In his last year of riding in Britain on a full-time basis in 2023, the charismatic Frankie Dettori teamed up with trainer Andrew Balding to win the classic 2000 Guineas (G1) with Chaldean. Although Dettori has since shifted his tack to America, winning lucrative races with Balding-trained horses has not abated.
A case in point occurred Saturday at Kentucky Downs, when Dettori guided 2-1 favorite Bellum Justum to a payday of more than $1 million in the Nashville Derby (G3), which carried a total purse of $2,337,160.
Twelve three-year-olds started in the 1 5/16-mile Nashville Derby, three of whom invaded from Europe. Bellum Justum was the most accomplished of that trio, having finished midpack in the Epsom Derby (G1), third in the Hampton Court (G3) at Royal Ascot, and a close second in the Gordon (G3) at Glorious Goodwood.
Although he started a bit slower than Dettori had wanted, Bellum Justum gradually improved position along the far side of Kentucky Downs’ undulating course. His ground-saving spot approaching the turn for home proved the place to be, as Bellum Justum burst through a wide seam between rivals in upper stretch and drew off to win by 2 1/4 lengths.
“He absolutely flubbed the start,” Dettori said. “On this track, on the back straight, I was able to make a good improvement to get a slot, because I knew he would stay very well. I had a beautiful slot, no matter the circumstances. I sent him top of the straight to the 2 1/2 (furlong marker) and I knew he’d gallop to the line. Because he stays a mile and a half.”
Owned by King Power Racing, Bellum Justum covered the course in 2:07.28 on firm ground and paid $6.44.
Carson’s Run, dual Grade 1 winner of the Summer at Woodbine and the Saratoga Derby, rallied for second, edging 29-1 longshot Rothschild by a nose. The order of finish was rounded out by Abrumar, Navy Seal, Stromberg, Lagynos, Cameo Performance, Nomos, El Matador, Sea the Thunder, and Cugino.
This was the second stakes win for Bellum Justum, who kicked off his season with a win in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom going 1 1/4 miles. He was 1-for-4 as a two-year-old, taking his final start of last season in a Newmarket maiden in which he defeated subsequent Commonwealth Cup (G1) winner Inisherin.
An Irish-bred son of Sea the Stars, Bellum Justum was reared by Natural Beauty, an Oasis Dream half sister to multiple Group 3 winner Laaheb.
California invader Ag Bullet ran 11 rivals off their feet in the $1,378,260 Ladies Turf Sprint (G2), making all and winning by 5 1/4 lengths while setting a course record of 1:14.19 for 6 1/2 furlongs.
Ridden by Umberto Rispoli, Ag Bullet returned $7.94 as the post-time favorite. Dontlookbackatall finished second, two lengths ahead of Ocean Club. The order of finish was rounded out by Bling, Secret Money Aussie Girl, Awesome Treat, Danse Macabre, Ruby Nell, Kaufymaker, Red Carpet Ready, and Elm Drive.
Owned by Calvin Nguyen and Joey Tran, the Richard Baltas-trained daughter of Twirling Candy has won six of nine starts, including five stakes. Her previous graded tally occurred in the Monrovia (G3) at Santa Anita on April 6.
“I didn’t expect her to run that good,” Baltas said. “I knew that she was training lights out. The first day she galloped over the track, my rider said she just loves it, absolutely skipping over the track.
“She’s just got that fire inside of her. It was pretty sweet to watch.”
Bred in Kentucky by H & E Ranch, Ag Bullet was produced by Noble Grey, a daughter of Forestry. Ag Bullet was a $220,000 Keeneland September purchase.
Early pace was also an asset in the $1,494,840 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf (G3) over one mile. Walkathon battled for the early lead with Sacred Wish, poked her head in front approaching the half-mile marker, and then drew off to a convincing win down the stretch to win by three lengths.
A homebred racing for Whitham Thoroughbreds, trained by Ian Wilkes, and ridden here by Brian Hernandez Jr., Walkathon finished up in 1:33.76 and paid $19.90.
Sacred Wish finished second, three parts of a length ahead of Evvie Jets. Next under the wire were Sparkle Blue, Fluffy Socks, Nadette, Turnerloose, Spirit and Glory, Mouffy, Mission of Joy, lukewarm favorite Implicated, and Regal Realm.
This was the fourth stakes win of the season for Walkathon, who previously accounted for the Endeavour (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs, the Anchorage S. at Churchill Downs, and the Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf Mile at Ellis Park. The five-year-old by Twirling Candy earned her first black type at three in 2022, taking the Regret (G3).
Now a winner of seven races in 18 starts, the Kentucky-bred was produced by the Grade 3-winning Walkabout, a Stroll half sister to 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) hero Fort Larned. Her third was the two-time champion and Hall of Fame inductee Bayakoa.
