Churchill Downs: Don't Tell Sophia goes last to first in Chilukki

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On a day when millions upon millions’ worth of horses raced in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita, Don’t Tell Sophia, a $1,000 yearling purchase, scored one for the little guys in winning the Grade 2, $165,200 Chilukki Stakes at Churchill Downs on Saturday night.

A 5-year-old daughter of Congaree owned by trainer Phil Sims and Jerry Namy, Don’t Tell Sophia rallied from last to catch favored Wine Princess in the final furlong and defeat that rival by 2 1/4 lengths. Don’t Tell Sophia raced a mile in 1:35.14 under Joe Rocco Jr., and paid $11.20.

Although a bargain buy as a yearling, Don’t Tell Sophia had proven her quality long before the Chilukki, winning two stakes at Oaklawn in the winter and finishing third in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom there in April.

That class showed in the Chilukki as she rolled past Wine Princess, who finished four lengths in front of late-running Awesome Flower in third.

At least several of the Chilukki competitors are potential returnees in the Grade 2 Falls City Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on Nov. 28.

Good Morning Diva ($3.60) also rallied from last to win the $62,400 Bet On Sunshine Stakes under a rail-hugging ride from jockey Corey Lanerie. His victory gave trainer Rick Hiles his first stakes win at Churchill Downs.

Marchman finished second, and Laurie’s Rocket was third.