Bayern looks to show off speed in Churchill Downs Stakes
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – His name has become synonymous with racing controversy. On Saturday, two races before the Kentucky Derby, Bayern once again will be a hot topic when making his 4-year-old debut as a solid favorite in the 81st running of the Grade 2, $500,000 Churchill Downs Stakes.
Bayern was last seen racing to a wire-to-wire victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita, a race that resulted in a huge uproar because of the manner in which the colt veered in sharply at the break, impacting the way the race unfolded.
In any case, that was six months ago. Bayern has since been rested, regrouped, and re-energized with nine workouts since mid-February leading into the seven-furlong Churchill Downs, a race chosen by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert over another plausible comeback spot, the 1 1/16-mile Alysheba here Friday.
“He’s doing really good,” said Baffert. “Either race probably would’ve been fine for him. We just wanted to start him out a little shorter and hopefully have him show off all that speed he’s got.”
At least a couple of his six opponents are no pushovers. Private Zone is a multiple Grade 1 winner of nearly $1.6 million, and Pants On Fire is a seasoned warrior with the class and versatility to register a mild upset.
Longshots rounding out the Churchill Downs lineup are C. Zee, Brewing, Gentlemen’s Bet, and Nates Mineshaft.
The Churchill Downs, first run in 1911, is carded as the ninth of 13 Saturday races, with post time set for 3:43 p.m. Eastern. The 2014 winner was Central Banker, trained by Al Stall Jr.
Key contenders
Bayern (Last 3 Beyers: 113-110-73)
* His BC Classic triumph capped a spectacular 3-year-old campaign during which he also won the Haskell Invitational and Pennsylvania Derby while earning nearly $4.4 million for Kaleem Shah, whose colors will be carried Saturday by Dortmund in the Kentucky Derby.
* Usually a cutback in distance from 1 1/4 miles to a one-turn race would be of concern, but the colt likely will be flaunting his awesome turn of foot when returning fresh from the layoff.
Private Zone (Last 3 Beyers: 103-110-100)
* This 6-year-old Ontario-bred gelding has earned the respect of the racing world through his extraordinary efforts in taking back-to-back renewals of the Vosburgh and his flashy romp last fall in the Cigar Mile.
* Rene Douglas, the standout Panamanian jockey who rode more than 3,500 winners in North America before being seriously injured in 2009, advocated the private purchase of the horse by Good Friends Stable and remains managing partner for the Chicago-based group.
Pants On Fire (Last 3 Beyers: 104-102-95)
* Ninth as the 8-1 second choice in the 2011 Kentucky Derby won by Animal Kingdom, this 7-year-old horse has been as steady as they come in winning at least one stakes every year from 2011 to 2015.
* Trainer Kelly Breen has decided to focus on slightly shorter races this year for Pants On Fire instead of the middle-distance range that has been his regular domain.