
|
|
Well-matched field set for Chilukki Grade 2 winner LEAH'S SECRET (Tiger Ridge) and three-time Grade 1 runner-up BARONESS THATCHER (Johannesburg) highlight a field of 11 distaffers in Sunday's $150,000 Chilukki S. (G2) at Churchill Downs. Ruffian H. (G1) runner-up COPPER STATE (Jump Start), California shipper SUPER FREAKY (Smart Strike) and last-out Gardenia H. (G3) victress SWIFT TEMPER (Giant's Causeway) are also entered in the one-mile, one-turn test. Leah's Secret captured the Chicago H. (G3) three starts back and finished fourth in both the Ballerina S. (G1) and Beldame S. (G1) in her last two outings. A stakes winner under the Twin Spires, the Todd Pletcher-trained mare will be reunited with Rene Douglas, who was last up in the Chicago. Baroness Thatcher is a hard-hitting filly who exits an allowance score at Keeneland for conditioner Bill Mott. Second by a head in the Humana Distaff (G1) at Churchill in May, the chestnut will pick up the services of the hot-riding Robby Albarado. Illinois-bred Copper State has run well since being transferred to Steve Asmussen three starts back, recording a runner-up effort in the Obeah H. (G3) at Delaware Park prior to an excellent second in the Go for Wand H. (G1) at Saratoga, finishing only 1 1/4 lengths back of reigning champion Ginger Punch. She posted a non-threatening second in the Ruffian last out, but still received a respectable 101 BRIS Speed rating and merits serious respect on the cutback in distance on Sunday. Grade 3 winner Super Freaky will appreciate the class relief after finishing fourth to Zenyatta (Street Cry [Ire]) in the Lady's Secret S. (G1) last out, and Julien Leparoux will pick up the mount for Doug O'Neill. Trainer Dale Romans will send out Swift Temper, who registered her first stakes victory when rolling to a 4 1/2-length decision in the Gardenia at Ellis Park in her last start.
![]() Send this article to a friend
|
|