Beau's Town sets track record

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Beau's Town, in his first start in blinkers, set a new track record for six furlongs at Lone Star Park on Saturday when he won the $75,000 Ford Express in 1:07.89. Lone Star is the site of this year's Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, and the Sprint is the longterm goal for Beau's Town.

The previous track record for six furlongs was 1:08, set by Triple Card on May 28, 2001.

Beau's Town ($4.80) broke inward at the start of the Ford Express, and dueled three-wide through an opening quarter in 21.20 seconds. He shook off his rivals on the turn, covered a half-mile in 42.99 seconds, then went on to win the race by 1 1/4 lengths over That Tat. Cole Norman trains both Beau's Town and That Tat.

That Tat altered his course at about the sixteenth pole, when he moved to an inside path as Beau's Town drifted out. A stewards' inquiry was held into the stretch run, but ultimately, the order of finish was not changed.

"I didn't bother That Tat," said Eddie Martin Jr., who rode Beau's Town. "I was clear of him."

Beau's Town, a gelding owned by Dave Hulkewicz, earned $45,000 for the win, which was his 11th from 17 starts. His earnings now stand at $548,900.

Beau's Town also won the Ford Express in 2002, and with his win Saturday gave Norman his third straight victory in the race. He won it last year with That Tat, who was ridden that day by Martin.

Hulkewicz said Beau's Town could make his next start in the Grade 3, $150,000 Aristides Breeders' Cup Handicap at Churchill Downs.