Casse runners find success
Conquest Bigluck E, a 2-year-old colt by Lookin At Lucky, remained unbeaten in two starts by winning a 6 1/2-furlong allowance last Friday, earning an 83 Beyer Speed Figure. Casse said he likely will run next in the Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct or the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs.
Sky Hero, a 2-year-old colt by Sky Mesa, got a 74 Beyer in easily winning a maiden race Sunday “and looks like a colt with a future,” said Casse, adding that the Kentucky Jockey Club is a good possibility.
Motivating, a 3-year-old, ran a good third in his career debut Saturday at six furlongs, but it’s his pedigree – the colt is by Pulpit and out of the Kentucky Oaks winner Keeper Hill – that makes Casse optimistic.
“I’ll definitely run him back around two turns,” he said.
** Julien Leparoux, who has won or tied for 10 Keeneland meet riding titles since 2006, is on pace to hit the 2,000-win milestone in the coming days. Leparoux, a 31-year-old French native who began riding in the United States in 2005, had 1,991 career victories after winning the first race Wednesday aboard Seventhfleethumor for owner-breeders Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trainer Mike Maker.
** After Saturday, the only stakes remaining at the 17-day meet are the $125,000 Dowager on Sunday and the Grade 2, $200,000 Fayette on closing day, Oct. 25.
** A 3:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff for the University of Kentucky football game Oct. 25 versus No. 1 Mississippi State at nearby Commonwealth Stadium was announced this week.