Backyard Heaven impresses in winning Alysheba Stakes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Under the gaze of a massive crowd Friday on Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs, a potential star shined bright while another faded from view in the Grade 2, $400,000 Alysheba Stakes. Capturing the attention was Backyard Heaven, who stepped up from a first-level allowance to dominate stakes rivals, while disappointing was Always Dreaming, who lost for the fifth straight time since winning the Kentucky Derby a year ago.

As dazzling as Backyard Heaven was to observe, Always Dreaming was unfulfilling. The latter was able to set the pace without encouragement from regular rider John Velazquez, going an easy opening quarter in 23.86 seconds, followed by a half mile in 46.79. But as Backyard Heaven dialed up the pressure, hitting the front with six furlongs in 1:10.86, Always Dreaming was in retreat. He weakened to fifth, beaten 9 3/4 lengths.

“You hope the horses show up, and he hasn’t shown up since the Derby,” said Velazquez.

Meanwhile, it was all smiles among the Backyard Heaven camp after his 4 1/2-length Alysheba victory over longshot Hawaakom – though it was a long time coming, after illness and other minor setbacks sidelined the horse until last September, two-thirds of the way into his 3-year-old year. Friday’s race marked just his fourth start and his third straight win after a runner-up finish in his debut.

Ken Ramsey, who co-owns Backyard Heaven with his wife, Sarah, was in his usual jubilant mood while celebrating with relatives after the race. Asked for his thoughts, he responded, “I’m thinking Breeders’ Cup Classic. I’m thinking Dubai World Cup, and that little race in between called the Pegasus.”

Trainer Chad Brown has his eyes on other races in the immediate future, saying he likely would gradually stretch Backyard Heaven in distance, mentioning 1 1/8-mile races such as the Grade 1 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs on June 16 and the Aug. 4 Whitney at Saratoga as possibilities.

Backyard Heaven ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.73 on a fast track under Irad Ortiz Jr. and paid $6.40.

Following Backyard Heaven and Hawaakom across the wire was Good Samaritan and Hoppertunity, who failed to threaten but passed Always Dreaming. Longshots Giuseppe the Great and Hence completed the order of finish.