Joseph thinking of Charles Town stakes for Spirit Wind's next start

Spirit Wind is under serious consideration for the $500,000 Misty Bennett Pink Ribbon Stakes at Charles Town following her standout victory in the $100,000 Memorial Day Sprint at Lone Star Park.

Spirit Wind breezed home by 3 1/2 lengths Monday and covered six furlongs in a sharp 1:09.37. Spirit Wind was assigned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 99.

“She ran big,” said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. “I think six, six and a half furlongs is probably her best distance.”

Spirit Wind is a quick mare and won from just off the pace under Mike Smith. A probable summer goal is the seven-furlong Misty Bennett, said Joseph.

“We kind of like the configuration for it,” said Joseph. “I know it’s seven, but it suits speed and the two turns. So, it kind of would suit her style.

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“We’re probably going to go there. I don’t know if we would do something before that. We haven’t decided just yet.”

The Misty Bennett for fillies and mares will be run over Charles Town’s six-furlong oval Aug. 23.

Spirit Wind was to return to Kentucky after the Lone Star win and likely will be based this summer at Saratoga, said Joseph.

Smith was riding for Joseph for the first time ever in the Memorial Day Sprint. Smith and Joseph, who are based on opposite coasts, were in Texas on Monday for the annual Lone Star Million Day. Smith also accounted for the $300,000 Texas Derby with E J Won the Cup for trainer Doug O’Neill.

Joseph was pleased with the opportunity to team with Smith.

“He’s a Hall of Famer. I grew up watching him,” Joseph said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to have him ride a winner for me. I was glad we were able to accomplish it.”

Joseph is the current leading trainer at Gulfstream Park.

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