Churchill Downs: Kitten's Dumplings dominates Regret
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Ken Ramsey is winning so much at Churchill Downs he can’t even jinx himself. Despite watching Saturday night’s Grade 3, $113,900 Regret at Churchill Downs from the winner’s circle – usually a sure-fire path for disappointment – it did little to stop his 3-year-old filly, Kitten’s Dumplings, from thoroughly dominating the race under Joel Rosario.
The win gave Ramsey - who races in partnership with his wife, Sarah - their 23rd victory of the spring meet, easily most of any owner, and kept them on pace to smash the ownership record for wins by meet’s end.
But the Regret was truly all about Kitten’s Dumplings, who won with authority, as she did in taking the Edgewood Stakes on Kentucky Oaks Day May 3. Rallying from 10th, she circled the field and despite losing ground, had little trouble blowing past the opposition in the stretch.
Geared down late under Rosario, Kitten’s Dumplings won by 2 1/4 lengths over Praia, with Oscar Party another three-quarters of a length back in third.
The winner, a 3-year-old homebred daughter of Kitten’s Joy, raced 1 1/8 miles on a firm turf course in 1:48.41. She paid $3.40 as the overwhelming favorite in the field of 11.
Trainer Mike Maker, who like Ramsey is the meet leader at Churchill Downs, said he views Kitten’s Dumpling as having a bright future now that she is learning to control her nervousness.
“I’ve always had high hopes for her,” he said. “She is sometimes her own worst enemy. She has a lot of high-strung energy.”
Rosario, now 2 for q on her, said he just tries to keep her calm and wait.
“She’s honest,” he said. “She gives you 100 percent.”
Kitten’s Dumpling’s victory capped a successful night for Rosario, who also rode Funny Proposition to an upset victory in the Fleur De Lis and Golden Ticket to a second-place finish in the Stephen Foster.
