Mr. Misunderstood keeps perfect turf record intact in Jefferson Cup

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mr. Misunderstood extended his perfect record over turf Saturday when running away to a 2 3/4-length victory under Florent Geroux in the 41st running of the $100,000 Jefferson Cup at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Brad Cox for the Flurry Racing Stables of Staton Flurry, Mr. Misunderstood now has won all six of his starts over grass, with the win margin in all six being two lengths or greater. The 3-year-old gelding returned $4.20 as favorite in a field of eight after finishing 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.78 over firm turf.

“He’ll end up getting his shot at good horses, if that’s what it comes to,” said Cox. “We’re not in any big hurry with him because he’s a gelding. He’ll probably run next in the Commonwealth Turf here in November and then we’ll see where we go from there.”

Mr. Misunderstood could not have had a much better trip when sitting just behind the leaders, Mr Cub and Adonis Creed, before tipping out for the stretch drive and proving easily best. Adonis Creed, also trained by Cox, finished another 1 3/4 lengths before Giant Payday.

Your Way, who raced just to the outside of Mr. Misunderstood to the half-mile, was eased out of the race in the far turn and was vanned off after jockey Jimmy Graham dismounted around the eighth pole.

Mr. Misunderstood, a dark bay Kentucky-bred by Archarcharch, now has won 7 of 11 overall starts. His two prior stakes victories came in the Prelude and Super Derby, both over the Louisiana Downs turf. Last December, he could have been claimed for $30,000 when winning his turf debut at Fair Grounds.

The $2 exacta (3-8) paid $43.60, the $1 trifecta (3-8-2) returned $98.10, and the 10-cent superfecta (3-8-2-1) was worth $32.36.