American Cowgirl looks to give connections a boost

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan and trainer Buff Bradley, off to slow starts one month into the Churchill Downs meet, look to heat up when they team with American Cowgirl in Friday’s featured eighth race, a $51,000, entry-level allowance at a mile on turf.

Although both jockey and trainer are well off their usual pace, with Bridgmohan 3 for 48 entering the racing week and Bradley 1 for 13, they have proven to be a winning combination the last couple of years while rewarding those who backed them. Together, they are 9 for 37 (24 percent) at Churchill Downs in 2016-17, and a $2 wager on each of those 37 runners would have yielded an average return of $3.83.

American Cowgirl, the 4-1 morning-line favorite, could add to that record and return on investment. She finished second at Gulfstream in her last two races, earning Beyer Speed Figures of 83 and 81, the best last-race figures in the field.

Owned by Allied Racing Stable, American Cowgirl is also the race’s only multiple winner, having won a maiden special weight at Ellis Park last summer and a starter $50,000 contest over the Churchill grass Sept. 24. Bridgmohan was aboard for the Churchill race.

Bradley, whose lone win at the meet came when Divisidero won the Grade 1, $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, has another chance to win the race with longshot Merry Memories, with Calvin Borel up.

Prudence, who drew the rail, comes off back-to-back runner-up finishes.

Key Contenders

American Cowgirl, by Cowboy Cal

Last 3 Beyers: 83-81-78

◗ She rated 16 lengths off the pace March 18 in her latest race, the result of two fillies engaging in a speed duel that left them 15 lengths ahead of the pack down the backstretch. But she is a versatile filly whose two victories came when she pressed the pace from a length off the leader.

Prudence, by Pleasantly Perfect

Last 3 Beyers: 79-79-69

◗ Jockey Brian Hernandez and trainer Rusty Arnold have gone 6 for 27 together at Churchill in 2016-17, good for a 22 percent win rate and a $2.78 ROI.

Giada Vegas, by Scat Daddy

Last 3 Beyers: 77-74-65

◗ She dramatically improved in her last two starts, rallying to win a maiden race at Fair Grounds on March 17 behind a dawdling pace and returning to finish a fast-closing third in an April 14 allowance at Keeneland. She made up more than four lengths in the final furlong of that race to lose by a neck.