Champali finds second wind in deep stretch

Champali, ridden by Jason Lumpkins, passed several crucial tests Saturday when he improved his career record to 6 for 7 by winning the $100,000 at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky.

Not only did Champali overcome the far outside post in the field of nine 3-year-olds, but he also raced one of the most accomplished opponents of his career, Grey Comet, into defeat turning for home.

Then, after swerving in midstretch while also faced with a stern challenge from Chicken Soup Kid, Champali showed uncommon determination and focus by quickly pulling away again to win by 3 1/4 lengths. He returned $6 to win as the second choice behind Grey Comet. The winning time of 1:46.23 for 1 1/16 miles came over a very muddy track, one plagued by a slew of recent cancellations.

Greg Foley trains Champali, a son of Glitterman, for the Wisconsin-based syndicate of Lloyd Madison Farms, which is managed by Rob Lloyd of Louisville.

The Battaglia is the key local prep for Turfway's showcase, the $500,000 Lane's End Stakes, a Grade 2 race to be run March 22. Champali will stretch out to 1 1/8 miles in the Lane's End.

* One race earlier, Unbridled Femme ($19) posted an easy win as the longest shot among eight 3-year-old fillies in the $50,000 Valdale Stakes. Brian Peck was aboard for owner Duzee Stable and trainer David Pate.

* One race after the Battaglia, apprentice rider Marcia Stortz notched her first Turfway win aboard Mrs. Obvious ($9.80), also trained by Foley.