Mr. Misunderstood extends streak in Commonwealth Turf
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Another Saturday, another graded stakes win for Florent Geroux.
This week, however, things were a little more subdued when Geroux rolled home a winner aboard heavily favored Mr. Misunderstood in the 14th running of the Grade 3, $100,000 Commonwealth Turf at Churchill Downs.
The previous Saturday, Geroux enjoyed the greatest victory of his riding career when Gun Runner won the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. Back on his home circuit, Geroux gave a confident ride to Mr. Misunderstood, whose sudden outside rush from the back of the pack carried the gelding to a remarkable seventh victory in as many tries over turf.
“He’s a very good horse,” Geroux said afterward.
Mr. Misunderstood, a dark bay Kentucky-bred by Archarcharch, returned $3.40 after finishing 1 1/16 miles in 1:46.80 over a course officially rated firm but that Geroux said “is definitely soft.”
Parlor, the 4-1 second choice in a field of eight 3-year-olds, was along late to be second, 1 1/2 lengths behind the winner and another 1 1/4 lengths before Mr Cub.
Mr. Misunderstood is owned by Flurry Racing Stables, the nom de course of 27-year-old Staton Flurry of Hot Springs, Ark. Trainer Brad Cox said he might try the Dec. 30 Woodchopper at Fair Grounds next with Mr. Misunderstood, “or we might just give him a break and point for some of the bigger turf races a little later on in New Orleans.”
The Commonwealth Turf marked the first graded win for Mr. Misunderstood, who in his previous three races won the Prelude and Super Derby at Louisiana Downs and the Jefferson Cup at Churchill.
The $2 exacta (6-4) paid $11.80, the $1 trifecta (6-4-3) returned $36.40, and the 10-cent superfecta (6-4-3-5) was worth $14.67.