March 28, 2024

Madison’s Luna shines in Hutcheson

Madison's Luna romped in the Hutcheson Stakes (G3) while making his stakes debut in just his second start with jockey Julian Leparoux aboard on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Gulfstream Park (c) Lauren King/Adam Coglianese Photography

Madison’s Luna was making just his second career start on Saturday in Gulfstream Park’s $100,000 Hutcheson Stakes (G3), but that didn’t stop the Philip Bauer trainee from dominating his five rivals.

Madison’s Luna settled into a stalking spot under jockey Julien Leparoux in third early as Belle Tapisserie and Tricks to Doo dueled up front through the opening quarter :22.42. It wasn’t long, though, before the gray son of Tapit ranged up to stick his head in front for the half-mile split of :45.43.

From there Madison’s Luna extended his margin, easily pulling away in the lane to be five lengths clear on the wire while stopping the clock in 1:10.45 over the fast dirt. He returned $11 for the win as the 9-2 fourth choice.

Soutache proved best of the rest, 2 1/4 lengths up on Tricks to Doo. It was another 7 1/4 lengths back to Belle Tapisserie, who was followed under the line by 8-5 favorite Impact Player and My Chinumado.

Campaigned by Rigney Racing LLC, Madison’s Luna made his career debut on February 10 at Tampa Bay Downs. The gray sophomore scored by 1 1/4 lengths on that occasion, and this win boosted his lifetime earnings to $73,180 to go along with a perfect two-for-two mark.

Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, Madison’s Luna is out of the stakes-placed French Deputy mare Scarlet Tango, who has also produced Grade 1-scoring sire Visionaire, Grade 1 queen Tara’s Tango and Grade 3 vixen Scarlet Strike.

HUTCHESON QUOTES

Philip Bauer, trainer Madison’s Luna, winner

“It was ambitious but we thought it was worth a try.

“I’m very pleased, maybe a little surprised how he did it. He left me a little surprised in his maiden win at Tampa too. He cruised up to the pretty honest pace. You’re always excited when they get to the quarter-pole in that manner. We were excited when (jockey) Julien (Leparoux) turned him loose and put a few (lengths) on them and maintained it.

“I think he’ll stretch out. We saw how he can relax behind horses. He does everything the right way, especially for a Tapit – sometimes they can be temperamental.

“The (May 5) Pat Day Mile ([G3] at Churchill Downs is next).”

Julien Leparoux, jockey Madison’s Luna, winner

“We had a good trip. We were sitting third and I got him outside before the first turn. He just took me there, traveling very nicely, and he had a very nice kick at the end.

“I was impressed especially for just his second start. He showed a lot of ability. I watched his race at Tampa and I thought he was pretty impressive there, too. He’s a nice horse, for sure.”

Elevenses scored in the Any Limit Stakes at Gulfstream Park under jockey Luis Saez on Saturday, March 24, 2018 (c) Kenny Martin/Adam Coglianese Photography

Earlier on Gulfstream’s Saturday card, Joseph Shields Jr.’s Elevenses rallied for a three-quarter length victory in the $75,000 Any Limit Stakes. The Jimmy Jerkens-trained daughter of More Than Ready ran six furlongs in 1:11.89 to prevail under jockey Luis Saez as the even-money favorite.

Elevenses has suffered only one loss thus far, and now boasts a 4-3-0-0, $109,650, career mark.