Leparoux guides Watchyourownbobber to easy win in More Than Ready Mile
FRANKLIN, Ky. – After a fierce thunderstorm blew through this south-central region Saturday afternoon, Kentucky Downs officials needed approval from jockeys to resume action.
Julien Leparoux, aboard favored Watchyourownbobber, represented the jockey colony as a designated scout – and after inspecting one perennially troublesome spot on the course, he gave a thumbs up for horses to be loaded into the gate for the first of four straight stakes, the $390,000 More Than Ready Mile.
In a fortuitous turn of events for Leparoux, Watchyourownbobber went on to dominate his five opponents, winning off by 4 1/2 lengths in just the second day of action for the 33-year-old jockey since he returned from a month layoff caused by a wrist injury.
“It’s a good way to get back riding, for sure,” said Leparoux.
Watchyourownbobber, a 4-year-old Hard Spun colt, returned $4 after finishing in 1:38.94 over a course rated yielding. He is owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey and is trained by Mike Maker. The $242,670 lifted his career earnings to $566,173.
Songsational set the pace in the More Than Ready Mile, with Watchyourownbobber giving closest chase from an ideal spot. Down the stretch, it was no match.
“The trip went well as I expected,” said Leparoux. “He was traveling very good and won very easy.”
Thatcher Street closed belatedly to nail Power Ped for third. Hootenanny and Chiltern Street both were early scratches by Wesley Ward, leaving a field of six older horses.
The race was delayed 30 minutes because of the storm, which had track officials crossing their fingers that they would not have to cancel – and figure out when to reschedule – the richest races of their five-day meet.
The $2 exacta (3-7) paid $14.60, the $1 trifecta (3-7-5) returned $16.70, and the 10-cent superfecta (3-7-5-2) was worth $4.62.