Calmbeforethestorm impresses in maiden triumph

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Trainer Phil Bauer didn’t win here at Churchill Downs this fall until the final race of the meet, but it sure was worth the wait.

Bauer sent out a first-time starter named Calmbeforethestorm to a visually impressive triumph in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden race in the meet finale Sunday, with the colt overcoming a poor start to prevail by a length. Calmbeforethestorm, by Stormy Atlantic, was 20-1 on the morning line but paid $6.20 as the favorite in a field of 10 2-year-olds.

“We’ve like him since Day 1,” said Bauer. “I was worried when he hopped out of the gate, but he took care of business after that. It was great to see him put it all together. He galloped out with a lot of energy like he always does working.”

Bauer, 29, trains privately for Richard and Tammy Rigney. He will have 10 stalls at Fair Grounds, where he hopes to run Calmbeforethestorm back in a first-level allowance around two turns.