Gaffalione Reunites With Multiple Graded Stakes Winner Wicked Halo

Nov 08, 2023 Kevin Kerstein

Winchell Thoroughbreds’ multiple graded stakes winner Wicked Halo has reached some of her biggest achievements with jockey Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle, and the duo will once again unite in Saturday’s $300,000 Dream Supreme Stakes (Listed) at Churchill Downs.

“I’m a huge fan of hers,” Gaffalione said. “She’s been so good to me. She tries hard every time. She’s so great to be around and ran such a big race last time out at Keeneland.”

Trained by Steve Asmussen, Wicked Halo narrowly missed one month ago in the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (GII) at Keeneland where she finished a close second to Yuugiri. Wicked Halo has been ultra-consistent throughout her 17-race stand with eight wins, three seconds and five thirds. The daughter of Gun Runner has banked $1,395,950 in purse earnings.

Asmussen is no stranger to success in the Dream Supreme. The Hall of Fame conditioner has won the race a record four times with sprinters Savorthetime (2004), Speedinthruthecity (2014), Vertical Oak (2018) and Mia Mischief (2019).

Saturday’s 18th running of the six-furlong dash was carded as Race 4 of 11 with a post time of 2:30 p.m. (all times Eastern). First post is 1 p.m.

Here is the complete Dream Supreme field from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning line odds): Your So Sillea (Corey Lanerie, Phil Sims, 5-1); Last Leaf (Luis Saez, Eddie Kenneally, 6-1); Fire On Time (Martin Garcia, Dale Romans, 8-1); Little Prankster (John Velazquez, Phil Bauer, 9-5); Wicked Halo (Gaffalione, Asmussen, 6-5); and Royal County (Charlie Oliveros, Eric Reed, 20-1).

THIS WEEK AT CHURCHILL DOWNS – Five days of live racing were on tap this week at Churchill Downs with daily first posts of 1 p.m. The action kicked off Wednesday with a nine-race program that featured a competitive allowance contest in Race 6 that had a purse of $134,000.

Thursday’s card features the return of Grade II winner Private Creed in a 5 ½-furlong turf dash in Race 5 while Friday’s card has the return of impressive maiden winner Thorpedo Anna in Race 6’s first-level allowance contest.

Saturday is Veteran’s Day and all active and retired military with a valid ID will receive free general admission or a discounted ticket to Millionaires Row. The 11-race program features the $300,000 River City (GIII) and $300,000 Dream Supreme.

Ten races are on-tap Sunday featuring 2022 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (GII) winner Arrest Me Red in Race 9.