Hancock has babies geared up for Ellis meet

No one embodies the spirit of Ellis Park more than John Hancock, who’s been a backstretch fixture at the western Kentucky since early childhood. Through the years, the 60-year-old Hancock has become well known for his work with 2-year-olds, and with Ellis starting its 29-day summer meet Sunday, he’s been fielding inquiries left and right as to how he expects his babies to fare in front of the home crowd.

“I’ve got three or four first-timers that can really run,” said Hancock. “People better be on the lookout.”

One filly who already has started, Nurse Maggie Sue, will resurface during a meet that runs through Sept. 2, and Hancock is fully expecting a vastly improved performance from her April debut at Keeneland. Bet down to 9-10 favoritism in the first race of the spring meet, the Gemologist filly stumbled at the break to lose virtually all chance when finishing seventh.

“We did something a little different this year, and instead of getting them ready early and trying to sell them, I had a couple clients who said they wanted to wait on Ellis Park,” said Hancock. “Nurse Maggie Sue is probably the best of my 2-year-olds. She’s quick – very quick.”