Churchill Downs Update: Grade III Winner Liberal Arts Back in Winner's Circle With Gritty Allowance Victory

Nov 07, 2024

Former Grade III winner Liberal Arts returned to action for the first time in seven months Wednesday at Churchill Downs and gamely defeated Banishing by a head to win a second-level allowance race while earning a career-best 95 Brisnet Speed Rating.

Owned and bred by Stephen and Evan Ferraro, Liberal Arts previously won the Street Sense Stakes (Grade III) at Churchill Downs as a 2-year-old while under the care of trainer Robbie Medina. This summer, Liberal Arts was transferred to the care of Brad Cox and began preparing for his return in early September.

“He ran a hard race and really dug in late to get the job done,” Cox said. “We’re proud of his effort and it was a good starting point getting back to action.”

A son of Arrogate, Liberal Arts now boasts a career record of 9-3-1-3—$414,245. Prior to stepping on the sidelines this spring, Liberal Arts finished third in the Southwest Stakes (GIII) behind eventual Kentucky Derby (GI) winner Mystik Dan.

 

CHURCHILL DOWNS SET TO HOST 26TH CLAIMING CROWN SERIES SATURDAY, NOV. 16 – Horses across North America are preparing to converge on Churchill Downs for the 26th Claiming Crown on Saturday, Nov. 16.

The Claiming Crown, which features eight races with starter allowance conditions, is headlined by the $200,000 Jewel, open to horses that started for a claiming price of $35,000 or less in 2023-24. Entries for the 11-race program will be taken Saturday.

A partnership between the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the Claiming Crown was envisioned as the “claiming horse owner’s Breeders’ Cup” — a special event for the “average owner” featuring some of the country’s most competitive horses. Every horse owner, regardless of the level at which their stable competes, has an equal chance to participate, as the Claiming Crown is open to all claiming horses, irrespective of where they were foaled or race.

This marks the second time Churchill Downs has hosted the Claiming Crown, with the event previously held under the Twin Spires in 2022. For more information about this year’s Claiming Crown, visit www.claimingcrown.com.

 

SATURDAY CARD FEATURES STAKES DOUBLEHEADER – Saturday’s 11-race card at Churchill Downs will feature a stakes doubleheader with the $300,000 River City (Grade III) and $300,000 Dream Supreme (Listed).

The River City, run at 1 1/8 miles on turf, is scheduled as Race 10 at 5:25 p.m. (all times Eastern). Two races prior, the field for the Dream Supreme will head to post at 4:25 p.m. First post for Saturday’s card is set for 1 p.m.

Here is the field for the River City Stakes in order of post position (with jockey, trainer and morning line odds):

Emmanuel (Luis Saez, Mike Maker, 7-2)
Hades (Paco Lopez, Joe Orseno, 15-1)
Harlan Estate (Declan Cannon, Whit Beckman, 15-1)
Reckoning Force (Tyler Gaffalione, Brendan Walsh, 3-1)
Masteroffoxhounds (Florent Geroux, Phil D’Amato, 12-1)
Public Sector (GB) (Jaime Torres, Joseph, 15-1)
Wonderful Justice (GB) (Brian Hernandez Jr., Joe Sharp, 12-1)
Battle of Normandy (Luan Machado, Shug McGaughey III, 6-1)
Gigante (Edgar Morales, Steve Asmussen, 12-1)
Cash Equity (Mike Smith, Saffie Joesph Jr., 5-2)
Here is the field for the Dream Supreme in order of post position (with jockey, trainer and morning line odds):

Girls Weekend (Luis Saez, Whit Beckman, 20-1)
Upper Case (Evin Roman, Paulo Lobo, 4-1)
Spirit Wind (Mike Smith, Saffie Joseph Jr., 9-5)
Lure’em In (Irving Moncada, Anna Meah, 20-1)
Mystic Pleasure (Florent Geroux, Rodolphe Brisset, 2-1)
Accomplished Girl (Cristian Torres, Steve Asmussen, 6-1)
Awesome Treat (Gerardo Corrales, Justin Wojczynski, 15-1)
Into Love (Luan Machado, Dermot Littlefield, 15-1)
Miss Arlington (Francisco Arrieta, Brian Williamson, 20-1)
Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith is named to ride Cash Equity (FR) in the River City and Spirit Wind in the Dream Supreme.

This will be Smith’s first time riding at Churchill Downs outside of Kentucky Derby week race since 2020 when he was aboard Midnight Bisou in the Fleur de Lis (GII).

 

VETERANS’ DAY: MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY ON SUNDAY – Churchill Downs will observe and honor those who sacrificed so that we may continue to enjoy our freedoms and celebrate active and retired military members on Sunday. Free general admission is offered to active and retired military members who present their I.D. or they can purchase discounted tickets to Millionaires Row or Skye Terrace (subject to availability) for a special $45 lunch by calling (502) 636-4450.

Local trainers who served in the military include Gary “Red Dog” Hartlage (Army), Jeff Hiles (Marines), Rick Hiles (Air Force), Neil Howard (Navy) and Mark Simms (Army).

 

DOWN THE STRETCH – Live racing resumed Thursday at Churchill Downs with a nine-race card and first post of 1 p.m. The 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot will start over after one ticket won the jackpot on Wednesday returning $29,613. … “Inside Churchill Downs” returns Friday on ESPN 680/105.7 featuring guest handicapper Joe Kristufek. The one-hour show will recap last weekend’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships and look ahead to Saturday’s card at Churchill Downs. Those outside the Louisville area can listen live on www.espnlouisville.com. … For the latest information about the Churchill Downs Fall Meet, visit www.churchilldowns.com.