Foley Readies Sconsin for 'Final Test' Before Grade I Ballerina

Jun 17, 2021

Lloyd Madison Farm’s multiple graded stakes-winning filly Sconsin has not traveled very far from her own stall throughout her 12-race career but trainer Greg Foley is hoping with a successful result in Saturday’s $110,000 Roxelana Overnight Stakes that the four-time winner can ship to Saratoga for the $500,000 Ballerina Handicap (Grade I).

“Churchill is home, we always prefer to run our horses out of their own stall and her track record here all made this race very attractive,” Foley said. “We had a tentative summer plan for her by working backwards from the (Aug. 28) Ballerina and so far she’s handled everything we’ve thrown at her with flying colors. The Roxelana is the final hurdle before we have to go on the road.”

Sconsin, a 4-year-old homebred daughter of Include, recorded three of her four lifetime victories beneath the Twin Spires including a convincing 3 ¼-length score in last month’s $150,000 Winning Colors (GIII). She finished second to top filly and mare sprinter Gamine in the $500,000 Derby City Distaff (GI) on the undercard of the Kentucky Derby (GI).

Saturday’s 6 ½-furlong Roxelana is carded as Race 10 of 11 with a post time of 5:26 p.m. (all times Eastern). The program will get underway at 12:45 p.m.

The complete field for the Roxelana from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning line odds): Shesomajestic (Joe Talamo, Michelle Nihei, 20-1); Miss Mosaic (Colby Hernandez, Ben Colebrook, 12-1); Four Graces (Julien Leparoux, Ian Wilkes, 7-2); Bell’s the One (Corey Lanerie, Neil Pessin, 7-5); Sconsin (Tyler Gaffalione, Foley, 1-1); and Jungle Juice (IRE) (Adam Beschizza, Anna Meah, 30-1).

Fans can catch the Roxelana, along with the entire 11-race program, on “America’s Day at the Races.” The action is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 2. Wagering is available online at www.TwinSpires.com, the official ADW of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

THIS WEEK AT CHURCHILL DOWNS – Thursday began a new week of racing beneath the Twin Spires for Twilight Thursday presented by Blue Moon. The eight-race program had a first post of 5 p.m. and featured $1 Blue Moon and domestic draft beer, local food trucks and live music from Abby Hamilton. There was a $123,086 carryover in the 20-cent Derby City 6 and a $3,209 carryover in the $1 Super Hi 5.

Friday-Sunday’s cards from Churchill Downs will have first posts of 12:45 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at www.ChurchillDowns.com.

MEET LEADERS – Entering the final two weeks of racing at the Spring Meet, jockey Tyler Gaffalione continued his commanding lead in the rider standings 37 wins to 23 over Ricardo Santana Jr. Florent Geroux and James Graham shared third with 21 wins. Santana, Graham and Adam Beschizza each won five races last week. … Trainer Brad Cox had a two-win advantage 17-15 over Brendan Walsh, who won with five of his seven starters last week. … With three wins last week, Kirk Wycoff’s Three Diamonds Farm moved into a tie atop the owners standings with Fahad bin Khalid’s Juddmonte at five wins each. Maggi Moss was one back of the duo with four victories.

DOWN THE STRETCH – Kentucky Derby (GI) fifth-place finisher O Besos is tentatively targeting the $300,000 Indiana Derby (GIII) on July 7, according to co-owner West Point Thoroughbreds’ executive vice president Jeff Lifson. … Trainer Dallas Stewart reported Alysheba (GIII) third-place finisher Chess Chief is targeting next Saturday’s Stephen Foster (GII). … Tamaroak Partners’ $150,000 Aristides Stakes (Listed) winner Bango is on track to run in next Friday’s $110,000 Kelly’s Landing Overnight Stakes, according to trainer Greg Foley. The Congrats colt worked a half-mile in :48 Wednesday at Churchill Downs. …Trainer Kenny McPeek reported Lexington Stakes (GIII) winner King Fury is targeting next Saturday’s $500,000 Ohio Derby (GIII) while champion filly Swiss Skydiver, who scratched from the Ogden Phipps (GI) due to a fever, could point to the $200,000 Shuvee (GIII) on July 25 and $600,000 Personal Ensign (GI) on Aug. 28 at Saratoga. … Trainer Bret Calhoun reported Tom Durant’s multiple graded stakes winner Silver Dust is possible for next Saturday’s $600,000 Stephen Foster (GII). The Tapit colt was a late gate scratch in last month’s $150,000 Blame Stakes. … “Inside Churchill Downs” will air Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN 680/105.7. Fans outside the Louisville area can listen live at www.espnlouisville.com. … Trainer appreciation night is Thursday in the Churchill Downs Turf Club. Tickets are available in the horsemen’s service center.