Churchill Downs Notebook

CHURCHILL DOWNS NOTEBOOK

JUNE 8, 2006

by Bernard T. Moore

The highlight at the track last week was the appearance of Eclipse

Award-winning sprinter LOST IN THE FOG (Lost Soldier) in the Aristides Breeders'

Cup H. (G3), which was part of an all-stakes Pick 4 wager. It certainly was a

feather in the cap of Churchill Downs to attract such a marquee runner, serving

as a reminder that the Breeder's Cup will be run at the track in the fall.

RUSH BAY (Cozzene) once again demonstrated his refusal to yield the lead in

the stretch on Saturday, withstanding a stretch-long challenge from runner-up

Purim (Dynaformer) to win the Opening Verse H. Trained by Tom Amoss, Rush Bay

stalked a deliberate pace down the backstretch prior to gaining command as the

field turned for home. Purim, who was angled off the inside for his stretch bid,

subsequently attacked the leader, and the two rivals battled gamely to the wire,

with Rush Bay prevailing by a head. Free Thinking (Unbridled), who set the pace,

tired to finish third. Senor Swinger (El Prado [Ire]), who had captured the last

two runnings of the Opening Verse, raced within striking distance of the leaders

to the far turn before giving way and finishing last as the 5-2 second choice in

the wagering.

In the Dogwood Breeders' Cup S. (G3), JOINT EFFORT (Runaway Groom), like Rush

Bay, simply refused to cough up the lead, holding on resolutely in the stretch

to score by a length. Piloted by Rene Douglas, Joint Effort stalked the pace

before seizing the lead at the six-furlong marker. She added to her advantage to

be 1 1/2 lengths clear in midstretch and maintained that lead to the wire,

repelling a late rally from Ready to Please (More Than Ready). Victorina

(Delaware Township) finished belatedly to get third, with Coronado's Vision

(Coronado's Quest), who showed the way until the far turn, checking in a

well-beaten fourth.

I would characterize it as spectacular, or even remarkable, but LOST IN THE

FOG (Lost Soldier) did emerge victorious in the Aristides, registering his

initial win as a four-year-old. Dispatched as the odds-on on favorite in a field

of six, Lost in the Fog dueled pacesetter Exciting Metro (Carson City) into

defeat around the far turn after stalking modest fractions. He then settled into

the stretch with a clear advantage, and under hand urging by jockey Russell Baze

to maintain his lead, held Kelly's Landing (Patton) safe by a measured 1 1/4

lengths. Level Playingfield (Level Sands) passed tired runners in the stretch to

claim the show.

While he did come away with a win in the Aristides, I expected a more

impressive performance from the current sprint champion, especially in his

second start off the layoff. Quite clearly, he is going to have to kick it up a

couple of notches if he is going to keep his title. His efforts against older

runners in graded stakes competition have been less than awe-inspiring so far.

As a result, it leaves one wondering aloud as to just how good Lost in the Fog

really is. After all, he did build his reputation by beating up on overmatched

three-year-olds in 2005. The time has come for Lost in the Fog to replicate his

sparkling form of last year against more worthy rivals.

YUCATAN (Favorite Trick), who has always used his quick turn of early foot to

his advantage, rallied strongly from last place to annex the Texas Glitter H.

Benefiting from a rider switch to Calvin Borel, the typically speedy

five-year-old gelding broke lethargically from the gate and was the early

trailer. He began to close like away runaway freight train in the stretch upon

finding his best stride, picking off rivals one by one until he had passed them

all to score by a half-length. Atticus Kristy (Atticus) rallied to take the lead

in deep stretch, but could not contain the winner and settled for second-place.

Mighty Beau (Rainbow Prospect) was unable to improve his position late after

sitting from just off the pace. He earned the show by a nose over Justice for

Auston (Lit de Justice), who failed to sustain his rally as well.

The main track played honestly to begin the week. It seemed somewhat biased

toward early speed types on Friday, but returned to normal over the weekend.

There was no apparent path bias last week.

The turf favored speed on Thursday, while come-from-behind runners did best

on Saturday.

Julien Leparoux continues to lead Rafael Bejarano by just a single win in the

jockey standings, with Borel moving into the top three last week.

Dale Romans remains atop the trainer standings, with Todd Pletcher and Amoss

completing the top three.

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (6/1)

2ND – SLAM IT TO ME (Grand Slam) recorded a very sharp second-place finish

despite a modest worktab to begin her career. Raced wide chasing a strong pace

and still managed to finish with good energy late. Has a pedigree to improve as

the distances increase.

6TH – TOTALLY SELFISH (Abaginone) regressed in her second start off the shelf

shipping in from Maryland, tiring late after chasing a front-running winner.

Definitely needs an uncontested lead to be at her best.

Friday (6/2)

9TH – GREAT PLAINS (Belong to Me), once again, merely spun his wheels over a

wet Churchill Downs main track. Failed to make any impact attempting to rally

behind pedestrian fractions over a speed-favoring oval. Merits consideration

over a fast track.

11TH – KISS THE FLAME (Menifee), in a change of tactics, finished with

interest to get the place from off the pace in a swiftly run contest. Remains

winless in 15 starts, but he really fits well at this reduced level, especially

in a shortened sprint.

Saturday (6/3)

1ST – DONNIE'S MADAM (E Dubai) recorded an even fourth-place finish while

making her career debut in a swiftly run contest. Bred to improve with

experience and as the distances increase for a trainer who does well with

juvenile runners.

5TH – COOKIE'S GOLD (Formal Gold) turned in a much-improved showing making

her second start off the layoff. Exhibited surprised speed to dispute a fast

pace and held well in the stretch while clearly second best to the odds-on

winning favorite. May finally register her elusive initial victory in her third

comeback effort.

Sunday (6/4)

6TH – WAR WOLF (Tale of the Cat) received a good education race in his well

bet unveiling. Finished rapidly from off the pace despite a modest opening

quarter mile to get third in a race that quickened noticeably late. He is bred

for a sprint and to win early in his career.

8TH – BEECHMONT (Crafty Prospector) regressed off a career best effort in his

first start against open company. Rallied to finish fourth despite a pedestrian

pace in a race that was fast for the class level. Appears better suited to

compete against limited winners in subsequent starts over a middle distance of

ground.