California-bred filly Tom's Regret wires Kentucky Juvenile, defeating open-company males
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Tom's Regret won her debut impressively, rolling by 11 1/2 lengths at Santa Anita. Still, she was shipping across the country and not only taking on males but open company after beating a small field of fellow California-breds.
There were no regrets about the risk. Tom's Regret ($6.40) led gate to wire to win the $200,000 Kentucky Juvenile on Thursday at Churchill Downs.
"They're all babies - they all have a chance," said an ebullient Saul Carillo, who co-owns the Tom's Tribute filly with Griffin Stables, Victor Flores, and Eugene Zondlo. "I thought she could take them, and she did. She's a professional filly - she's great. We had nothing to fear."
Tom's Regret, trained by Jorge Periban and ridden by jockey Tyler Baze, easily held sway a length over The Big Wam, finishing the five furlongs in 58.23 seconds on a fast track.
As she hit the line, it sparked a wild celebration from her large contingent of connections gathered trackside. Carrillo, who purchased the filly as a yearling, came to the races wearing a sombrero in honor of Cinco de Mayo. He sprinted onto the track brandishing his hat to the crowd shouting "Viva Mexico!"
Tom's Regret and Baze returned to the crowded winner's circle to a flurry of hugs, pats, and high fives
"She's just a great little filly, and she's got a big heart," Zondlo said.
What could come next for Tom's Regret is an even longer trip and a more ambitious spot. The filly, whose California-based sire was a Grade 1 winner on turf, could be a candidate for the Royal Ascot meeting next month, Carillo said.
"Rumor is, maybe she'll fit in at Royal Ascot," he said with a smile. "So maybe we'll consider that. I've been there, and I would love to see her run in England."
Runner-up The Big Wam and third-place Ryvit are both still maidens after each finished second on debut at Keeneland. The Big Wam, Washington-bred and by the California stallion Mr. Big, finished second after making his debut at Keeneland just one week ago, on April 28. He was 3 1/2 lengths clear of Ryvit, who recovered from being crowded at the start to rally from 11th for third.
Ryvit was 1 1/4 lengths clear of Mr. Gordy, who was followed, in order, by Hurricane Debbie, Hill of Tara, Baytown Lovely, Simply Super, Lone Leader, Ferrari Kid, King Adrock, and Cool Spirit.