Departing has turf options after Firecracker win

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Departing earned an 89 Beyer Speed Figure by winning for the first time in more than a year and for the first time on turf in the closing-night feature, the Grade 2 Firecracker on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Al Stall Jr. said Sunday the breakthrough for the 5-year-old gelding on turf means he’ll have more options in considering future starts. “We had a good time watching on the iPad,” said Stall, who was attending the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies for retired trainer Frankie Brothers.

It was just the second turf start for Departing, now an earner of more than $1.7 million for his owner-breeders, Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider. The gelding got an excellent ride from Miguel Mena, who won two earlier races on the 11-race card.

Cosmic Evolution eyes Pocahontas

Cosmic Evolution, winner of the Debutante Stakes with a mere 58 Beyer, will be pointed to the Pocahontas Stakes on opening weekend of the September meet at Churchill, although the filly “probably will run once before then,” said trainer Lon Wiggins.

“She’s just dying to go two turns,” said Wiggins, who will keep the filly at the nearby Trackside training center through the summer. “She’s a classy horse, never gets flustered.”

The Debutante was one of two 2-year-old stakes on the closing-night card, along with the Grade 3 Bashford Manor, which was won by the Texas-bred gelding He’s Comin in Hot (73 Beyer), who will race next at Saratoga or Prairie Meadows, said trainer Bret Calhoun.

Viva Majorca got the biggest Beyer of the night, a career-high 98, in winning the seven-furlong Kelly’s Landing.

Viva Majorca capped a terrific meet for trainer Ian Wilkes, who will soon take a sizable string to Saratoga for the meet that starts July 24. Viva Majorca, a 4-year-old gelding bred and owned by Marylou Whitney, most likely will make his next start there.

◗ Live action on the Kentucky circuit moves Friday to Ellis Park in the western region of the state. A 31-day meet runs through Sept. 7, with racing returning to Churchill on Sept. 11.