Macho Music too fast for Pat Day Mile rivals

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Speed is traditionally dangerous over a wet track, and so it proved when Macho Music led throughout in the $539,500 Pat Day Mile (G2) on the Kentucky Derby Day program at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

What made the 13-1 chance's tally even more impressive were the fractions he posted. Macho Music covered the opening quarter mile in :22.43, a half mile in :44.93, and began to edge clear after six furlongs in 1:09.66.

Under Javier Castellano, Macho Music extended his lead down the stretch and won by 3 1/4 lengths, finishing up in 1:35.65 over a sloppy strip. Owned in partnership by Mark Fletcher Taylor, trainer Rohan Crichton, and Daniel Walters, Macho Music returned $29.86.

"I think the track helped him and he is really a quick horse. He's quick and he's able to stretch his speed, which we were a little worried about," Crichton said.

Madaket Road, the 2.64-1 favorite who raced in second the whole way, edged stablemate Gaming for the runner-up spot by a neck. Gate to Wire finished fourth and was followed by Perfect Force, Smoken Wicked, Innovator, California Burrito, and Built.

This was the second consecutive stakes win for Macho Music, who captured the restricted OBS Sophomore S. at Tampa Bay Downs by more than 11 lengths on March 30. Two back, Macho Music finished a distant second to Gate to Wire in the Swale S. after being involved in a wicked pace duel. He has now won four of eight starts.

"He's been getting better, a lot more relaxed," Crichton said. "The next race might be the Woody Stephens (G1)."

A Florida-bred son of Maclean's Music, Macho Music is out of Southern Girl, a Tapit half-sister to Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Mucho Macho Man.