CHURCHILL DOWNS NOTEBOOK
MAY 25, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
A reminder to everyone that racing will be conducted at Churchill on Monday
of the Memorial Day weekend. Also, the Family FunFest returns on Sunday and
Monday. There will be an assortment of children’s events along with a show
presented by the Dew Action Sports Tour, which highlights BMX and Skateboard
professionals.
As for last week’s stakes action, CHANGING WEATHER (Storm Boot) certainly
benefited from a change in venue as he captured the Matt Winn S. on Saturday.
Winless since an impressive front-running debut effort last summer at Saratoga,
the Darley Stable’s colorbearer employed rating tactics and finished strongly
outside of rivals in the stretch to seize the lead before withstanding the late
charge of Court Folly (Royal Academy) to win by a head. The runner-up raced well
off the pace, trailing all rivals after a lethargic start. He found his best
stride leaving the far turn and sustained that rally into the stretch, racing
extremely wide before just missing in a valiant effort. He’s Got Grit (Songandaprayer)
was sent to the lead while breaking from the rail and continued to show the way
until midstretch. However, he started to feel the effects of his early exploits
and a long layoff shortly thereafter, giving ground grudgingly late to finish
third as the 7-5 favorite in the wagering.
The main track was bias free all week. There was no discernible path bias to
report on. The turf course played evenly throughout the week.
Julien Leparoux continues to lead Rafael Bejarano in the jockey standings, as
Rene Douglas and Calvin Borel remain deadlocked in third.
Dale Romans leads all trainers, boasting a six-victory edge in the trainer
standings over Todd Pletcher. Greg Foley rounds out the top three.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (5/17)
5TH – FRANKLIN’S TOWER (Cape Town) took a realistic class drop and finished a
sharp second. Held gamely setting a pressured pace in a race that finished up
well late. Fits well at his current class level and can win from on or off the
pace.
8TH – BATTLE STAR (Seeking the Gold) used the wrong tactics stepping up to
meet winners. Was sent to the front to carve out a lively pace at 7 1/2 furlongs
and prefers to sit and rate. Would also benefit from a shorter trip.
Thursday (5/18)
1ST – MY SILVER GIRL (Silver Deputy) was a dominant and impressive winner in
a very fast time, dropping in class to break her maiden. Appears as if she could
handle restricted winners in her next start off the Grant Hofmans claim.
8TH – DANCING BAND (Dixieland Band) finished a strong second in her Churchill
Downs turf debut. Stalked a lively pace prior to gaining command in the stretch
and then gave ground grudgingly late to a fresh closer in a race that was fast
for the class level. Has dangerous tactical speed and can move forward off this
effort.
Friday (5/19)
3RD – WW CONQUISTADOR (Conquistador Cielo) turned in a strong third-place
effort despite a troubled trip. Steadied down the backstretch and was then
bumped by another rival attempting to rally. Finished with good energy despite a
moderate pace in a race that quickened late. His best trip at this point may be
a route of ground around two turns.
7TH – REALTIME (Mt. Livermore) set a rapid pace stretching out to seven
furlongs. Held well until midstretch before tiring. Would definitely benefit if
returned to a shorter sprint contest.
Saturday (5/20)
2ND – ASK THE LORD (Lord at War [Arg]) has been compromised by slow
starts/soft pace scenarios in most recent effort at Churchill Downs. His
third-place finish is better than it appears on paper. Would definitely benefit
from a clean getaway, a better setup on the front end and some much needed class
relief.
6TH – BUCKEYE BUDDY (Horse Chestnut [SAf]) sorely needed his return effort
off a lengthy layoff. Raced evenly chasing modest fractions and rallied mildly
to improve his position. Can obviously move forward off this effort.
Sunday (5/21)
4TH – BULLARA (Holy Bull) offered an encouraging effort in his well bet/well
meant career debut. Chased a fast early pace and then improved his position late
in a race that finished well late while second best. Should only get better with
age, experience and increased distances.
10TH – VIOLENT BEAUTY (Gone West) carved out lively fractions stretching out
to a flat mile. Held well until the stretch, but was no match to an impressive
off the pace winner. Would benefit from a cutback in distance.