McPeek aiming high with Restless Rider

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The remarkable victory by Restless Rider on closing day of the Churchill Downs spring meet had the filly’s trainer, Kenny McPeek, reaching for superlatives nearly 48 hours later.

“I don’t think I’ve been as excited about a young filly since Take Charge Lady,” said McPeek, referring to the only horse to win the Alcibiades, Ashland, and Spinster at Keeneland, his home track.

Restless Rider, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., remained unbeaten in two starts Saturday. She lost major momentum with a half-mile to go in the six-furlong Debutante, then overcame it and more in an 11 1/4-length romp.

“She’s fast, but she also showed how tactical she is,” McPeek said.

McPeek said his goals for Restless Rider include the Alcibiades on Oct. 5 at Keeneland and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 2 at Churchill Downs. Her next start may come in the Sept. 1 Spinaway at Saratoga, he said.

“I’ll probably be tempted to run her before then, but I know I probably shouldn’t,” McPeek said.

Restless Rider, a gray daughter of Distorted Humor, is owned by Fern Circle Stables and Three Chimneys Farm. She earned a 75 Beyer Speed Figure in the Debutante, which came after her June 8 debut win at Churchill.

Meanwhile, McPeek will have stakes action this Saturday at Arlington Park with Daddys Lil Darling in the Modesty and Harlan Strong in the Stars and Stripes. He also is pointing Eskimo Kisses to the July 22 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga and is undecided on a next start for Rated R Superstar, who recently returned to training after being turned out following a fifth-place finish in the May 18 Pimlico Special.