Churchill: Werner finds a rateable filly

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - During the brief but highly successful time in which Ronny Werner has raced horses in Kentucky, his horses have become known primarily for one thing: speed.

So it was no wonder Werner had a big grin on his face after Awesome Humor ($17.20) rallied from off the pace to post an impressive two-length victory in the Grade 3, $109,500 Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs.

"I've always thought a lot of her," said Werner, a Texas-based trainer who began making his presence felt in Kentucky with young horses at the 2001 Keeneland spring meet. "Oh, yeah, we'll be taking her to Saratoga."

In her only previous start, Awesome Humor won an April 11 maiden race at Keeneland.

"I didn't want to run her against boys," said Werner, explaining why Awesome Humor hadn't run since her maiden win. "She'd trained right along since her first race. She was right today."