American Pharoah among nominees to Lukas Classic
Highly conspicuous by his presence on the list of 32 nominees to the Sept. 26 Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs is Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, although trainer Bob Baffert has given no indication that the superstar colt will actually start. According to the race conditions, the 1 1/8-mile Lukas Classic (known for its first two runnings as the Homecoming Classic) will be worth $175,000 without American Pharoah and $1 million with him.
Runhappy tunes up for Phoenix
Runhappy had his second workout since his breakthrough victory last month in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop when breezing six furlongs Tuesday in 1:17 at his home base at the Thoroughbred Center training facility in Lexington. Owned by Jim McIngvale and trained by Maria Borell, Runhappy is pointing to the Grade 3 Phoenix Stakes on Oct. 2, opening day of the Keeneland fall meet.
Colby Hernandez sidelined
Colby Hernandez, the third-leading rider in wins in North America this year, is expected to be out at least three weeks with a ligament tear in his shoulder, according to agent Anthony Martin. Hernandez was injured when his mount fell following the last race Saturday at Churchill.
With 240 wins, Hernandez trails only Javier Castellano and Antonio Gallardo atop the national standings. Hernandez, who normally rides in his native Louisiana, had planned to ride several weeks in Kentucky while also spending time with his brother, fellow jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.
Dogwood attracts a crowd
Churchill racing officials are expecting a full field of 3-year-old fillies Saturday night for the Grade 3, $100,000 Dogwood, the highlight of the only Downs After Dark card of the September meet. Among those entered in the seven-furlong race are Chide, Huasca, Kathballu, and Pleasant Tales.
First post Saturday is 6 p.m. Eastern, with the prevailing theme being “Summer Sunset” for ontrack fans. Admission is $10.
◗ The only allowance on a 10-race Friday card at Churchill serves as the nominal feature, with Manahatta and Skywarn the likely favorites in a field of 10 fillies and mares going seven furlongs. The balance of the card consists of one maiden special weight race and eight claiming events. First post is 12:45 p.m.
◗ From the first three cards (31 races) at the 11-day meet at Churchill, favorites won 12 times (39 percent), and average field size was 8.71 horses per race. From the first 22 races (through Monday) at Kentucky Downs: six winning favorites (27 percent) and 10.6 field size.