King Zachary tops Romans-trained exacta in Matt Winn
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After watching Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert understandably command attention this spring with Triple Crown winner Justify, Dale Romans had his turn in the spotlight Saturday evening at Churchill Downs, albeit on a smaller stage. His runners, King Zachary and Tiz Mischief, provided the trainer with a one-two finish in the Grade 3, $100,000 Matt Winn on the Stephen Foster night undercard.
Although dismissed by bettors, the Romans trainees never seemed outgunned during the running of the Matt Winn. Tiz Mischief went to the lead with splits of 24.55 seconds, 48.08, and 1:12.15, always traveling smoother than heavily favored Ax Man, who was in close pursuit, while King Zachary rated in third, with jockey Robby Albarado just waiting for the right opportunity to ask his mount.
Sent after the leaders on the far turn, King Zachary advanced to take command coming into the stretch, and then extended his lead to the wire, drawing off by 4 3/4 lengths over Tiz Mischief. A 3-year-old son of Curlin owned by Tom Conway, he completed 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:42.86, paying $26.60 as the second-highest price in the field of six and collecting a 98 Beyer Speed Figure.
The exacta between the two Romans horses paid $189.40.
Winning jockey Robby Albarado said his trip did not work out quite as he expected after Tiz Mischief under Corey Lanerie showed a change in style to be prominent early.
“I had planned on being in front of him,” Albarado said. “I had to make a conscious decision: Do I let Corey go, or do I go?”
He opted to lay off, not wanting to go head to head, and the decision worked out favorably for both horses.
Meanwhile, circumstances were unfavorable for the Baffert-trained Ax Man, though it was his own doing. He was reluctant to load, anxious in the starting gate, and then slow into stride.
“He was a complete nut today,” jockey Mike Smith said. “He just lost it.”
He barely held on to be a distant third, outlasting Funny Duck by a neck. Combatant and Home Base then rounded out the field.
Romans’ was understandably excited following the race with what the future holds for his colts.
“It’s great to have a fresh 3-year-old at this time of year going into some big races. We’ve got the Haskell in front of us, the Travers, a lot of exciting stuff out there,” he said.
