Churchill Downs Notebook

CHURCHILL DOWNS NOTEBOOK

MAY 25, 2006

by Bernard T. Moore

A reminder to everyone that racing will be conducted at Churchill on Monday

of the Memorial Day weekend. Also, the Family FunFest returns on Sunday and

Monday. There will be an assortment of  children's events along with a show

presented by the Dew Action Sports Tour, which highlights BMX and Skateboard

professionals.

As for last week's stakes action, CHANGING WEATHER (Storm Boot) certainly

benefited from a change in venue as he captured the Matt Winn S. on Saturday.

Winless since an impressive front-running debut effort last summer at Saratoga,

the Darley Stable's colorbearer employed rating tactics and finished strongly

outside of rivals in the stretch to seize the lead before withstanding the late

charge of Court Folly (Royal Academy) to win by a head. The runner-up raced well

off the pace, trailing all rivals after a lethargic start. He found his best

stride leaving the far turn and sustained that rally into the stretch, racing

extremely wide before just missing in a valiant effort. He's Got Grit (Songandaprayer)

was sent to the lead while breaking from the rail and continued to show the way

until midstretch. However, he started to feel the effects of his early exploits

and a long layoff shortly thereafter, giving ground grudgingly late to finish

third as the 7-5 favorite in the wagering.

The main track was bias free all week. There was no discernible path bias to

report on. The turf course played evenly throughout the week.

Julien Leparoux continues to lead Rafael Bejarano in the jockey standings, as

Rene Douglas and Calvin Borel remain deadlocked in third.

Dale Romans leads all trainers, boasting a six-victory edge in the trainer

standings over Todd Pletcher. Greg Foley rounds out the top three.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (5/17)

5TH – FRANKLIN'S TOWER (Cape Town) took a realistic class drop and finished a

sharp second. Held gamely setting a pressured pace in a race that finished up

well late. Fits well at his current class level and can win from on or off the

pace.

8TH – BATTLE STAR (Seeking the Gold) used the wrong tactics stepping up to

meet winners. Was sent to the front to carve out a lively pace at 7 1/2 furlongs

and prefers to sit and rate. Would also benefit from a shorter trip.

Thursday (5/18)

1ST – MY SILVER GIRL (Silver Deputy) was a dominant and impressive winner in

a very fast time, dropping in class to break her maiden. Appears as if she could

handle restricted winners in her next start off the Grant Hofmans claim.

8TH – DANCING BAND (Dixieland Band) finished a strong second in her Churchill

Downs turf debut. Stalked a lively pace prior to gaining command in the stretch

and then gave ground grudgingly late to a fresh closer in a race that was fast

for the class level. Has dangerous tactical speed and can move forward off this

effort.

Friday (5/19)

3RD – WW CONQUISTADOR (Conquistador Cielo) turned in a strong third-place

effort despite a troubled trip. Steadied down the backstretch and was then

bumped by another rival attempting to rally. Finished with good energy despite a

moderate pace in a race that quickened late. His best trip at this point may be

a route of ground around two turns.

7TH – REALTIME (Mt. Livermore) set a rapid pace stretching out to seven

furlongs. Held well until midstretch before tiring. Would definitely benefit if

returned to a shorter sprint contest.

Saturday (5/20)

2ND – ASK THE LORD (Lord at War [Arg]) has been compromised by slow

starts/soft pace scenarios in most recent effort at Churchill Downs. His

third-place finish is better than it appears on paper. Would definitely benefit

from a clean getaway, a better setup on the front end and some much needed class

relief.

6TH – BUCKEYE BUDDY (Horse Chestnut [SAf]) sorely needed his return effort

off a lengthy layoff. Raced evenly chasing modest fractions and rallied mildly

to improve his position. Can obviously move forward off this effort.

Sunday (5/21)

4TH – BULLARA (Holy Bull) offered an encouraging effort in his well bet/well

meant career debut. Chased a fast early pace and then improved his position late

in a race that finished well late while second best. Should only get better with

age, experience and increased distances.

10TH – VIOLENT BEAUTY (Gone West) carved out lively fractions stretching out

to a flat mile. Held well until the stretch, but was no match to an impressive

off the pace winner. Would benefit from a cutback in distance.