Mine Inspector impresses in debut

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Trainer Vickie Foley has been fielding inquiries from would-be buyers after Mine Inspector raced to a 7 3/4-length debut victory last Sunday at Ellis Park. The 2-year-old colt broke poorly, yet still proved tons the best.

Jimmy McNerney, the race-caller at Ellis in western Kentucky, was among those impressed.

“Mine Inspector is running a ginormous race here!” McNerney shouted as the colt drew off under James Graham.

Foley, a trainer since 1981, is among a large syndicate that owns the son of Discreetly Mine. She was somewhat puzzled at the relatively low Beyer (34, versus a race par of 62) credited the colt following a finishing time of 1:03.43 for 5 1/2 furlongs over firm turf.

“I’m not saying he beat a whole lot, but it was exciting the way he did it,” said Foley. “We haven’t had a firm offer, but we probably wouldn’t sell anyway because of how many people are involved.”

Foley said the $400,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile on Sept. 1 is her first main target for Mine Inspector, preferably with an allowance race before then.