Delaunay regains old form winning Aristides

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The old pro Delaunay had fallen off in recent times, both in wins and reputation. But the 7-year-old Delaunay looked like his former world-beating self when he ran off to a 3 1/2-length triumph Saturday in the 26th running of the Grade 3, $112,900 Aristides at Churchill Downs.

“This was the kind of race he needed,” said trainer Tom Amoss. “Not to take anything away from the field he beat today, but it wasn’t as tough as when he ran here on Derby Day,” when fifth in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs, “nor some of the other races he’s been beaten in the last year or so.”

With Rosie Napravnik aboard, Delaunay broke sharpest of all among a field of eight older horses in the six furlong-race. He had to contend early with longshot Jasizzle but easily disposed of him by the far turn, and no real challenge materialized thereafter. He paid $3.40 as heavy favorite after finishing in 1:09.59 over a fast track.

“He’s so great because he’s so fast and has no problems sitting off another horse,” said Napravnik. “He really knows what he’s doing and he just cruised home.”

Scatman finished second, another 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Captain Genius, with Mico Margarita another 2 1/2 lengths back in fourth.

Claimed in 2012 for $40,000 by Amoss on behalf of Maggi Moss, Delaunay now has 16 wins and 10 seconds from 45 lifetime starts. The $67,898 winner’s share increased his career bankroll to $985,491.

Amoss said he was unsure where or when Delaunay will make his next start.

Brewing, who would have been the only 3-year-old in the field, was an early scratch.

The $2 exacta (6-7) paid $21.60, the $1 trifecta (6-7-8) returned $70.50, and the 10-cent superfecta (6-7-8-4) was worth $29.15.

Regally Ready takes Opening Verse

Some 30 minutes later, Napravnik also won the $65,000 Opening Verse aboard Regally Ready ($3.20), the heavy favorite among seven older turf horses. She also gave this one a textbook ride, coaxing the 7-year-old Regally Ready off the early pace before kicking clear of a too-late move by runner-up Villandry.

The $1 super high five (7-1-6-9-5), helped by a modest carryover, returned $626.80.

Four early scratches left a field of seven.