Namaste's Wish Wins Thursday's Packet Purse

May 21, 2009 Gary Yunt

Live Oak Plantation’s Namaste’s Wish pulled away from Leamington in the final yards to win Thursday afternoon’s featured $52,700 The Packet Purse for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up by three-quarters of a length at Churchill Downs.

            In giving jockey Julien Leparoux his third winner of the afternoon, Namaste’s Wish covered the 1 1/16 miles over a firm Matt Winn Turf Course in 1:41.88. Bill Mott trains Namaste’s Wish.

            Leamington, ridden by Jamie Theriot, had dueled with Mein Fraulein through fractions of :23.61, :46.64 and 1:10.59. Entering the stretch, Leamington disposed of Mein Fraulein but was quickly engaged by Namaste’s Wish who eventually drew clear.

            Favored in the field of nine, Namaste’s Wish returned $5.40, $3.40 and $3. Leamington paid $4.20 and $3.80 while finishing six lengths clear of Talkin Indian, who paid $10 to show under Brian Hernandez Jr.

            The victory was worth $32,105 and raised Namaste’s Wish’s career earnings to $206,954 with three victories from 14 starts.

            Racing resumes Friday with an 11-race card beginning with a 2:45 p.m. ET post time.

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