Chief Cicatriz may run back at spring meet

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Fresh off a career-best effort that equated to an eye-popping 110 Beyer Speed Figure, Chief Cicatriz could run once more at Churchill Downs before the spring meet ends.

Chief Cicatriz wowed a Downs After Dark crowd of 17,068 by posting his first graded stakes victory Saturday night in the Grade 3 Aristides, winning off by 6 1/4 lengths in 1:08.44 for owner-breeder Roy Gene Evans and trainer Shawn Davis.

Chief Cicatriz, a 5-year-old gelding by Munnings, has been stabled in Barn 47 with trainer Mike Johnson while Davis tends to his main string at Canterbury Park in Minnesota. The huge Aristides performance followed a fifth-place finish in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs on the May 5 Kentucky Derby card.

Johnson said Davis is considering running Chief Cicatriz in the Kelly’s Landing, a seven-furlong race on closing day here, June 30, with the main goal being the Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar on July 28.

Years ago, Davis, 77, befriended Johnson, 41, and together they enjoyed an unforgettable evening under the twin spires. Some three hours before Chief Cicatriz dazzled under the lights, Johnson sent out Mutajaded to win a $30,000 conditioned claiming race in broad daylight. It was the 4-year-old gelding’s first start since Johnson claimed him on behalf of a new client, Jan Haynes.

“It was quite a night,” said Johnson.