Leparoux wins five Sunday to lead jockey standings

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Julien Leparoux is taking no prisoners in his quest to dethrone Corey Lanerie from a position that once was his.

Leparoux rode five winners Sunday in extending his lead atop the jockey standings to 20-15 over Lanerie, who has been the leading rider at 10 of the last 11 Churchill meets.

After Pat Day retired in 2005, Leparoux became the perennial leading jockey at Churchill, winning or tying for nine meet titles from 2006-11. But upon returning after having left for a few years to ride primarily in New York or California, it was difficult for him to recover some of the business he previously had.

Leparoux’s Sunday spree came from just seven mounts, including one who was defeated in a photo finish. His winners were Blue Wings ($4.40) in the third, Hollywood Critic ($22.20) in the fourth, Knight of Valor ($16.40) in the fifth, Generous Kitten ($5.80) in the seventh, and Keystoneforvictory ($15.60) in the ninth.

Landeros gets hitched

There’s now a third trainer-jockey team on this circuit that consists of a father-in-law and son-in-law.

Jockey Chris Landeros married Shelby Wilkes, the daughter of trainer Ian Wilkes, at a May 9 ceremony attended by some 150 guests just outside of Waddy, Ky.

The Wilkes/Landeros combo joins Wayne Catalano/Channing Hill and Jinks Fires/Jon Court.

Racing club's juvenile breezes

Dozens of partners in the new Churchill Downs Racing Club turned out on a raw Saturday morning to watch the first breeze by the 2-year-old in which they own a small percentage.

The unnamed colt by Warrior’s Reward went three furlongs in 37 seconds in a move that drew praise from Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who is hoping to debut him before the meet ends July 2. Two hundred people paid $500 each to become part-owners in the innovative venture.

Single Six carryover of $379,810

The jackpot carryover in the 20-cent Single Six stands at $379,810 for Twilight Thursday, when the bet will be offered on races 3-8. A perfect solo ticket is required for a jackpot sweep.

After half of a $686,309 carryover from the Kentucky Derby Day’s $2 pick six pool was dispersed through a mandatory-payout provision that drew $1.47 million in new handle last Thursday, these were the respective handles in chasing the second half of that Derby Day carryover (non-mandatory): $153,920 (Friday), $126,042 (Saturday), and $151,319 (Sunday).