Churchill Downs: Coastline impresses in Street Sense Stakes
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Racing on a card entirely for 2-year-olds deemed the “Stars of Tomorrow” by Churchill Downs, Coastline ran to the day’s title Sunday, looking like a potential star in winning the inaugural running of the $61,800 Street Sense Stakes on opening day of the Churchill fall meet.
Well positioned by jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, Coastline tracked the pace in second early, chasing Almost Famous, the second betting choice, as that one set a modest early pace of 47.14 seconds in the one-turn, one-mile contest.
Leaving the turn, Almost Famous had little left, and Coastline took command. Then, after turning back an early stretch bid from eventual runner-up Ichiban Warrior, Coastline drew away for a three-length victory.
“He’s a very willing horse,” Bridgmohan said of Coastline. “He has a lot of talent.”
A son of Speightstown trained by Mark Casse and owned by John Oxley, Coastline raced a mile on a fast main track in 1:36.77 and paid $10. Sunday’s victory marked his second straight win since a runner-up finish to Almost Famous when debuting Sept. 13 at Churchill.
The Street Sense, an overnight stakes named for the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner, filled a void left in the opening-day schedule by the Iroquois Stakes being moved to the track’s September meet.
Churchill’s closing-day, Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 30 is an option for Coastline, assistant trainer Norman Casse said.
In addition to Almost Famous, who disappointed by fading to be a distant fourth in the Street Sense, even-money favorite Ride On Curlin never seriously challenged in the stretch. He passed tired horses to be third, seven lengths behind the winner.