Al's Gal stands out in closing-day Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon
FRANKLIN, Ky. – It doesn’t always work out so neatly, but if the results of the One Dreamer Stakes mean anything, well, Al’s Gal sure does look good for the closing-day feature at Kentucky Downs.
Lots o’ Lex and No Fault of Mine ran one-two in the One Dreamer here Saturday after finishing 13th and sixth in the Grade 1 Beverly D. on Aug. 13 at Arlington. All Al’s Gal did in the Beverly D. was finish a late-flying second, coming within a half-length of the heavily favored Sea Calisi.
“She’s very consistent and came out of the Beverly D. in great shape,” said Mike Maker, who trains Al’s Gal for Ken and Sarah Ramsey.
As the curtain comes down Thursday on another highly eventful five-day meet at this turf-only track, the $350,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon anchors a program that starts at 1:25 p.m. Central. Al’s Gal is listed as a 5-2 morning-line favorite, but with her Beverly D. effort being such an eye-catcher – and with her connections being on such a tremendous roll – it wouldn’t be surprising if she was sent away a few ticks shorter when the 1 5/16-mile race is run at 5:39 as the ninth of 10 races.
Asked about the possibility of a regression in form Thursday, Maker grinned and said: “That’s not going to happen.”
Florent Geroux, who rode Sea Calisi in the Beverly D., switches over to Al’s Gal for this one. Geroux and Maker teamed here last weekend to absolutely overwhelm the competition in winning three stakes together, including two for the Ramseys.
Christophe Clement has a trio of starters in the Ladies Marathon who seem to pose the top threats to Al’s Gal: Trophee, Notte d’Oro, and Paige. Fringe players in the field of 11 include Promotional, Oakley Girl, Energia Frimby, and Guilty Twelve.
Into this final day, Geroux leads the jockey standings with 11 winners, while Maker leads all trainers with seven wins, and the Ramseys top all owners with four.
KEY CONTENDERS
Al’s Gal, by English Channel
Last 3 Beyers: 95-90-90
◗ As a Pennsylvania-bred, this 5-year-old mare will be running for the equivalent of only a $150,000 purse, but that doesn’t make her any less formidable, as she hasn’t run a subpar race in more than a year, a string of 10 outings.
Trophee, by Mr. Sidney
Last 3 Beyers: 80-92-93
◗ As a French-bred, she is also ineligible for the additional $200,000 in bonus money from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund and will be looking to rebound off a semi-clunker in the Grade 3 Waya at Saratoga as perhaps the most capable of the Clement threesome.
Promotional, by Artie Schiller
Last 3 Beyers: 87-79-84
◗ Florida-bred who’s also ineligible for the KTDF bonuses exits a gritty triumph in a second-level Saratoga turf allowance and appears to be on the upswing for owner-breeder Glen Hill Farm and trainer Tom Proctor.