CHURCHILL DOWNS NOTEBOOK
MAY 4, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
Churchill Downs once again opened its doors this past Saturday for its
traditional spring/summer meet. A crowd of 15,658 race fans made its way to the
track to witness the 10-race card.
The obvious focal point of the meet is the Kentucky Derby (G1). This year’s
renewal of the most exciting two minutes in sports promises to be a
handicapper’s delight, as a field of 20 three-year-olds make their way to the
starting gate on the first Saturday in May.
The Derby Trial S. for three-year-olds at a flat mile was the opening-day
feature. Favoritism in the race was bestowed upon Noonmark (Unbridled’s Song) on
the basis of a strong second-place showing to Sharp Humor (Distorted Humor) in
the Swale S. (G2) at Gulfstream Park in early March, A close second choice in
the wagering was Protagonus (Salt Lake), saddled by Nick Zito. However, the
Santa Anita Park invader RECORD (Devil His Due) stole the spotlight, finishing
strongly in the stretch to take down top honors win by a neck.
Settling a bit farther off the pace than usual, the Bob Baffert-trained
Record began to improve his position around the far turn. He continued to
sustain his rally into the stretch, outfinishing an ultra-game Spotsgone (Bright
Launch) late. The runner-up vied for command from the outset and gained a
tenuous lead after six furlongs had been completed. He continued to lead the way
into the stretch and battled back gamely when engaged by the winner. Still, he
came up a tad short in the final yards in what was truly a remarkable effort.
Mister Triester (Old Trieste) broke a bit slowly and was bothered by
Protagonus shortly thereafter. As a result, he dropped back to last prior to
leveling off around the far turn. He closed into the stretch to reach a
contending position, but lacked the necessary response and was beaten 2 1/2
lengths. Noonmark drifted outward at the break and never seemed comfortable over
the track. He did manage to flash early speed, but began to drop back
approaching the far turn and eventually finished sixth. Protagonus showed the
way under constant pressure to the far turn, but he unfortunately broke down and
was vanned off.
Sunday’s highlight was an early level allowance contest that was washed from
the turf to the dirt. The primary beneficiary of the change in surfaces was
MYTHICAL CONQUEST (Exploit), who, with the addition of blinkers, made it look
easy as he wired the field to win by four decisive lengths. With Calvin Borel
serving mainly as a passenger, Mythical Conquest quickly spurted away from the
pack leaving the gate and loped along on the front end while setting the pace.
Sun Boat (GB) (Machiavellian) began his bid in earnest in the stretch, but could
not keep pace with the winner as he began to accelerate and was clearly second
best. Cat Shaker (Catienus) raced closest to Mythical Conquest down the
backstretch, but lacked the necessary response when called upon and finished a
well-beaten third.
The main track played fairly honest on Saturday. However, steady rain on
Sunday turned the track into a sea of slop with off-the-pace runners dominating
the results. The outside paths were definitely better on both days. The turf course appeared to play evenly on Saturday.
Rafael Bejarano and Shaun Bridgmohan are tied for leading rider honors at the
meet. There is a five-way dead-heat for third.
Dale Romans and William Connelly share the top spot in trainer standings.
HORSES TO WATCH
Saturday (4/29)
1ST – AIR CORREDOR (El Corredor) improved to finish second while returning to
the one-turn mile distance at Churchill Downs. Finished with good energy to
claim the place despite modest fractions in a race that quickened noticeably
late. Has room to show further progress off this effort.
2ND – BAHAMA BEAU (Wised Up) appeared to be a tad short off the layoff in his
Churchill Downs debut. Moved to challenge for the lead in the stretch, but
failed to sustain that rally late. Fits well at the $5,000 claiming level.
8TH – MOON MAVEN (Dixieland Band) turned in an encouraging third off a layoff
and shipping to Kentucky. Nearly got second racing a bit wide on the turn and
into the stretch as the race quickened. Would clearly benefit from a livelier
pace scenario in her next start.
Sunday (4/30)
2ND – IMAFLASHYCAT (Tale of the Cat) finished a sharp second facing limited
winners on the drop. Overcame an awkward start and a bumping incident to set a
rapid pace over a closer’s track. Held well despite getting leg-weary late.
Needs only careful rating and an honest track to register her second lifetime
win if kept at her current class level.
7TH – LEO’S PEGASUS (Fusaichi Pegasus) recorded a good showing while
switching back to dirt. Proved to be no match for a winner who “freaked” over
the wet track. A cutback in distance may be order as she has failed three times
since being stretched out. Has the look of a late-running sprinter.