Sir Truebadour closes out Churchill Downs’ spring meet with easy Bashford Manor win

Whispering Oaks Farm LLC’s SIR TRUEBADOUR gave trainer Steve Asmussen a record-tying fifth win in Saturday’s $100,000 Bashford Manor Stakes (G3) under jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. on closing day of Churchill Downs’ spring meet.

The More Than Ready colt broke his maiden by four lengths at Churchill on May 17 and entered this spot off a fourth-placing in the Tremont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 8. He was bumped at the start of the Bashford Manor, but still grabbed command to set the pace in fractions of :21.35, :46.63 and :58.54.

Sir Truebadour never let up, crossing under the wire two lengths clear to stop the clock in 1:12.77 for six furlongs over the fast main track. Bet down to 3-2 favoritism against 11 rivals, he paid $5 for the win.

Mr Chocolate Chip, one of four wagering interests sent off at over 100-1, finished second while 99-1 shot Overanalyzer filled the third spot 1 1/4 lengths behind. Cat Addiction came next and was followed by Weiland, The Song of John, Dalliance, 2-1 second choice Shanghaied Roo, Baytown Glory, Toothless Wonder, Eye Cloud and Mr. Granite.

Sir Truebadour is now 3-2-0-0, $203,550 in his career. Bred in Kentucky by Two Stamp Stables, the dark bay juvenile is out of the listed-placed King of Kings mare Kivi, making him a full brother to Grade 1-winning millionaire and Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G2) hero Regally Ready.

Sir Truebadour’s third dam is the Swaps mare Baracala, from whom is descended numerous Grade/Group 1 winners.

BASHFORD MANOR QUOTES

Ricardo Santana Jr., jockey Sir Truebadour, winner

“(Trainer) Steve (Asmussen) and his team did a great job with this horse. It was a great win today. He is very fast early and got the lead nicely out of the gate. He got a little tired late but held on nicely to win.”

Steve Asmussen, trainer Sir Truebadour, winner

“We aimed to this race since he broke his maiden (on May 17). It’s great to win a graded stakes race. He got a little tired late but it was a great win.”

Euclyn “Pede” Prentice Jr., jockey Mr Chocolate Chip, second

“He ran a great effort. He was a little green in the stretch but closed ground well. It was a great race.”

Mario Gutierrez, jockey Toothless Wonder, 10th

“We got into a lot of trouble off the turn. Two horses bumped with me and we got shuffled back.”