Papaw Bodie captures stakes bow in Connally Turf Cup

"It's a lovely turf course; just about as good as a golf course,"

said Napravnik, who graciously signed autographs for her enthusiastic

fan base. "Papaw Bodie was great to ride. I had never ridden him, but he

was pretty straight forward on his form. I'm very thankful for the

connections in having me on him today."

Papaw Bodie paid $4.60, $2.40 and $2.60 for stopping the clock in 1:49 4/5 as

the 6-5 favorite on the firm turf. Little Wagon followed Proceed Bee by a

half-length in third, with Ioya Bigtime, And Music Came, Col. Wright and Dakota

Gypsy completing the order of finish.

Joe Sharpe saddled Papaw Bodie for trainer Mike Maker, who claimed the

five-year-old two starts back for Connie M. Apostelos, and talked about the

horse's transition from Gulfstream Park.

"He was coming off a mile and three-eighths and Mike does a good job of

keeping him tuned up," Sharpe said. "He had a solid week a work ago at Fair

Grounds. This is a horse that keeps himself pretty fit. Rosie rode a beautiful

race."

Connie M. Apostelos is from Springboro, Ohio, but made the trip to Texas in

time to pick up her first graded win as an owner.

"This is a dream come true," Apostelos said. "I got into this business a

couple of years ago by way of my friend, Jeff Colombro. I have just become

addicted to it! To get a graded stake so early in three years is wonderful. I am

so grateful to Mike and Rosie."

The race was run in ideal racing weather, 52 degrees with no wind.

"I love the weather down here and would love to live in a place like this all

year round," she added.

Papaw Bodie was also earning his first graded win while making his stakes

debut in this spot. The gelding was claimed for $50,000 on October 26 at

Keeneland, then went on to Gulfstream to add an optional claiming victory to his

resume, which now stands at 15-6-4-1. He nearly doubled his earnings to $257,211

with the Connally winner's share.

Bred in Kentucky by Omega Farm, B.D. Gibbs Farm and Chancey Mill Farm, Papaw

Bodie is out of the In the Wings mare Trillion Wing, making him a half-brother

to last year's Remington Springboard Mile third Pee H Dee. The dark bay passed

through the sales ring as a yearling, bringing $150,000 at Keeneland September,

and comes from the same family as Grade 1 hero Super May, Grade 2 victress

Diamond on the Run and multiple Grade 3-scoring sire Ide.