Asmussen rallies for 26th Churchill Downs title
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Steve Asmussen closed with a flourish at the Churchill spring meet, winning eight races over the last seven days to overtake Brad Cox for the training title by a 25-23 count. This was a record-extending 26th time Asmussen has won or shared the title at Churchill, where he also is the all-time leading trainer in wins (846).
Gulfport was the last winner of the meet for Asmussen when taking the closing-day Bashford Manor by 12 1/4 lengths. The 2-year-old Uncle Mo colt earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure and will make his next start at Saratoga, where he’ll be stabled with the rest of Asmussen’s best horses. That contingent includes Epicenter, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness runner-up, who worked five furlongs in 1:00.40 in company Sunday before leaving Churchill. The Jim Dandy on July 30 at Saratoga is the next target for Epicenter.
Huge effort on debut for Damon's Mound
Michelle Lovell, who sent out Damon’s Mound to an eye-catching 12 1/2-length debut victory Saturday, said Tuesday the Girvin colt “is still in the barn,” even as offers of a private purchase pour in.
“He’s special,” she said from Colonial Downs in Virginia, where Damon’s Mound and the rest of her stable were recently transported. “I’m very happy.”
Owned by Cliff and Michele Love, who bred the colt in Florida, Damon’s Mound earned an 84 Beyer when getting six furlongs in 1:09.84.
Engraved trophies all around
The connections of Rich Strike all were presented with their engraved 2022 Kentucky Derby trophies between races on the big Stephen Foster card Saturday. On hand were a representative of Calumet Farm (breeder), Rick Dawson (owner), Eric Reed (trainer), and Sonny Leon (jockey).
Said Reed afterward: “This changed my life forever. It changed a lot of people’s lives. This is where it all happened. Today I’m seeing things that I don’t remember what went on, even though I was watching them. It’s such an honor.