Cashier's Dream rings up Debutante

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Cashier's Dream remained unbeaten in three starts, romping to a track-record victory Saturday in the 101st running of the $110,500 Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Cashier's Dream, a Michigan-bred making her first start for new connections, led all the way in the 5 1/2-furlong Debutante to score a 3 1/2-length triumph over Lakeside Cup. Ridden by Donnie Meche, the winner returned $6.60 and ran the distance in 1:02.52 over a fast track. The previous record was 1:03.11, set May 28 by Leelanau.

Colonial Glitter, the 8-5 favorite under Pat Day, finished third, another 6 1/4 lengths back. Then came Joanies Bella, Gone Bye Bye, Yes Honey, Twin Sails, and War Dress.

Cashier's Dream previously was owned and trained by her breeder, James Jackson, a longtime regular on the Michigan circuit who moved to Kentucky three years ago. After Cashier's Dream won a June 20 allowance race, Jackson sold the filly to the partnership of Team Valor and Bill Heiligbrodt. Steve Asmussen is the new trainer.

Barry Irwin, syndicate manager for Team Valor, did not consider the Debutante until, he said, "we took a closer look and thought she might be able to win it. This might change our plans with her."

Some of the syndicate members are new owners from Chicago and, Irwin said, "they expressed an interest in having her with them the rest of the summer. Maybe this will excite them enough to go ahead and take her to Saratoga."

The Debutante was Meche's third straight win on the card. For Asmussen, who has more than 130 horses in training, the stakes victory was his second of the Churchill spring meet, along with Compendium's upset in the Northern Dancer.

Colonial Glitter was the fourth of five losing favorites on the card for Day. The three others were odds-on.

* The pick six went un-hit again Saturday, leaving a mandatory payout Sunday, closing day. The carryover was $83,857.