Favored Yankee Fourtune Still Perfect On Grass After Commonwealth Turf Win

Nov 14, 2010 Gary Yunt

Harvey Clarke and Andrew Albstein’s Yankee Fourtune shot past Stormy Lord leaving the far turn and went on to score a one-length victory over Guys Reward to win the seventh running of $121,900 Commonwealth Turf (Grade III) for 3-year-olds on Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs.

 Ridden by Victor Santiago, Yankee Fourtune raced third in the early stages as Stormy Lord led the field of 13 through fractions of :24.53, :49.30 and 1:13.64 over a Matt Winn Turf Course rated as “good.” Santiago sent the son of Yankee Gentleman after Stormy Lord on the far turn and took command entering the stretch and never was threatened in the run to the wire.

Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, Yankee Fourtune covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.68. The victory was worth $69,532 and increased Yankee Fourtune’s bankroll to $238,512 with a record of 6-5-0-0 with all five victories coming on the turf.

Yankee Fourtune returned $7.60, $5.20 and $3.80. Guys Reward, ridden by Corey Lanerie, returned $32.80 and $17 and finished a neck in front of Turallure, who paid $4.40 to show under Robby Albarado.

It was another 1 ½ lengths back to Mystic, who was followed in order by Mister Marti Gras, Stormy Lord, Celtic New Year, Don Cavallo, Thunder Brew, Dark Cove, Beau Choix, Uareoutlaw (BRZ) and Lighthouse Sound.

 Racing resumes Sunday with a 10-race program beginning at 12:40 p.m. (ET).

COMMONWEALTH TURF QUOTES

VICTOR SANTIAGO, jockey of YANKEE FOURTUNE, winner: “(Trainer) Kiaran (McLaughlin)  told me yesterday morning that there were a couple speed horses and whatever decision I make, go to the front or sit back third or fourth, that just to ride with confidence like I own him. I knew there were some speed horses and they came a little fast from the gate. But I knew I could ask my horse and make him go, then sit a little chilly and save something for the end. You have to see how races are going on the turf, you have to see how the pace is going if they hang on in the front or if they go to the front and stop. You have to see the races and then handicap your horse.”

KIARAN McLAUGHLIN (via telephone), trainer of YANKEE FOURTUNE (winner): “That was a great race for us to win. Victor (jockey Victor Santiago) made a great decision in laying third.  He was just plain old the best horse and he rode him great.  It was nice to see him sit off the pace today.”

Q: How important was it to see him sit comfortably off the leaders today?
“We knew he didn’t always have to have the lead, yet he was just the fastest horse in those races along with the best horse.  Today it looked like there was a couple of speed horses inside of us, so I was just happy Victor made the decision to lay third, and he kicked on and finished very well.”

Q: Talk a little about his development and what you think he might be capable of … “We hope next year he’s going to be a top horse.  We’ll go to Florida with him.  He ships tomorrow, and then we’d love to point him to the Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland, and just go from there.” 

Q: Do you think he’s primarily a miler? “He’s a top horse, we think.  He could go a little further.”

HARVEY A. CLARKE, co-owner of YANKEE FOURTUNE, winner: “He is a really nice horse, we are lucky to have him. (Trainer) Kiaran (McLaughlin) has done an amazing job with him, and did a great job picking him out for us. He is a thrill to have and we are excited about this victory.”

COREY LANERIE, jockey of GUYS REWARD, second: “I had a great trip. My horse was a little more aggressive than I thought he would be coming of the Polytrack race. I followed the winner all around. He just had a little quicker turn of foot and that was the margin of defeat.”

DALE ROMANS, trainer of GUYS REWARD, second: “He ran great. I’m very pleased with his race. I wish the race had been a little bit further and there was a little more pace, but I’m happy with how he ran today.”

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 Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2011. The track’s 2010 Fall Meet is scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 28.  Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record seven times and the event will return to the track for its next renewal on Nov. 4-5, 2011. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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