Churchill Downs Race Day Notes for Sunday, June 16

Jun 16, 2013 Travers Manley

STEPHEN FOSTER HANDICAP NIGHT STARS IN GOOD ORDER SUNDAY

After a fantastic night of racing beneath the Twin Spires, the equine stars of Stephen Foster Handicap Night at Churchill Downs were reported by their connections to be in good order.

With one of the top performances of the year, Janis Whitham’s homebred Fort Larned scored a 6 ¼-length victory in the $536,300 Stephen Foster Handicap Presented by Abu Dhabi (Grade I) and trainer Ian Wilkes said he came out of the race well.

“He looks good this morning,” Wilkes said. “I’m very proud of him. It was what we were hoping to see.”

Wilkes said Fort Larned now will be pointed to the Whitney Handicap (GI) at Saratoga on Aug. 3.

“The Whitney will be next and we’ll just take it one race at a time,” Wilkes said. “The ultimate goal is getting back to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI).”

Fort Larned was followed in order by Golden Ticket, Ron the Greek, Successful Dan, Pool Play and Take Charge Indy.

“We’re thrilled with how Golden Ticket ran,” said Phil Bauer, assistant to trainer Kenny McPeek. “There’s no shame in running behind the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner. Golden Ticket gives you everything he has every time and he proved he’s a classy horse. We don’t have any plans for his next race yet.”

Speaking by telephone from his barn at Belmont Park on Sunday, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, the all-time leader in wins (672) and stakes victories (87) at Churchill Downs, said Ron the Greek was “fine” after finishing third in the Stephen Foster.

“Everything’s fine,” Mott said. “The Whitney is a possibility for Ron the Greek.”

Ron the Greek will remain at Churchill Downs for another couple of days before vanning to New York on Tuesday. 

Successful Dan returned to trainer Charlie LoPresti’s barn at Keeneland on Saturday night following his fourth-place finish in the Stephen Foster.

“He looks to be fine,” LoPresti said. “Julien said he was bobbling the whole way and couldn’t get ahold of the racetrack. Hats off to Fort Larned, though. I don’t think there’s a horse in the country that could have beaten him last night.

“I’m just going to see how (Successful Dan) comes out of it and give him a few days before we decide what to do.”

Pool Play raced in last in the field of six throughout most of the race and eventually finished fifth.

“He came out of it fine,” said Norman Casse, assistant to his father Mark. “He was just too far back. We don’t have any plans for him yet.”

Rounding out the field of six was Take Charge Indy, who was the 9-5 favorite.

“He appears to have come back good,” trainer Pat Byrne said. “No one was going to beat the winner. We tip our hats to Fort Larned. We’ll discuss a plan with Mr. Sandford and Elliott Walden of WinStar and figure out what’s best for him. We’re not in any hurry to run him back.”

Funny Proposition, Code West and Kitten’s Dumplings also shined bright on the Downs After Dark Presented by Stella Artois and Findlandia Vodka racing program that attracted 23,509 fans to Churchill Downs and evening event record $8,390,130 in wagers (up 5.4% from 2012’s previous mark of $7,960,789).

John Oxley’s Funny Proposition took an early lead in the Fleur de Lis Handicap Presented by Etihad Airways (GII) and then kicked away in the stretch to upset two-time champion Royal Delta, who finished second as the 1-5 favorite.

“She looks great,” Casse said. “I’m very happy with how she looks this morning. I had confidence in her last night, but we were running against Royal Delta, so we had our reservations. We’re going to enjoy this moment before we come up with a plan.”

Royal Delta exited her runner-up effort “fine,” according to Mott.

“I have no excuses,” Mott said. “I suppose the Delaware Handicap (GI on July 20) might be next for Royal Delta.”

Royal Delta also will remain at Churchill Downs until Tuesday when she departs with stablemate Ron the Greek.

Gary and Mary West’s Code West defeated Uncaptured by a head in the Matt Winn (GIII). Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Code West is scheduled to fly back to Southern California on Monday morning.

Uncaptured, 2012 Canadian Horse of the Year, exited his runner-up performance “very well,” according to Casse.

“He looks like he’s back in top form,” Casse said. “He’ll be an exciting horse to have the rest of the year. We’ve got a couple of options for him. He’s a Canadian-bred, so we could go to the Prince of Wales (at Fort Erie on July 30). We’ll also look at the West Virginia Derby (at Mountaineer on Aug. 3) and the Haskell (at Monmouth Park on July 28).”

Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s homebred Kitten’s Dumplings notched an easy victory in the Regret (GIII) and came out of the race in good order, according to trainer Mike Maker.

No plans have been made for her next start; however, Maker mentioned a possible long-term goal being the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland.

Winchell Thoroughbreds’ homebred Teardrop and Clarence Scharbauer Jr.’s homebred Fiftyshadesofgold highlight the list of probable starters for the $100,000-added Debutante for 2-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs on June 22.

Teardrop overcame a slow start and seven-wide trip to cruise to a 3 ¾-length victory in her career debut on May 23 at Churchill Downs for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Fiftyshadesofgold, a gray or roan Texas-bred, won at first asking by 10 lengths as the 3-5 favorite at Lone Star Park on May 24 for trainer Bret Calhoun.

Churchill Downs Stakes Coordinator Allison DeLuca also expects Del Mar Holiday, Desert Notion, Medalbu, Mi Perlita, More Than Beauty, Sara Bay, Silver Valley and Yokohama Mama to enter the Debutante.

Divergent View and Richies Sweetheart are believed to be possible starters. Trainer Wesley Ward also may run either Mary at the Cove or Sweetmarys Success.

Churchill Downs will host the City’s Best Happy Hour! in The Plaza every Friday from 4-7 p.m. throughout the 38-day Spring Meet. Drink specials include $2 Budweiser/Bud Light, $3 Stella Artois and $4 14 Hands Blackberry Sangria. There also will be a variety of food trucks from the Louisville Food Truck Association and live music on the Plaza Stage by Dane Clark.

Reserved seats for Saturday’s “Downs After Dark Presented by Stella Artois and Finlandia Vodka” are limited and online sales will cut off Friday at 12 p.m. EDT.

There are two Downs After Dark event’s left at the Spring Meet:: Saturday, June 22 (Boots, Brew and BBQ) and Saturday, June 29 (Star-Spangled Night).

Indoor dining packages for the delectable Chef’s Table on Millionaires Row or Skye Terrace are $59.90 per person. Meanwhile, outdoor reserved box seats on the 3^rd Floor of the Clubhouse are $20 per person. Those prices include admission, a reserved seat and racing program.

The Downs After Dark general admission, or cover charge, is $10. Holders of shareholders passes or horsemen licenses and children age 12 and under (when accompanied by an adult) will be admitted free. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted to the track unless they are accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Reserved seating can be purchased online at ChurchillDowns.com/Tickets or the on-track box office located at the Gate 1 entrance off Central Avenue (open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on ‘Downs After Dark’ Saturdays).

Sunday, June 16 – Father’s Day

• 10 races from 12:45-5:29 p.m. (Gates: 11:30 a.m.)
• Feature: $58,000 alw, 3 & up, 5 F (T)
• Family Fun Days Presented by Kroger on The Plaza Balcony from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Games, crafts, entertainment & Churchill Charlie appearance. Special craft is Father’s Day cards.
• Simulcast wagering in ITW area on second floor of the Clubhouse from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Calder (12:50 p.m.), Monmouth Park (12:55 p.m.), Woodbine (1 p.m.), Belmont Park (1:05 p.m.), Arlington (2 p.m.), Louisiana Downs (2:25 p.m.), Lone Star Park (2:35 p.m.), Golden Gate (3:45 p.m.), Betfair Hollywood Park (4 p.m.) & Mountaineer (7 p.m.)

Monday, June 17

• No live racing or simulcast wagering

Tuesday, June 18

• No live racing or simulcast wagering

Wednesday, June 19

• No live racing
• Simulcast wagering in ITW area on second floor of the Clubhouse from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Belmont Park (1:05 p.m.), Delaware Park (1:15 p.m.) & Arlington Park (2 p.m.)
• Free General Admission
• Birthday: trainer Eddie Kenneally

Thursday, June 20

• 9 races from 12:45-4:59 p.m. EDT (Gates: 11:30 a.m.)
• Feature (Race 3 at 1:49 p.m.): $58,000 alw, 3yo f, 7 F
• Simulcast wagering in ITW area on second floor of the Clubhouse from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Calder (12:50 p.m.), Belmont Park (1:05 p.m.), Delaware Park (1:15 p.m.), Louisiana Downs (2:25 p.m.), Betfair Hollywood Park (4 p.m.), Penn National (6 p.m.), Evangeline Downs (6:40 p.m.), Charles Town (7:15 p.m.), Prairie Meadows (7:30 p.m.) & Lone Star Park (7:35 p.m.)

Friday, June 21

• 11 races from 2:45-7:54 p.m. (Gates 1:30 p.m.)
• Feature: $52,000 alw opt clm, 3yo f, 6 ½ F
• City’s Best Happy Hour! Drink specials ($2 Budweiser/Bud Light; $3 Stella Artois; $4 14 Hands Blackberry Sangria), food trucks & live music (Dane Clark) in The Plaza from 4-7 p.m.
• Simulcast wagering in ITW area on second floor of the Clubhouse from 11:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. (enter through Gate 17 only from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.): Calder (12:50 p.m.), Monmouth Park (12:55 p.m.), Woodbine (1 p.m.), Louisiana Downs (2:25 p.m.), Belmont Park (3 p.m.), Arlington (4 p.m.), Betfair Hollywood Park (4 p.m.), Penn National (6 p.m.), Evangeline Downs (6:40 p.m.), Mountaineer (7 p.m.), Charles Town (7:15 p.m.), Prairie Meadows (7:30 p.m.) & Lone Star Park (7:35 p.m.)
• Noteworthy: 1^st Day of Summer

Saturday, June 22

• 11 races from 6-11:10 p.m. (Gates: 4 p.m.)
• Downs After Dark Presented by Stella Artois and Finlandia Vodka
• Theme (Fan Vote): Boots, Brew and BBQ. Guests are encouraged to “dress to impress” for a country, Southern-style celebration. There’ll be a contest for best dressed female, male, couple and group.
• Cover Charge (General Admission): $10. Holders of shareholders passes or horsemen licenses and children age 12 and under (when accompanied by an adult) will be admitted free of charge. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted to the track unless they are accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
• Feature: $100,000-added Debutante, 2yo f, 6 F
• Co-Feature: $65,000-added Roxelana, f & m, 6 F
• Entertainment on The Plaza Stage includes the SUP DJ from (4-7:30 p.m.) and a Dueling Piano Show from Howl at the Moon (8-11:30 p.m.). There also will be music by Dane Clark on the Clubhouse’s fifth floor balcony and DJs at the Gate 10 and 17 entrances.
• Between Races 6-9, the popular text-to-win sweepstakes promotion “Bet or No Bet,” sponsored by Thorntons, will return in which four lucky on-track patrons will face a tough decision: to place a $1,000 win bet on a horse in the upcoming race or take a $100 Thornton’s gift card.
• Reserved seating can be purchased online at ChurchillDowns.com/Tickets or the on-track box office located at the Gate 1 entrance off Central Ave. (open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on ‘Downs After Dark’ Saturdays).
• Dining packages (tables of 8 at $59.90 per person) include special dinner offerings, admission, reserved seat and racing program.
• Reserved box seating (boxes of 6 or 8 in the 3^rd Floor Clubhouse at $20 per person) includes admission, a reserved seat and a racing program.
• Acclaimed Thoroughbred racing cartoonist Pierre Bellocq, better known to generations of horse racing fans as “PEB,” will update his colorful, masterpiece murals that depict every jockey and trainer that have won the Kentucky Derby. PEB will add the images of Orb’s trainer Shug McGaughey III and jockey Joel Rosario. He is scheduled to paint the images between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (This event was originally scheduled for June 15).
• Simulcast wagering in ITW area on second floor of the Clubhouse from 11:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. (enter through Gate 17 only from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Calder (12:50 p.m.), Monmouth Park (12:55 p.m.), Woodbine (1 p.m.), Belmont Park (1:05 p.m.), Delaware (1:15 p.m.), Arlington (2 p.m.), Louisiana Downs (2:25 p.m.), Lone Star Park (2:35 p.m.), Betfair Hollywood Park (4 p.m.), Penn National (6 p.m.), Evangeline Downs (6:40 p.m.), Mountaineer (7 p.m.), Charles Town (7:15 p.m.) & Prairie Meadows (7:30 p.m.)

Sunday, June 23

• 10 races from 12:45-5:29 p.m. (Gates: 11:30 a.m.)
• Feature: $54,000 alw opt clm, f & m, 1 M
• Family Fun Days Presented by Kroger on The Plaza Balcony from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Games, crafts, entertainment & Churchill Charlie appearance. Special activity is Kentucky Derby Museum Day, which includes a tour of the museum gardens to meet 2009 Kentucky Derby-winner Mine That Bird and Winston the miniature pony.
• Simulcast wagering in ITW area on second floor of the Clubhouse from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Calder (12:50 p.m.), Monmouth Park (12:55 p.m.), Woodbine (1 p.m.), Belmont Park (1:05 p.m.), Arlington (2 p.m.), Louisiana Downs (2:25 p.m.), Betfair Hollywood Park (4 p.m.) & Mountaineer (7 p.m.)

-END-