Artistry vs. Bibi Karam, the rematch
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Just like when they last met, Artistry and Bibi Karam should vie for favoritism - and for victory - in the $44,200 feature race Wednesday at Churchill Downs.
Artistry, trained by Rusty Arnold, was the slight 2-1 favorite in a May 26 turf race, one that also carried the entry-level allowance conditions of the Wednesday feature. Artistry finished second, while Bibi Karam, trained by Burk Kessinger Jr., finished third, also at 2-1.
The 4-year-old fillies are part of an overflow field for the ninth of 10 races Wednesday, when the pick six carryover is $6,963.
The program is the last chance for entrants to qualify for the July 5 finals in the weekly handicapping contest.
Outofthebox set for return
Outofthebox, second to Monarchos in the Florida Derby in March, has returned to serious training, having drilled a bullet five furlongs Saturday in 59 seconds. Trainer Bernie Flint said he is considering the $500,000 West Virginia Derby on Aug. 11 at Mountaineer Park for the colt's comeback.
Outofthebox injured a front hoof in the Flamingo Stakes in April, then underwent rehabilitation in Lexington with Amy Lopresti. "She did a fabulous job," said Flint.
Noll to ride at Ellis
Cindy Noll, a perennial national leader among female jockeys, will ride regularly in Kentucky for the first time when the Ellis Park meet begins in Henderson, Ky., on
July 11.
Noll is a two-time leading rider at Prairie Meadows, where she is currently riding. She also has been a top-five jockey in recent years at Oaklawn Park and Hoosier Park. Steve Elzey will be her agent.
*My Man Gus, a half-brother to Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, had an inauspicious career debut Saturday when he finished eighth at 41-1. He was involved in an identification mix-up earlier in the meet in which trainer Norman Miracle Jr. was fined $2,000. My Man Gus was never prominent, and was beaten 15 1/2 lengths by victorious Jump Start.
*Bet on Sunshine and Alannan head the prospective field for Saturday's $100,000 Aristides Handicap.