,” Lauer said. “He worked well and came back in good order. I’m happy and Shaun is happy too.”

It is still undecided where Scatman will make his next start; however, Lauer said a decision will be made in the next few days.

“I need to sit down and talk to the owners before a final decision is made,” Lauer said. “I can say that it will be either the Blue Grass (GI at Keeneland on April 14) or the Lexington (GIII at Keeneland on April 21).”

Lauer noted that a good performance by Scatman in his next start could put him under serious consideration for the 138^th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI), which is to be run in just 29 days at Churchill Downs on May 5.

Bred in Kentucky by James and Mary O’Grady of JEOG Racing LLC, Scatman sports a career record of 2-2-1 from six lifetime starts and earnings of $160,566, including $100,000 in graded stakes earnings.

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 138^th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012, and its Spring Meet is scheduled for April 28-July 1. The track has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record eight times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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