Closeout prompt favorite in Locust Grove

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The aptly named Closeout closed out the 45-day Churchill Downs spring meet by driving to a popular three-length triumph in the Grade 3, on Sunday.

Closeout closed stoutly under Robby Albarado to win a one-mile turf race depleted by the early scratches of Tizaqueena, Leamington, and Namaste's Wish. She returned $3.60 as the solid favorite in a field of five fillies and mares.

Gloria Goodbody, normally a front-runner, rallied from last to finish second, another two lengths in front of Stealin' Kisses. Zee Zee was fourth, while Tensas Yucatan, the 9-5 second choice and early leader, faded to last.

Closeout, a Glen Hill Farm homebred trained by Tom Proctor, now has won 5 of 10 career starts. The 4-year-old Repriced filly earned $71,238 with her third stakes victory.

The win by Closeout completed a sweep by favorites for the last four stakes of the meet. Decelerator won the Debutante Stakes on June 27, Backtalk won the Bashford Manor on Friday, and Mr. Sidney won the Firecracker on Saturday.

The meet ended with jockey Calvin Borel barely falling short of catching Julien Leparoux for the meet riding title. Borel rode three winners on the 11-race closing-day card to finish with 61, one shy of Leparoux, who was at Arlington Park on Saturday and Hollywood Park on Sunday.

Ken and Sarah Ramsey were the leading owner with 18 wins and Steve Asmussen was the leading trainer with 29.